It’s fair to say that dental implants have taken the world of dentistry by storm. In contrast to conventional options such as dentures, dental implants are a truly revolutionary technology. If you are looking to find out more about dental implants from an established, well-regarded dentist in Guildford, then you have come to the right place.
We have a wealth of experience in providing outstanding dental services to the people of Guildford, from implant supported dentures to full dental implants. In this piece, we’re going to delve deep into the realities of one of our most popular treatments: dental implants.
As an experienced implant dentist in Guildford, we have been asked hundreds of different questions regarding dental implants, how they work, and what it’s like to live with them. We have put together the answers to the most common questions below. Read on for the full lowdown on dental implants from the most experienced and renowned teeth implant dentist in Guildford, Surrey.
First and foremost, let’s establish a few basic fundamentals that you need to know about dental implants:
- Dental implants are frames that are positioned on top of the jaw bone. They essentially act as replacement roots for your teeth.
- Synthetic teeth are then mounted into the frames, which creates an incredibly secure fit.
- There are many different types of dental implants:
- All on 4 implants can provide a full set of teeth on just four implants.
- All on 6 implants can provide a full set of teeth on six implants.
- Single implants can be used for a single tooth.
- Multiple implants can be used for multiple teeth, but without the need for complete tooth replacement.
- Implants are suitable for a wide variety of people, including those with previous tooth and mouth conditions.
What are the benefits and advantages of dental Implants?
- Dental implants prevent bone loss. If you have lost teeth, the bone in the area can lose around 25% of its volume. However, dental implants keep the jaw bone active. This continued activity, courtesy of dental implants, helps to prevent bone loss in the event of tooth loss or extraction.
- Improved appearance. When you lose teeth, the shape of your face can change due to the loss of the underlying facial structure. This can result in issues with the lower face “shrivelling” and deepened marionette-line wrinkles around the mouth. Dental implants eradicate these issues by continuing to provide support to the skin, muscles, and tendons of the face.
- Simple care. Dental implants do not require a huge amount of extra care; in fact, you will hardly notice any difference in your care regime to the oral health regime you practiced with natural teeth.
- Better for your remaining teeth. If you opt for bridges, your natural teeth and gum tissue may be eroded and damaged. Opting for dental implants is far preferable, as it preserves the health and integrity of remaining teeth and gum tissue.
- Reduce periodontal disease. Dental implants can help reduce the likelihood of suffering from periodontal disease, which – left unchecked – can cause heart attacks, strokes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
- Natural look. Dental implants look truly fantastic, and yours will be installed by the best implant dentist Guildford has to offer!
Do dental implants feel the same as natural teeth?
No. Dental implants do not contain nerve endings as natural teeth do, so the sensation of implants is not the same as you would experience with a natural tooth. However, there are upsides to this: for example, if you have always struggled with sensitive teeth, this will no longer be a factor with an implant!
You will be able to feel pressure in the gum and surrounding tissue, however. This is not identical to how natural teeth feel and behave, but it is close, and many people find it far superior to the experience of wearing dentures.
How long can you wait to get a dental implant after extraction?
Dental implants tend to be highly subjective, so there is no hard and fast rule that applies to everyone. Depending on the condition of your jaw and mouth, the time needed between an extraction and the fitting of a dental implant can be six months… or no time at all. The latter may sound startling, but it’s true: you can have a tooth extracted and a dental implant fixed in the same procedure; this is often called an “immediate dental implant”.
How long does it take to get a dental implant?
The one downside of having dental implants is that it is not the quickest of procedures. In most cases, dental implants will require two surgical procedures to complete, though single-step procedures are available in certain circumstances.
With a two-stage implant procedure, you can expect the following:
- In the first appointment, an implant is inserted onto the jawbone of the missing tooth/teeth. This is usually performed under local anaesthetic, though general anaesthetic options may be available if you are particularly nervous.
- The jawbone and surrounding tissue will then be left to heal and secure the implant into place. This takes between three and six months.
- When the implant is firmly secured and bonded to the bone, you will undergo a second surgery. This will involve the attachment of an abutment to the implant; the abutment is a kind of anchor between the implant and the tooth.
- This will then be left to heal, before the final step of attaching the teeth to the abutment completes the process.
If you opt for a single-stage implant procedure, then – most commonly – the abutment stage will not be necessary. Your Guildford dentist will discuss during the consultation your options regarding the number of stages required for your specific needs.
What foods should you eat after dental implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery is similar to other forms of oral surgery, so you will want to eat soft foods that require minimal chewing after the procedure. For example:
- Scrambled eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Broth and/or soups
- Finely chopped chicken or beef
- Baked or mashed potatoes
- Ice cream
- Jelly
It is recommended that you restrict the food you eat for around two weeks to encourage optimal healing.
How much does a dental implant cost for one tooth?
If you are only looking for a single tooth implant, you can expect to pay around £2000 and £2,900 in the UK. Front teeth will cost more than those at the rear of the mouth. The variation in cost is usually related to your personal circumstances and how much work is required.
If cost is a concern, one of the benefits of visiting our renowned Guildford Implant Centre is the fact that we offer 0% finance and monthly payment options to patients who choose a dental implant procedure – so you can spread the cost to ensure it is suitable for your personal budget!
Is a dental implant safe?
Absolutely! Dental implants have been in use for over 30 years and have transformed the lives of legions of people for the better. If you have any concerns regarding whether dental implants are safe for you, please do raise them during your free consultation – we will be more than happy to explain and set your mind at ease.
Can I go back to work after having a dental implant?
You will likely need to take some time off work following dental implant surgery, as you would for any other form of oral surgery. You will probably experience some swelling and discomfort in the first 24 to 48 hours following the surgery; this can relieved with ice packs, but can be distracting enough to require time off work. It is also advisable to avoid physical activity for the first day or so after surgery, so if your job requires a lot of walking, this is another reason to take a few days off following the surgery.
When the swelling has calmed, you should be able to return to work as normal.
Can you get dental implants on the NHS?
It is theoretically possible to qualify for dental implants on the NHS, but this option is only available to a select number of people for specific reasons. For example, implants are sometimes available to…
- People who cannot wear removable dentures
- People who have suffered damage to their jaw or mouth (for example, from oral cancers)
- People who require implants as part of a reconstructive treatment following an accident
Essentially, you may be able to obtain dental implants on the NHS if you require the implants for non-cosmetic reasons. If the only reason for wanting implants is to improve your mouth and smile cosmetically, you will likely need to privately fund the procedure.
Can you get dental implants if you have gum disease?
As with many areas relating to dental implants, the answer to this question is: “it depends on the person”.
Generally, if you have active gum disease, you will be advised to resolve this issue prior to having dental implants fitted. However, in some circumstances, implants may actually be beneficial in helping to heal gum disease. Thankfully, you can have a free consultation with us in Guildford to discuss this issue further. We will assess existing gum disease before advising you further on the viability of implants.
Free Consultation * Subject to a non-refundable £50 deposit (which will go towards the final cost of treatment)
How painful is it to get dental implants?
The actual procedure should be painless thanks to the anaesthetic; in this regard, it is no different to other forms of oral surgery.
The recovery process from dental implants can be uncomfortable, but not excessively so. You can ensure a swift and comfortable recovery time by…
- Eating soft foods
- Using ice packs to calm swelling
- When swelling has reduced, switch to a hot compress or wheat bag to relieve pain
- Rinsing your mouth with salt water
Most people find that the discomfort resolves naturally within a relatively short period of time.
How many years do dental implants last?
With the correct care, dental implants can last for the rest of your life. You will be provided with specific care tips following your implant procedure.
Can dental implants last forever?
Potentially! With the right care, as mentioned above, and maintenance from your dentist to manage issues related to wear and tear, your implants could certainly last for the rest of your life. In fact, dental implants are considered to be the most long-term, predictable dentistry procedure available.
What material is used for dental implants?
The most common material used for dental implants is titanium, with titanium alloys that include 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium particularly common. Implants made from titanium alloys have been heat-treated to improve their strength, and tend to be highly resistant to corrosion.
Alternatively, dental implants can also be made from zirconium or even ceramic materials. When you visit our practice in Guildford for implant consultations, we will advise you further on the implant materials we feel may be suitable for you.
How does it feel to have a dental implant?
Simply put, most people feel fantastic. Whether patients opt for all on 4 implants, all on 6 implants, single implants, or multiple implants, the feedback we receive is always the same: dental implants look and feel fantastic, and provide both aesthetic and practical benefits to the patient. If you opt for dental implants, you won’t regret it!
Book your free consultation today!
If you have read through the above and come to the decision that dental implants are right for you, then we would be happy to welcome you to our Implant clinic in Guildford for a free consultation. As you would expect from our cosmetic dentist in Guildford, Surrey we offer a range of implant options that are available with 0% finance and monthly payment options to help ensure that our services are as suitable and accessible as possible. If you wish to find out more, please do get in touch if you wish to start your journey towards obtaining the transformative dental implants you deserve!
Free Consultation
* Subject to a non-refundable £50 deposit (which will go towards the final cost of treatment)
