What Are Dental Implants: A Guide
Dental implants have revolutionised the way dentists across the world replace missing teeth and are widely considered the gold standard.
Whether it be for a singular tooth or a full top and bottom set, dental implants are incredibly popular amongst many people since they feel and function just like natural teeth. Over time, technology has progressed implants further than ever before, meaning they are now a viable option for almost anybody.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small screw-like fixtures that are inserted into the jawbone area where teeth are missing to act as an artificial tooth root. Once in place, a new tooth crown can be placed on top, which will look and feel almost identical to a real tooth.
The implant itself is essentially a metal screw made of titanium which will fuse with the surrounding living bone. Titanium is chosen as it works well as it is lightweight yet strong, and also biocompatible with the human body.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are connected to bone by a called process called Osseointegration. This is the term used when a direct structural and functional connection is made between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing artificial implant.
Fusing the dental implant to your bone provides a sturdy support for an artificial tooth to be placed on top. Due to the titanium’s strength, it won’t slip or shift in your mouth, meaning patients won’t have problems eating or talking once they’ve had the procedure. There is also very little chance of the implant moving or causing bone damage to the jaw in the way fixed bridgework or dentures might.
The titanium can actually be extremely beneficial for the jaw as it restores the activity and functionality of bone and helps prevent it from disintegrating over time.
Who can get dental implants?
Anyone who has healthy gums and enough bone within the jaw to hold an implant can be considered for the procedure. Being committed to good oral hygiene and a regular attendee to dental check-ups will also be beneficial.
However, a dentist may not consider a patient suitable for dental implants if they are a regular smoker. Heavy smoking can create long-term damage to the gum and bone, which will seriously decrease the success rate of implant treatment.
Dental implants are also not suitable for those under the age of 18 as their jaw is still growing, and their bone tissue is not fully developed.
What are the different types of dental implants?
- Endosteal implants
The most common form of dental implants chosen by most dentists are endosteal implants. Recreating the natural root of the tooth, endosteal implants protrude through the gum at the jaw and hold the replacement tooth in place.
- Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are used when a patient doesn’t have enough healthy bone to support a standard endosteal implant. A metal frame is fitted above the jawbone which acts as a placement for artificial teeth to sit on.
- Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are placed on the cheekbone instead of the jawline. They are another alternative for patients with little healthy bone on the jaw and also allow for patients with severe bone loss to undergo professional treatment.
How long do dental implants last?
There, unfortunately, cannot be a lifetime guarantee on any type of implant but well-maintained implants placed into strong bones can last many years and even the rest of your life.
The best way to take good care of implants is to maintain good daily oral hygiene and ensure to have regular check-ups with the dentist.
Is there any risk associated with dental implants?
Like any dental procedure, there is inevitably a level of risk involved. However, it is essential to keep in mind that problems are rare and usually minor with dental implants.
An infected dental implant can occur if a patient doesn’t follow the correct proper post-surgery care or if an underlying issue wasn’t detected before the procedure took place. If left untreated, it can create serious oral complications, so it is vital to keep an eye on the signs such as bad breath, bleeding gums, or swollen areas around the implant.
Nerve damage or harm to surrounding structures of the jaw are very uncommon, and an experienced dentist will know how to avoid this as they will have done the procedure many times before.
How to prepare for dental implants?
If you decide to undergo dental implant procedure, you will want to know how best to prepare. Luckily a professional dentist will be able to go through all this information beforehand and tailor a plan to suit your individual needs.
Before undergoing the procedure, you will go through a comprehensive dental exam which will include dental x-ray, 3D images, and models made of your teeth and jaw. There will also be a thorough discussion about your medical history where the dentist will need to know of any conditions which may cause issues.
During the procedure itself, a dentist will then provide one of several anaesthesia options to control the pain, including local anaesthetic.
How long do dental implants take to heal?
Implants can take around 3-4 days to heal. Some patients may opt to take pain medications or antibiotics after treatment, although this isn’t always necessary. During the healing process, it can be challenging to eat solids, so the dentist will advise you to stick to soft foods such as soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
What are the costs of dental implants?
The costs of dental implants vary depending on your individual needs, but the average cost is around £2,415 per tooth. Our costs start at £2000.
The price is dictated by the fact that implants are a premium option in comparison to other forms of dental work, mainly due to the complex nature of the procedure and high-quality materials that are used. Don’t let the price scare you, though, as there are always financing options available to help cover the costs. Contact us for more details