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Dental implants are a modern method of replacing damaged or lost teeth and provide a healthy, natural-looking smile. The implant is a metal post, usually made of titanium, which supports dental prosthesis such as crowns, bridges and dentures. The implant, which is placed into the jawbone, can replace the root of a tooth when it fails.
The titanium post part of a dental implant works much the same as the root of a missing tooth once did. Once implanted, the jawbone becomes stimulated, and the bone fuses with the implant. This process takes time, typically around 2-3 months, by which time an individually designed crown can then be attached.
Dental implant treatments vary in cost. It purely depends on your individual needs. As a general rule of thumb, dental implants start from £2,400 per implant. At Ollie & Darsh, we offer 10, 12 and 24-month interest-free dental plans to spread the cost of your dental implants, making them an achievable dream for most people.
Dental implants are less of a quick fix and more of a long-term investment. The initial implant placement is a relatively quick and pain-free process (although you may feel some discomfort that will quickly subside as you heal), taking just a couple of hours per implant. The time-consuming part is the 2-3 months it generally takes for the implant to bond to your jawbone. The whole process can take 3-9 months, from your initial free consultation to your examination, installing the implant and fitting the crown.
With an effective dental hygiene routine, your implants should last a lifetime. It depends on how well you care for your implants and crowns. Regular brushing and flossing, combined with regular appointments with your dentist and hygienist, will keep your dental implants in perfect condition for decades. Remember that lifestyle choices, injuries and certain medical conditions can shorten the lifespan of your dental implants. It’s also worth noting that the average lifespan of a porcelain dental crown ranges between five to 15 years.
Most dental implants, consisting of a post that replaces the root of the missing tooth and an abutment that attaches to the implant for the crown to be fixed upon, are made of titanium. This is because titanium is a strong, light material that fuses well with bone. The crowns we use are typically made from hard-wearing porcelain.
The surgical process of placing your dental implant should be a pain-free experience, as it is performed under local anaesthetic to numb your mouth. Following your treatment, you may feel some level of pain that will quickly subside as your gums and jaw begin to heal. However, achieving your perfect smile will more than compensate for the minimal discomfort you’re likely to experience in the short term.