In this month’s blog we look at some of the questions the team at Valley Dental Practice most commonly get asked about dental implants.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are a safe, reliable, and well-established treatment that helps replace missing teeth.
A dental implant consists of two parts, the ‘screw or post’ acting as the root of the tooth, and the crown. The implant ‘post’ is made of titanium which osseo integrates to the surrounding bone. The crown is then attached to the post.
Does a missing tooth need to be replaced?
Normally we would advise that a missing tooth should be replaced. If left the space may affect how you speak and chew. The adjacent teeth may shift and move into the space, affecting your bite and bone loss can occur at the site which can affect the stability of the surrounding teeth.
How long have dental implants been around?
Proven safe and effective at replacing missing teeth, modern dental implants have been in use for more than 40 years.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implant surgery is one of the safest procedures in dentistry and it is the only restoration method that stimulates natural bone beneath the missing tooth.
How long will the treatment take?
Every case is unique, and every patient heals differently. Your dentist will be able to provide you with an estimated treatment time following your initial appointment.
Is the treatment painful?
Little to no discomfort is the goal. Most patients say that the placement of the dental implant is less painful than having their tooth extracted initially.
How long do implants take to heal?
Dental implants can take between two to six months to integrate into place. The bone around a new dental implant needs time to heal so it can secure the dental implant into place.
Are they expensive?
A dental implant provides a cost effective alternative to a denture or a bridge, since a denture or bridge will need to be replaced after 5-7 years.
Millions of people in the UK have dental implants and that number is growing by 500,000 a year. Dental implants are a reliable solution to missing teeth. Studies show success rates routinely above 98 percent.
If you are interested in finding out more details about dental implants, do not hesitate to call the Valley Dental Practice on 01255 220322 or ask one of the team at your next visit.
