Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants

1. What is a dental implant?
   A dental implant consists of a screw that is normally made from titanium, and which is implanted into the jawbone in place of a natural tooth root. It is left to integrate with the jawbone for a few months, after which time an abutment is screwed into the post. This abutment protrudes above the gum line and looks a little like a tooth stump. It is used to support the final crown or bridge. Dental implants for dentures have slightly different abutments that allow the denture to click into place.
2. Can anyone have dental implants?
   The short answer is no as this treatment isn't suitable for everyone. People with uncontrolled diabetes or other medical conditions may be unsuitable for implant surgery. Anyone who smokes will need to quit before surgery as smoking can impede healing, increasing the likelihood of implant failure.
3. What happens if I don't have sufficient bone to support an implant? If you don't have sufficient bone to support an implant then it may be possible for you to have a bone graft. This requires an additional small surgical procedure to place bone at the implant site, and it may prolong the length of treatment time.
4. Is the surgery painful?
   We'll make sure you experience the minimum of discomfort during implant surgery through administering local anaesthetic and possibly extra sedation for patients who are concerned about this procedure.
5. Will the implant be painful when healing?
   All surgery carries some level of discomfort, but most patients will be able to cope with this by using over-the-counter painkillers.
6. Are dental implants are difficult to care for? You should treat your dental implants in the same way you would normal teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. It is important to floss thoroughly around dental implants as it's essential to keep them clean. If you have dental implants to support a denture then make sure you follow our instructions on care. Your dentures will need removing each day, and it is important to clean carefully around the implants. Proper oral care helps to ensure their longevity.
7. Is there any chance implant surgery can fail?
   There is always a chance of failure with any type of surgery, but dental implants generally have an extremely high rate of success, typically 95% or even higher when placed by a properly trained dentist. Implants can fail if they are not looked after correctly, if they are incorrectly placed, if they are loaded too soon, or if a person has some other underlying medical condition that may affect their oral health.
8. Are there any age limitations on who can have a dental implant?
   Dental implants are suitable for most people once they have finished growing, so we wouldn't typically recommend them for teenagers. Provided there aren't any health issues, adults of any age can opt to have dental implants.
9. Can I chew on a dental implant?
   Yes you should be able to eat normally with dental implants and can treat them exactly like natural teeth.
10. Are dental implants expensive?
    The cost of the implant surgery can depend on the number of implants required, and whether or not you need any additional surgical procedures such as a bone graft. The cost can also depend on the type of restoration being placed, as for example all ceramic or zirconia crowns are likely to be more expensive than porcelain fused to metal crowns. Dental implants may require a higher initial outlay than alternatives, but their longevity can make them more economical in the long run, and of course they give superior aesthetic results and can be better for oral health.  These are all things that will be discussed with you and your initial consultation.