Dental Implant FAQs

The most common alternatives to dental implants are denture and bridges.

Getting a bridge requires attaching false teeth to your existing teeth. This involves filing or modifying the teeth on either side of missing teeth in order to support bridge which can have implication is future. Also, often require replacement which makes it more costly option over time.

Dentures are false teeth attached to plastic or metal plate which are placed in placed in mouth and are removable. They are cumbersome, uncomfortable and limit your dietary intake. Also, with time they might wear or become loose fitted causing slippage and imprecise fit issues.

Whereas dental implants are the permanent solution to missing teeth. They are comfortable, effective, aesthetically pleasing, look and behave just like natural tooth, do not impact surrounding teeth and less costly over long run.

A person who can undergo tooth extractions or bridgework can undergo dental implant treatment. The location and the amount of bone available in the implant area is normally the major factor to be considered for any case.

Normally implants are suitable and best option for most cases but its best to have a consultation with our dentist to check for suitability and ask any questions you might have for the treatment.

Dental implants are typically not available through the NHS, as they are considered a cosmetic procedure. In some rare cases where the implants are deemed medically necessary, the NHS may cover the cost. It’s best to consult with our dentist and NHS dental services for specific eligibility criteria and options available in your area.

Our dentist should be able to give you a rough estimate about time after your first consultation. Nowadays some false teeth are fitted as the same time as implants for some cases.

Check with our dentist to see if it’s suitable for you. Normally the false teeth are fitted after 3-4 months after placing the implant.

In some instances it might take longer due to complexity of the case but your dentist should be able to let you know about this during your treatment.

They look exactly the same as your natural teeth.

Discomfort during dental implant placement is minimal, as local anaesthesia is used. After the procedure, some soreness and swelling may occur, but can be managed with pain medication. Overall, patients report little to no pain during and after the dental implant process.

Although smoking can increase the risk of complications and hinder the healing process, smokers can still get dental implants. However, it is strongly advised to quit smoking or at least reduce smoking to increase the chances of successful implant integration.

There is no strict age limit for dental implant treatment. As long as you have good oral health and are suitable for the procedure, dental implants can be considered at any age.

Our dentist will provide temporary tooth replacements during the healing period to ensure you don’t go without teeth. These can be removable dentures or temporary crowns.

The need for bone grafts in dental implant procedures depends on the individual’s jawbone health. While not every patient requires a bone graft, they play a pivotal role in creating a strong foundation for successful implantation.