If you have missing teeth, dental implants act as tooth replacements that can restore your smile and your confidence. But are dental implants right for you? Keep reading to find out as we explain everything you need to know about dental implants.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are effectively manmade teeth designed to look and act exactly like a real-life tooth does. First, your dentist will implant a small titanium screw into your jawbone. The implant acts much like the root of a natural tooth, and over 2-3 months, the jawbone and screw fuse together through a process known as ‘osseointegration’ to create a strong, secure foundation.
Once the osseointegration process is complete and you have fully healed, your dentist can install a custom-made, porcelain crown that essentially screws onto the titanium screw of the implant. Your crown will be colour-matched to the rest of your teeth for a natural-looking, completely permanent solution.
If you have lost most or all of your teeth, All-On-4® dental implants allow bridges to be securely supported by just four dental implants.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Anyone looking to get dental implants must meet some criteria to make the treatment viable. Dental implants might be a good fit for you if you are:
- An adult or adolescent whose face and jawbone have finished growing.
- A non-smoker (smoking affects blood flow, which can impede the fusing process).
- In good health overall and have healthy gum tissues.
Ultimately, your dentist will give you a full examination to assess whether you are a good candidate.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a worthwhile investment in your smile, confidence and oral health. Here are just some of the main benefits of having dental implants:
- Permanent: Dental implants are a fixed, permanent solution that you can rely on for years to come.
- Natural: Porcelain crowns are custom-made and colour-matched to your teeth for a natural smile.
- Secure: Dental implants are completely secure, so you don’t have to worry about them falling out.
- Comfortable: Dental implants are far more comfortable than dentures and feel just like real teeth.
- Empowering: Dental implants restore your bite, so all your favourite foods are back on the menu.
- Convenient: Dental implants don’t need any preparation whatsoever for your existing, healthy teeth.
- Restorative: Dental implants stimulate your jawbone, reducing bone loss and strengthening your jaw.
What To Consider Before Getting Dental Implants?
Before you commit to getting dental implants, there are a few things you should consider first:
- Cost: Dental implants are a cosmetic procedure, so they are generally not available on the NHS. Dental implant procedures typically start from £2,400 per implant here at Ollie & Darsh. However, it is worth bearing in mind that dental implants are a permanent solution requiring a great deal of surgical skill. Also, remember that we offer 0% finance on dental implant treatments, so you can spread the cost of your brand-new tooth or teeth over 10, 12 or 24 months.
- Timescale: Dental implants are not a quick fix. The osseointegration process alone can take several months before the implant fully integrates with your jawbone (don’t worry, you will be given a temporary crown to fill the gap in the meantime). If you don’t have a sufficient bone density in your jawbone, you may also need to undergo a bone grafting procedure to strengthen your jaw before the implant can be placed. Needless to say, dental implants are an investment of your time and money.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Your dental implants will be surgically placed under local anaesthetic to numb your mouth, making the surgical process a pain-free experience. Following the procedure, you may feel some mild discomfort for two to three days as part of the natural healing process.
However, any minor pain should subside quickly and can be managed using over-the-counter pain relief during those first few days as tissues heal, and your mouth adapts to the implant.
What Do Dentists Look For?
As part of your initial examination, your dentist will look for a strong and sturdy jawbone with enough bone density to hold a dental implant in place securely. As we mentioned, all is not lost if you don’t have enough bone density because bone grafting can often help to overcome this problem.
Your dentist will also check for gum disease, which can increase the chance of infections and the likelihood of the implant failing. They will also want to check that you are in good health to ensure you cope with the anaesthesia.
Why Might Someone Be Ineligible For Dental Implants?
Some health conditions could make you ineligible for dental implants. So you should always discuss any pre-existing conditions with your dentist during your initial consultation for them to assess whether it is safe to proceed with your treatment or not.
You may not be a good candidate for dental implants if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart problems
- Diabetes
- Extensive bone loss
- Unhealthy gums
- If you have had radiation therapy to your head or neck
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
So, are dental implants right for you? Having learned more about what makes a good candidate and the various benefits of getting dental implants, you will hopefully feel confident enough to make the next step.
If you don’t think you fit the criteria or have any doubts, we would still encourage you to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with our clinical team. You may be more eligible than you think; if not, we can offer an alternative solution.
If you want dental implants in Liverpool, Ollie & Darsh is an award-winning dentist practice you can trust to oversee your smile transformation. With customised treatment plans delivered by highly experienced clinicians and 0% finance available on all our dental implant treatments, you can afford to invest in yourself.
Now you can smile, eat and talk confidently with a dental implant or All-On-4® dental implants from Ollie & Darsh.
For more information about dental implants or to book an appointment, please contact us at 0151 236 6578.