An interview with...

Robert Craig Implant Dentist

Carefully crafted dentures secured with dental implants restore the lost personality in a smile and make eating a pleasure again, they are truly life changing

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Robert

If you would like to make an appointment please contact the Gentle Touch Dental Studio.

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Gentle Touch Dental Studio
11 The Diamond Centre
Market Square
Magherafelt
Northern Ireland
BT45 6ED
Tel: 02879 632495

About Robert

Implant Dentist, Robert Craig, has a wealth of experience of both dental implants & dentures, this together with his passion for quality and empathy for nervous patients, make him a denture.org.uk expert.

Robert qualified from Queens University Belfast in 1988 and his basic implant training was at the London Institute in Seattle. Advanced implant training was at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was awarded a Fellowship in Periodontology in 2002. He has trained with many internationally renowned clinicians including John Besford, the world renowned denture expert from Harley Street, London.

Robert has over 20 years' experience with dentures, has been involved with dental implants for over 10 years and runs an implant referral clinic in Northern Ireland.

The practice holds regular study clubs for referring Dentists & has just launched the first 'Synergy' referring Dentist training program outside the USA.

He is the President of the Northern Ireland organising committee of the Irish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry and is a member of the Association of Dental Implantology.

How does a patient know if their mouth is suitable for implants?

A patient won't know until they have had a consultation with an Implant Dentist. A consultation at my own practice can very quickly determine if someone's mouth is suitable. As we are a dedicated implant referral practice, we have our own on site CT scanner. A CT scan takes just 20 seconds, is painless and can tell us almost instantly if a patient is suitable for dental implants. Implant Dentists look at quality and quantity of done, dental and medical history and will consider the type of restoration that will attach to the implants.

As there are usually several possible implant options for denture wearers, further planning and discussion is usually required to help the patient choose the type of treatment that suits them best.

A full mouth x-ray can also be used but this is a longer process and some propriety work may be needed such as the manufacture of stents which are placed in the mouth whilst the x-ray is taken.

Is it painful having dental implants placed?

I used to be a dental phobic myself and I have a particular interest in helping people who find it difficult to have dental treatment. With proper care and attention, having implants placed should not be painful. Any discomfort after the implants are placed is usually well controlled by the medication that the Implant Dentist prescribes. Many of my patients have told me they have had very little discomfort after having their implants placed. Our dental practice is called 'The Gentle Touch' for a very good reason.

Do dental implants really make a difference?

My patients tell me dental implants are life changing. Imagine dentures that don't move around, don't hurt when eating which allow patients to chew their food properly! That restricted diet denture wearers become used to can be gone forever, they can eat what they like, not just what their loose dentures allow. A more varied diet is not only less boring but also provides better nutrition leaving denture wearers with more energy and vitality. Chewing food properly can also reduce indigestion and gastric discomfort. Eating with friends can be a pleasure instead of an embarrassing situation to be avoided.

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