The Complete Guide To Dental Implants
Are you considering dental implants but need to know how they work and the costs involved? Here is the complete guide to dental implants. From their use to benefits and procedures to aftercare, we share everything. Also, learn about dental implant risks and costs so you can understand what to expect. Visit Mint Dental Centre London to achieve a healthy and confident smile without surprises.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small, artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth(missing tooth) or bridge. Dental implants fill the gaps in your smile and improve chewing function and oral health. Most dental implants are made up of titanium, but some are ceramic. Both materials are biocompatible (friendly to the tissues inside your mouth) and fuse with the bone through osseointegration. Once healed, dental implants will work just like your natural teeth.
A dental implant is composed of three parts:
1 – Threaded post: It is a small artificial tooth root placed in your jawbone during oral surgery.
2 – Abutment: It is a tiny connector post and is the foundation for your new artificial tooth. It screws into the threaded post and slightly extends beyond your gums.
3 – Restoration: Any prosthetic that repairs or replaces teeth with crowns, bridges and dentures.
A missing tooth harms oral health and impacts your mental and emotional well-being. You may lack confidence, so you cover your mouth when you laugh or avoid smiling in photos. A dental implant will help you enjoy those things you have been missing.
In What Conditions Do You Require Dental Implants?
Besides getting a beautiful smile(tooth loss), dental implants are recommended for
conditions such as:
- Cracked teeth.
- Cavities.
- Gum disease.
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism).
- Teeth that never develop (anodontia).
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Tooth loss can change everything, from how you eat and speak to how you connect with the people around you. Dental implants are like natural teeth and are tailor-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your existing teeth. They also offer other benefits like:
- Enhanced smile.
- Better chewing ability.
- Improved speech and fluency.
- Jawbone preservation.
- Stability for wobbly dentures.
- Durability.
Unlike dental bridges, dental implants don’t require enamel removal, which can weaken your natural tooth structure over time. Your dentist must shave down at least one tooth on either side of the gap to replace a missing tooth with a dental bridge. Placing a dental implant to replace your missing tooth does not involve altering the neighbouring teeth. This makes dental implants the best and one-tooth solution to a one-tooth problem.
What are the Complications or Risks of Dental Implants?
Although dental implants have many benefits, there are a few possible risks and complications. You may have slight bleeding and swelling after the implant procedure. However, complications are uncommon but may include:
- Infection
- Severe bleeding.
- Jaw fractures.
- Sinus damage.
- Nerve damage.
- Delayed jawbone healing.
- Damage to nearby teeth.
Allergic reactions to titanium implants are rare; only some people experience it. If this happens, your dentist can replace titanium implants with ceramic implants. An experienced dentist or surgeon reduces the complications and risks. Always prefer an expert if you are thinking about getting dental implants.
How You Prepare For the Process?
Before getting dental implants, we want you to feel fully prepared and comfortable with the process. Because dental implants are a complex procedure, you must have a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process.
- Your dental specialists will assess your oral health, discuss your needs, and explain the implant process. They will ask you about any medical conditions and medications you take. Tell your dentist if you have certain heart conditions or orthopaedic implants. So, they may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.
- If you are a qualified candidate for dental implants, you may have dental X-rays and 3D images taken. They are used to make models for your teeth and jaw.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure?
- Your dentist will give you anaesthesia and will make an incision (cut) in your gums to place the implant.
- They will use specialised instruments to create a small hole in your jawbone and carefully place the dental implant into your jaw.
- Finally, your dentist will reposition your gums and close the incision with stitches.
Your dentist will make a temporary tooth for you to wear if your implant is near the front of your mouth until you heal. So you don’t have to worry about a gap in your smile while you recover. You won’t need a temporary tooth if your implant is near the back of your mouth.
What is the Healing Phase (osseointegration)?
After the dental implant process, called osseointegration, is initiated. In this, your jawbone fuses with the dental implant. It is critical for the stability and longevity of the implant and may take three to nine months or longer.
After your implant heals, your dentist can attach the abutment (small connector post) and final restoration (tailor-made crown, bridge or denture that matches your natural teeth) to complete your beautiful smile.
What is Aftercare For Dental Implants?
A dental implant can last longer if you care for them. Here are a few tips to help you maintain and aftercare your dental implants.
- Practice good oral hygiene and regularly brushing and flossing twice daily to keep your implants, artificial teeth and gum tissue clean.
- Regularly visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid chewing hard items, such as ice and hard candy, which can break your crowns. Also, avoid tooth-staining tobacco and caffeine products.
When Should I Call My Dentist?
Call your dentist if you see any signs after having dental implants like:
- Bleeding gums.
- Swollen gums.
- Pus (infection) around the implant.
- A loose or wobbly implant.
- Fever.
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
At What Age Should You Consider Dental Implants?
The minimum age for dental implants is 18. At that age, your jaw bones are healthy enough to support the implant. However, your dentist is the only person who can tell if you need one or not.
Who Should Not Get Dental Implants?
The dental implants are not suitable for you if:
- You are under the age of 18.
- You smoke or vape.
- Have poor oral hygiene.
- Have an untreated gum disease.
- Have extensive tooth decay.
- Have a severe bone loss in your jaw.
- Have certain health conditions (like bone disorders or autoimmune diseases).
Talk to your dentist to determine if you qualify for dental implants, as every person has a unique health history.
How Painful Is Getting a Dental Implant?
Usually, you don’t feel pain during dental implant procedures. But after the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort and swelling, treated by over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene practice and regular dental visits. Most crowns and bridges last around 15 years, and most dentures last at least seven years.
What is the Cost Of Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants can vary significantly depending on many factors, such as your location. Usually, dental implant costs in the United Kingdom range from £1,000 to £3,000 per implant. However, this is an average estimate, and the actual cost may be higher or lower depending on other factors like the number of implants you need and the type of implants. Different types of implants are available, including traditional implants, mini implants, and All-on-4 implants. Your dentist can tell you about the best option.
Also, many other costs may be added to the actual dental implant cost (the abutment and crown), including the initial consultation and examination fees, dental imaging (such as X-rays and CT scans), and bone grafting. Some dental clinics may charge separate fees for the implant surgery and restoration; others may offer a bundled price that includes both. Ask your dentist for a detailed breakdown of the costs to avoid surprises.