Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium root which is surgically placed in the jawbone and over time this securely bonds with the jaw allowing full function of the once missing tooth/teeth. This is the gold standard treatment option for a missing tooth/teeth.

Are implants safe, and how long will they last?

Implants are a safe, well-established treatment. How well you look after your implants - and whether you go for your regular maintenance appointments - will have the biggest impact on how long they will last. It's true to say that implants, much like natural teeth, will last for as long as you care for them.

If you don't look after your implants, they will develop a coating similar to what you get on neglected natural teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort. You could get all these problems with natural teeth.

If your implants are well looked after and the bone they are fitted to is strong and healthy, you can expect them to last for many years. However, just as with other surgical implants (such as a hip replacement), there is no lifetime guarantee.

I have some of my own teeth. Can I still have implants?

Yes. You can have any number of teeth replaced with implants - from one single tooth to a complete set.

Can implants always be used to replace missing teeth?

It depends on the condition of the bone in your jaw, however your dentist will arrange for a number of special tests to find out the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn't healthy enough, it may not be possible to place implants without grafting bone into the area first. 

Do implants hurt?

Placing an implant is often easier than removing a tooth and is usually done using a simple local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain at the time, but, just like after an extraction, you may feel some discomfort during the week after the surgery. We advise use of painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.  

How long does the treatment take?

Your dental team will be able to give you a rough timetable before the treatment starts.

What about aftercare?

Your dental team will give you full instructions on how to look after your implant, however its vital to ensure good oral hygiene and maintain regular examinations and hygiene appointments. They may give you some painkillers after the surgery - or make sure you have some at home - to take over the next few days if you need them.

What happens next?

After your implants have been placed, the bone in your jaw needs to fuse to them. This usually takes a few months.
If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you may have a temporary denture in the meantime. If you already have full dentures, you can keep wearing these while your implants are healing. Your dentures will need altering, to fit properly after the surgery, and a ‘healing cap' will usually be placed onto the implant site to protect it.

Are the implant teeth difficult to clean?

No. But aftercare is important if you are going to have a long-lasting, successful implant. Your dental team will  give you detailed advice on how to look after your implants. You may need to visit your hygienist more often but your dental team will be able to talk to you about this.

If I had gum disease when I had my own teeth, will I get it with the implants?

Yes, if you don't care for them well enough. If you keep them clean and have them regularly checked by your dental team you should not have any problems. Smoking also affects the health of implants. So, if you smoke, you may need to look after your implants more carefully. Some dentists will not place dental implants in people who are smokers.

Can I take the teeth out if they are fixed to implants?

Most teeth attached to implants can only be fitted and removed by the dentist. However, if you have removable dentures attached to the implants, you'll be able to take them out for cleaning.

Do the implants show?

Most implants look exactly like natural teeth.

Do I have an implant for each missing tooth?

If you have a tooth missing, you will need an implant to support it. If you have a number of teeth missing, and these are next to each other, you could still have one implant for each tooth. Or you may find that if you have two or more implants, they can support more than one tooth each. Your dentist will talk to you about the best option for you.

Where do I get this treatment?

Here at Williams Dental Care, Dr Lucy Williams offers surgical implant placements. Call to book your initial consultation.