I’d like to eat and smile with confidence. What can I expect from… Dental Implants?
If you’re self-conscious about your smile or have difficulty eating certain foods due to missing teeth, durable Dental Implants may be a great long-term solution for you.
In our “What can I expect?” series of blog posts, Andrew Dixon, Principal at Whickham Dental Practice, answers the most commonly asked questions about Dental Implants, so you can feel more confident about replacing missing teeth.
1. What are Dental Implants?
If you have lost your confidence since missing a tooth, implants can bring back your smile. Being both durable and convenient, Dental Implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide an artificial replacement for the root of your missing tooth or teeth. In the form of a medical grade titanium screw, your dentist places them directly into your jawbone. They can support crowns, bridges or dentures, in a similar way that roots support natural teeth.
2. Who are they suitable for?
Almost anyone who has lost a tooth, several teeth or all of their teeth is a candidate for dental implants. There are very few exceptions. However, you must be in good general health and have a healthy mouth with no untreated tooth decay or gum (periodontal) disease.
3. What is the process?
After an assessment process and if you are suitable, you will undergo surgery to place the dental implant. Your dentist makes a cut to open your gum and reveal the bone. Holes are placed into the bone where the dental implant post will be placed. Since the post will serve as the tooth root, it’s implanted deep into the bone.
4. Is the procedure painful?
If this sounds like a suitable solution for your smile, then don’t let the surgery put you off; it is performed with a local anaesthetic to completely numb the mouth, therefore the procedure itself is not painful.
5. How long will Dental Implants last?
Dental Implants are designed to be a permanent solution to tooth loss and they can last between 20 and 30 years. However, their lifespan depends entirely on how well you look after your teeth and your oral hygiene.
6. How do I look after Dental Implants?
The daily care of dental implants is very similar to the care of natural teeth. Restored dental implants should be kept clean and plaque free twice a day using a brush and floss or interdental brushes.
7. How much do Dental Implants cost?
The cost of a dental implant varies depending on your individual needs, however, the specific cost of your treatment plan will need to be discussed with your dentist in your initial consultation.
8. I am interested and would like to find out more. Who should I contact?
If this sounds like the perfect solution for your smile and you would like to find out more, please contact the practice on 0191 488 7826 and ask to speak to Julie, our patient coordinator. She will be able to answer any initial questions and book you in for a consultation with Andrew, who can help you plan the results you want to achieve and answer any questions you may have.
