Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Are you missing any teeth? Or have you been suffering from ill-fitting dentures for what seems like a lifetime? If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions then dental implants may be the perfect solution for you! Missing teeth not only look unpleasant but they promote gum disease and can affect the way in which you speak. Ill-fitting dentures can cause receding gums and the surrounding jaw bone to shrink, creating further dental problems.

So, what are they?

Dental implants are a unique form of treatment, in that they are designed to replicate your natural teeth. They are carefully designed to match the colour, shape and size of your surrounding missing teeth and will improve the overall structure of your mouth. They literally support replacement teeth and come in the form of small titanium rods. Implants are designed to substitute one or several missing teeth and are the most permanent form of tooth replacement available.

How do they work?

  • The small titanium rods are directly fitted into the jawbone, through the gum – this is carried out under general anaesthetic and so the patient will feel no pain whatsoever.
  • The small abutment provided with the implant is designed to hold crowns, bridges or dentures. Depending on the procedure, the restoration will be added the same day or the patient will have to return in several months, when the jaw bone is fully healed.
  • If the placement of the implants is a two stage process then the dentist should fit temporary restorations until the jaw bone is fully healed.

Can Anyone Have Dental Implants?

Unfortunately not, no. Dental implants rely on surrounding jaw bone, which must be strong in order to hold the implants in place successfully. Dental implants hold very high success rates, which is due to the sheer preparation that goes into both assessing the patient’s suitability for them and the dentist’s skill.

Dental practitioners will often advise those who have been suffering from long term gum disease issues, to invest in bone graft surgery before they can be assessed for dental implants. Furthermore, long-term denture wearers may also be advised to have bone graft treatment before they can receive dental implants too. This is because dentures often cause surrounding bone loss.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

As you would expect, dental implants are relatively expensive due to their quality them and the purpose they are fulfilling. You should expect to pay around £1200-£3000 per implant, which entirely depends upon the patient’s personal requirements. If a patient requires either gum grafting or bone grafting you would expect to pay towards the upper end of the average price.

Are There Any Risks Involved?

With any forms of surgery of course there are risks involved. However, these risks are minimised if you are a non-smoker, do not suffer from gum disease and keep alcohol intake to a minimum. Make sure you visit a dentist who has a lot of experience in providing dental implants, as this will also minimise any risks.

It is highly advised that you make an appointment with your local cosmetic dentist to discuss your options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are a great way to instantly boost the aesthetics of your smile but with a guarantee of lasting a lifetime.