Dental implants - How it works and what to expect.

Dental implants are typically considered one of the best options for missing teeth. Some of the reasons dental implants are favoured include: they are not removable, have a success rate of around 95%, and they look natural. Dental implants are also popular when replacing missing teeth that are especially visible such as a missing front tooth. Tooth implant surgery in simple terms is when a metal post is surgically implanted into the jaw bone, and a prosthetic crown is then attached to this implant sometime later. Dental implant placement shouldn’t be thought of as scary and in this blog, we’ll discuss why.

What should you expect from dental implant treatment?
Dental implant treatment will start with a consultation, in this appointment, your dentist will assess your oral health as well as your jaw bone density. This will be confirmed with X-rays and CT scans. After your consultation and relevant scans, your dentist will discuss whether dental implants are suitable for you. Why might dental implants not be suitable for you? In order to place dental implants successfully it is essential that you have sufficient bone density.

Poor bone density may result in your implants coming loose. Now, before you worry there are some alternatives if this is an issue, even surgical options like a bone transplant. Missing teeth and disease are the most common reasons for poor jaw bone density.

What should you expect on your surgery day?
Firstly, your dentist will run you through some important information you will need to know before your surgery, let you know what to expect, and let you know how to communicate with them during the surgery. It is likely that your dentist will give you an antibiotic, which will be the first of a course of antibiotics to be continued after the surgery, along with some painkillers.

This will help with the discomfort or pain you may feel after the local anaesthetic wears off. You’ll be glad to read that you will receive a local anaesthetic, and you will feel no pain during the procedure. Those that do have dental implants usually report they feel the pressure of what their dentist is doing but not pain.

The procedure often lasts for around 1-2 hours per dental implant. A great tip for dental implant surgery is to take some small headphones and listen to your favourite music. If you don’t take headphones your dentist will probably put some music on for you.

Once your tooth implant procedure is done, your dentist will ensure you have booked a follow-up appointment within a week - 10 days as well as the prosthetic appointments for your replacement tooth. The dental implant process from start to end is often around 3-6 months.

You may be wondering why so long. It is crucial that you allow the implant post in the bone to settle before adding additional weight, if you add the prosthetic tooth immediately there’s an enormous risk of the implant falling out. You must remember that the bone is required to heal to hold the implant securely.

Considering tooth or even teeth replacement options can be incredibly intimidating, so if this is something you’re considering we recommend chatting to your dentist. While the cost of dental implants varies massively, you can expect to spend around £2000 per tooth in the UK. Although dental implants are the most expensive way of replacing missing teeth, we can assure you that you will not be disappointed with a successful result. We offer finance that allows you to spread the cost over a longer period.