A dental implant is an artificial replacement of a tooth root, usually made from titanium. There are many different types/ brands of dental implants available and when competently used they all can deliver a reliable form of treatment. The main aim during the placement of any dental implant is to achieve an immediate close contact to the surrounding bone. Over time, further growth of bone onto the implant surface enhances stability of the implant.
Dental implants have an internal screw thread or mechanism, which will support a variety of components. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures.
Will I be able to eat what I like afterward?
Once completed, you should be able to eat a normal, healthy diet with little or no difficulty.
How long does treatment take?
For routine cases, from the time of implant placement to the time of placing the first tooth/teeth, treatment times can vary between three and six months.
The ‘quality’ of the bone at the site of a dental implant will determine the healing period. The better (the harder) the bone, the shorter is the healing period.
How long do implants last?
Most importantly, the implant needs to heal well into your jawbone. The new tooth must also be comfortable and correctly adjusted. Likewise, the quality of your personal attention to oral hygiene and willingness to attend regular maintenance reviews will greatly influence how long your implants will last. When poorly cared for, implants will develop a covering of hard and soft deposits (calculus and plaque), which is very similar to that found on neglected natural teeth. If these deposits persist, they will cause gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort.
Well-maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected to last for many years and possibly for your lifetime. Certainly, it is reasonable to assume that implants can last as long as natural teeth. However, just as you would expect conventional crowns, bridges and fillings to need occasional repairs or replacements, your implant-supported teeth may also have similar maintenance requirements over the years
Am I too old for implant treatment?
There is no upper age limit for patients to undergo implant treatment, provided they continue to enjoy reasonably good health.
Is the treatment painful?
In fact, our patients often express surprise at how little discomfort they experience during and after implant procedures.
How much does implants cost?
The cost can vary, depending on the degree and extent of treatment required. To this end, we will explain and confirm the full cost in a written treatment plan following your consultation. Broadly, the costs replacing a dental implant is divided into two stages. Dr Andrew Cantwell will perform the surgical stage (placement of implant in the jawbone). We will provide the final replacement tooth that the implant will support. As a general estimate, the fee for our part of treatment is approximately £1800.00.
How do you look after the implants?
It is important that you maintain good oral hygiene with your implants to improve their life span. Cleaning your implants is not difficult.
For most implant-supported teeth you will be able to clean around each supporting implant by brushing and flossing in just the same way that you would around natural teeth and tooth-supported bridges. You will need to use special floss, interdental toothbrushes and other cleaning aids in some area to optimally maintain good oral hygiene.
It is reasonable to expect some of the daily hygiene procedures to be a little more complex than around your original teeth and equally expect to spend more time than you may have done in the past if you wish to maintain optimum implant health.
For the first few months after the implants are in place we will ask to see you more frequently. However, when we are happy with the healign of your implant, the ongoing care will be similar to any patient with natural teeth.
10 Stanhope Place | Marble Arch
W2 2HH London | 020 7724 7440
info@stanhopeplace.com