Mr K had five missing upper front teeth and was managing with a temporary denture, but wanted a better long-term solution.
He saw Hugh Cowley for a dental implant consultation to assess and plan treatment. The plan agreed was to replace Mr K's missing teeth with two high-quality dental implants and an implant-retained bridge. The benefit of treatment was that Mr K's missing teeth would be replaced with fixed teeth, which would:
At the end of treatment, Mr K would not need a removable denture or have a visible gap.
Dental implants are essentially ‘bionic roots’, where small titanium screws are placed and integrate with the jawbone, actively preventing bone loss. They provide a stable anchor for an implant-retained bridge, which would be made to look, fit and function like Mr K's natural teeth.
Here is a diagram of two implants securing a three-tooth bridge in place:
Oral surgeon Hugh Cowley placed two dental implants in the position of his recently extracted upper right canine (tooth 13) and upper left lateral incisor (tooth 22); the three teeth in between had been missing for many years and were previously replaced with a bridge that had failed. As Mr K had lost bone in this area due to infection, Hugh used regenerative techniques to rebuild the lost bone and gum when placing the implants. He took bone locally from the jaw mixed with a bone graft material and placed in position, with a special membrane to protect the graft. Mr K had a temporary denture fitted so he would not be left without front teeth.
After six months' healing, Hugh checked his implants had integrated with the jawbone and the bone graft material (osseointegration). He attached small titanium healing caps to the implants, which protruded through the gum. Mr K's temporary denture was adjusted to fit over the healing caps and allowed to heal for two months.
Mr K returned for Hugh to construct and fit a five-tooth implant bridge. This required four appointments spread over a 6-week period. The bridge comprised of five teeth made to look, fit and function like Mr K's natural teeth, held securely in place by the two implants.
It was trialled in place for Mr K to be happy with its appearance, fit and feel before being definitively fitted.
"Dear Elmsleigh Dental practice, If I may I would just like to mention my treatment and care at your practice with Mr Hugh Cowley.
I have been a patient of Mr Cowley now for a number of years. I have always found him to be very professional and caring. He always puts everyone at ease with his calm demeanour for dental treatment, which at times can be a bit stressful for the patient. However once we see his friendly welcoming smile and in his presence with his calming approach, that stress and worries fade away.
In January 2024 I had to have a front tooth removed, which meant I had to lose my bridge for my missing four front teeth. Mr Cowley went through all the various options in detail open to me. I decided on implants. This, however, meant due to my missing teeth over a long period I would require bone grafting, before I could be fitted with implants to support a new bridge.
Mr Cowley explained in detail all the procedure required and the time limits for my procedure. At each stage of my various procedures, Mr Cowley explained to me fully what was going on. The end result is that I now have had implants and a new bridge fitted very successfully by him. I now have confidence in smiling and eating again.
I cannot thank Mr Cowley or the practice enough for all the dedication and care they have provided me with my treatment. At every stage of my treatment I was made comfortable and the after care was wonderful. I was always contacted afterwards to see how I was.
Thank you Mr Cowley and Elmsleigh for all all your care and dedication!" Mr K