What exactly are dental implants?
Dental implants are the latest solution for tooth loss. A dental implant is a titanium metal rod that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. It is used to hold one or more crowns in place.
Are implants painful?
The implant is inserted swiftly and painlessly, as it is usually done under local anaesthesia. The implant will be inserted beneath the gum line in the jaw bone, where it will be invisible to the naked eye. You will not feel any pain during the procedures, but you may experience some discomfort in the week following the operation. This is typical as part of the healing process.
How long do implants last?
After the implant is put in the jawbone, the jawbone gradually integrates with the technologically enhanced implant surface over a few months. This means that the implant essentially becomes a part of the bone. This process is referred to as osseointegration.
Can implants be used to restore lost teeth?
In most cases, yes! However, this depends on the condition of your jaw bone. During your consultation, our implantologist will perform a series of specialist examinations to determine the quantity of accessible bone for implant placement. A CT scan may also be required to determine bone dimensions and detect infection.
I still have some of my teeth. Can I still get implants?
Yes. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth or an entire set of teeth.
What about after-care for implants?
You might need some pain reliever following the procedure. A dentist may also prescribe antibiotics. You must refrain from smoking, exercising, or driving for the remainder of the day. Do not rinse the area, and eat only soft foods. Brush your teeth regularly to maintain good oral health, but avoid poking the implant site. You can use a chlorhexidine mouthwash every day for the first week after the procedure.
Are the teeth hard to clean?
No. However, proper maintenance is needed to ensure a long-lasting, successful implant. Our dentist will provide you with extensive instructions on how to care for your implants. Cleaning around implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, there may be parts that are hard to access, and you will be shown techniques to assist you. You may need to see a dental hygienist regularly; your dentist can discuss this with you.
Can I extract teeth that are attached to implants?
Most artificial teeth related to implants can only be implanted and removed by a dentist. However, if you have complete dentures linked to the implants, you will be able to remove them for cleaning.
Do I have implants for each missing tooth?
No, unless you’re just having one tooth replaced. Normally, five or six implants are used to replace all of the teeth in one jaw, with each implant supporting two teeth. For a few missing teeth, two or three implants can be used.
What happens if the implant fails to bond to the bone?
This happens quite rarely. If the implant breaks loose after or during healing, it can be easily removed and healing continues as usual. After the jaw has healed, another implant can be inserted there. Alternatively, the dentist can create a bridge using implanted fake teeth that have integrated (or ‘taken’). There is no additional cost if a new implant is required due to an implant failing to integrate.
Is the procedure expensive?
Unfortunately, it can be. However, we have very competitive prices and flexible payment alternatives. Our objective is to provide you with the best possible therapy at a reasonable cost. Although the treatment is rather expensive, it is far more cost effective than alternative tooth replacement methods.
Are implants safe, and how long will they last?
We provide a lifetime warranty on all dental implants. Millions of patients receive implant treatment each year. Since 1965, implants have been a well-established and proven treatment. With proper maintenance, contemporary implants should last for a lifetime.
Advantages of Implants Supporting a Bridge
If you are missing teeth and are told you need to cut into your healthy natural teeth to support a bridge, please consult your dentist first. This is why dental implants are recommended rather than removing valuable tooth structures. Rather than cutting into the original tooth, the implant can be used to support the bridge. Please keep in mind that the average natural tooth supported bridge has a life expectancy of about 11 years, and you will eventually lose more teeth and require more implants. This is why you should think about implants first. A tooth is an organ of the body that should be preserved at all costs.
How durable is an integrated implant?
An integrated implant in your jaw bone is 8 times more securely fastened than a natural tooth.
What if I don’t have enough bone in my jaw to support the implant?
In this case, you will need to add bone to the area. This procedure is known as bone grafting. There are several bone graft options that the dentist will discuss with you during your appointment.
How long does the treatment take?
Before the procedure begins, our dentist will be able to provide you with an estimated timeline. Permanent teeth are typically fitted 6 to 9 months after the implants are placed, but several implant systems now allow for a shorter time frame of as little as three months. Some teeth can now be fitted at the same time as the implants (known as quick implants), but you should consult with our implantologist to determine if this is appropriate for you.
To hide the unattractive gap while the implant heals, a temporary denture could be used. However, this may cause irritation at the implant healing site, slowing the healing.
What will happen next?
After being placed, the implants have to bond with the surrounding bone. This requires at least three months for the lower jaw and six months for the upper jaw.
The implants may be sturdy enough when placed to allow the artificial teeth to be implanted considerably sooner. If you’re having one, two, or three teeth replaced, you may need a temporary denture in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, you can wear them during the healing period after they have been changed following surgery. A healing cap is often put over the implant site to protect it during the healing process.
Will I develop gum disease if I have teeth attached to implants?
Yes, if you don’t take proper care of them. However, if you maintain your oral hygiene and keep the teeth and gums clean and do not smoke, you should have no problems with them.
Are the implants visible?
No, the implants are put below the gum line and serve as a root to support the new implant crown.
What if I get in an accident?
Accidents may damage implants and the teeth they support, just as natural teeth might. If you do sports that involve contact or moving objects, you should wear a professionally made mouthguard. If there is any damage, the teeth can be extracted from the implant and replaced. However, if the titanium rod is severely broken, it may be left in the jaw if removal is too difficult. To replace the damaged implant, another implant might be inserted alongside it.
I’m considering getting implants. What should I do next?
Schedule an appointment with our dentist, who will further assist you with the dental services available to you to replace missing teeth. You can do this online by clicking HERE. Alternatively, contact us at 0141 991 1234.