Questions about dental implants?

With our ever increasing need to have the best possible smile, dental implants are currently a hot topic.

As a replacement for missing teeth they cannot be beaten for numerous reasons. Here are seven of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants.

What actually is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium screw physically attached to your jaw bone to act as the foundation for a crown (replacement tooth).

The bone is drilled and the screw put in place with a section protruding to which the crown is attached. This gives the benefit of being a permanent solution for a lost tooth and allows you to live your life without ever having to think about your implant.

Am I eligible for dental implants?

Speaking very generally, anyone who can undertake any kind of dental procedure can have a dental implant.

The first thing your dentist will do is assess your jawbone and its viability to accept an implant. They will do this through x-rays. In the event that there is not enough bone there for an implant your dentist will explore further options with you such as bone grafts.

What are the chances of my body rejecting it?

The word rejection is usually used in a surgical term when applying to organ transplants and the like.

Dental implants are made from titanium and titanium alloy. It’s not only lightweight and very strong, it is also bio-compatible, meaning that the chances of your body rejecting it are very, very low.

Can I have more than one tooth replaced by a dental implant?

You could have every tooth replaced by an implant if you really wanted or needed to. Some people replace many of their teeth with implants, in order to dramatically improve their smile.

They see it as a real investment in terms of both confidence and giving them back all those little things we take for granted when we have our own teeth.

Will the implant look false?

Amongst questions about dental implants, this one is common. Due to the technology and crafting, a dental implant is the most natural looking tooth replacement available, where our patients walk away with a transformed smile.

The dentist who undertakes the work will have the experience under their belt to make it the perfect size, shape and colour to blend in seamlessly with your own teeth.

That’s another benefit of implants when compared to dentures. While a plastic denture is much more preferable to a gap (particularly at the front), it will invariably move and go up into the gum as the bone deteriorates. And you will never be able to make a plastic tooth look completely natural.

Modern dental implants are undetectable to anyone who doesn’t know you’ve had one. That’s a confidence booster if ever there was one.

How long does the process take, including healing?

The length of time spent in the dentist’s chair very much depends on how many implants you are having. Anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

How long the process lasts in total is a bit like asking how long is a piece of string. Depending on your bone condition you may have to wear a temporary “cap” to allow your gums to heal, before the replacement tooth is fitted.

Your recommended dentist is the best person to ask and they will explain everything to you in full. Once your implant is in place you shouldn’t suffer a great deal of pain. Most patients report that a couple of paracetamol is the strongest painkiller they need.

How much do implants cost?

Once again this is very much dependent on how many you are getting and whether you are having a standard implant or having a bridge fitted.

Your dentist will tell you exactly how much your treatment will cost in advance, and what payment options are open to you.

To book your consultation call 01202 487888.