There is a lot of information out there about dental implants, but unfortunately some of it is less than reliable.
Many of the articles and blog posts on the internet contradict one another, and some are outright lies fabricated in order to get your money.
To set the record straight and answer any questions you might have, we’ve put together the most frequently asked questions about dental implants, so you can decide for yourself if they are for you.
So what are dental implants?
Dental implants are basically false teeth created to replace missing teeth.
They can come as a single tooth replacement, several teeth beside each other, or a full set of teeth.
They are not to be confused with the “old fashioned” false teeth or dentures – the type your Granny keeps in a glass of water beside her bed.
Dental implants get their name because they are implanted into your jaw. Once they’re in, they’re staying in. Unlike false teeth, you can’t pop them out whenever you want.
Dental implants are designed to be a life-long solution to missing teeth, so if you look after them, they should last a lifetime.
Are dental implants a new thing?
Well, yes and no. False teeth have been around for thousands of years, but modern titanium dental implants have only been around for the past few decades.
They were discovered accidentally by an orthopaedic surgeon when he noticed that titanium had a unique ability for fusing to living bone.
He called this process osseointegration; osseo being the Latin for bone and integration for the fusion or joining part. This is the biological basis on which all modern implants are still used.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, absolutely.
Of course, like all surgeries, there is the potential for complications, but problems with dental implants are quite rare, and when they do occur, they tend to be relatively minor, such as an infection around the gums or sinus problems.
Are they better than dentures?
Undoubtably. Dental implants have many advantages over false teeth, which is why they have been slowly replacing them over the past few years.
Their biggest advantage dental implants have over dentures is that you can eat anything you want. People who switch from dentures to dental implants are shocked by how much they were missing out on before, and how they can eat their favourite food again
Dental implants look and act just like normal teeth, so you don’t have the problem of food getting stuck underneath the plate, like you do with dentures, which can lead to pain, health issues, and jaw problems.
How much do dental implants cost?
There is no set figure for dental implants, in the same way, there is no exact figure for buying a car.
Everyone is different, with each person having their own unique needs when it comes to treatment.
One dental implant might be all you need for a missing tooth, but if you’ve had serious trauma or a devastating medical condition, then replacing all your teeth will obviously be more expensive.
They do cost more than traditional dentures, but they’re worth it, and the price might not be as high as you think.
Technology has improved in recent years, making them cheaper and more reliable, with these savings being passed on to the patient.
The only way to get an accurate price for dental implants is through an initial consultation, which we are happy to do.
There are also options available for what type of implants are available; you can read more about Zirconia (Non metal ) implants and All on 4 dental implants by clicking on the links.
Some patients are concerned about pain or become anxious about dental visits associated with dental implants. To put our patients at ease we offer in chair sleep dentistry read more about this by clicking on the link Sleep dentistry explained
Call us if you’ve any questions about dental implants
Dental implants look, feel, and work just like real teeth, and give you confidence that only comes with a beautiful smile.
They work better than dentures, they look and feel better, and last a lifetime.
And when it comes to dental implants, we are one of only a handful of practices in all of the country to be named a Leading Implant Centre of the World, so you know you’re in good hands with us.
Whether it’s a single tooth or all your teeth are gone, we can help give you back your smile.
If you’re still wondering what dental implants are exactly, then give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.