Telephone: 0207 486 4442

Email: info@dentalimplantsharleystreet.co.uk

Dr. Sunny Kaushal BDS (U.Birm) Dip Imp Dent RCS (Eng) MSc (U. Lond)

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Are Dental Implants?

With such a high success rate, this is a question that many more people are asking. A Dental Implant is a new root for a new tooth and one or more can be placed in either your upper or lower jaw to secure a crown, a bridge or dentures. As a small titanium screw, it benefits from biocompatible properties, which means that it will behave in much the same way as the root of your missing tooth. By fusing naturally with your jawbone, a Dental Implant acts as a safe and secure alternative to your own root, helping to promote both the health of your bone tissue and acting as a solid anchor for your replacement tooth.

 

Did you know?

Without the structure of your root your jawbone can shrink, but a Dental Implant prevents this occurring by stimulating the tissue in your bone and your gums.


Why choose Dental Implants?

If you are wondering "What Are Dental Implants, and why should I choose them?" here are just a few reasons:

  • Dental Implants not only look natural, but they feel and function like your own teeth too
  • Dental Implants don’t require additional support so none of your healthy teeth need to be cut or damaged in any way
  • Dental Implants stimulate the bone tissue and gums, helping to maintain facial structures
  • Dental Implants eliminate the need for adhesives and the insecurity of ill-fitting replacement teeth
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    Did you know?

    A Dental Implant is stable, secure and comfortable – and with the right care, it can last you a lifetime.

     

    Are Dental Implants successful?

    Since they were developed in the 1960s, the use of Dental Implants has been investigated in thousands of scientific studies. 

    With more than three decades of clinical experience and millions of patients treated worldwide, the long-term studies observing tooth implant solutions clearly confirm a high success rate of over 95% for individual Dental Implants. Just like natural teeth, they also require regular check-ups and conscientious oral hygiene.

    Appropriate care, together with good treatment planning and correct insertion of the implant should mean that your Dental Implants are the solution with long-term success.

     

    Who places the Dental Implants?

    The Implant Dentist at our Dental Implant Clinic has many years' experience in placing Dental Implants. Only a dental implantologist is qualified to place implants in your jaw, and only the dental professionals who are appropriately trained should restore Dental Implants.

     

    How much do Dental Implants cost?

    The price of Dental Implants depends on the level of restoration and replacement required:

    • The number of implants to be inserted
    • The type of crown, bridge, or dentures to be placed on the implants
    • The condition of the jaw (building up of the bone is occasionally required)

    A specific fee/estimate can only be given after a thorough diagnostic examination of your mouth and the Implant Dentist has formulated a treatment plan for you.

     

    What are the risks associated with Dental Implants?

    If you are wondering “What Are Dental Implants – and what are the risks?” let us reassure you that foremost, we are concerned with your health and comfort. Dental implant surgery is a relatively low risk procedure. Patients who have medical or other conditions that may interfere with the healing process of either their bones or soft tissues are carefully evaluated by the dental implantologist so that the treatment plan is suitably tailored to ensure long term success.

     

    Will Dental Implants work for me and my dentures?

    Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for Dental Implants. The determining factor is the amount of available jawbone. A dentist or dental implantologist is the best person to evaluate whether Denture Implants are a viable solution to stabilise your crown, bridge or dentures.

     

    Is old age a problem?

    Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of Dental Implants. However, your health is more of a determining factor than your age. Certain diseases and health issues may contraindicate dental implant treatment. After a careful evaluation of your dental health and medical history, our Implants Dentist will determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for Dental Implants.

     

    EXPECTATIONS AFTER DENTAL IMPLANTS

     

    How will Dental Implants affect my life?

    People who have previously suffered embarrassment and worry because of their missing or wobbly teeth are often amazed by just how much Dental Implants can do for their self-esteem, and their quality of life. Dental Implants can help your crown, bridge or dentures look, feel and function like your own natural teeth. This means that not only can you eat and drink whatever you choose, but you can bite, smile and talk without worry.

     

    Will my new implant retained replacement teeth look natural?

    Dental Implants can help your crown, bridge or dentures look, feel and function like your own teeth. With the right combination of excellently crafted replacement teeth, the change to your appearance and comfort, as well your ability to bite and chew, is very likely to exceed your expectations.

     

    Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?

    Following a brief period of adaptation, your chewing capacity will be restored and equal to that of your own natural teeth, so you should be able to eat well with no little or no problems.

     

    TREATMENT

     

    How time is required for a Dental Implant?

    Unlike traditional dental implant surgery, the techniques we use help to reduce both the amount of discomfort you experience and the amount of healing time you need. 

    Normally, the entire process of positioning your Dental Implants and attaching your replacement teeth takes somewhere between three and six months. With various implant treatment methods available, the length of time required to place your implant depends very much on the type of procedure you have. The type of procedure you have will depend on several factors, such as your dental health, the condition of your jawbone and the type of restoration needed. These factors will also determine the total number of visits you will need to make to our Dental Implants Clinicthroughout the treatment period.

    A typical treatment plan to fit your Dental Implants would include:

    Assessment and planning - During your first appointment, our Implant Dentist will assess the feasibility of your implant placement. This may include taking preliminary impressions of your mouth and X-rays. Subsequently, a detailed written plan will be prepared outlining the sequence of treatment and the costs. 

    Implant placement - The length of time this takes depends on the level of restoration required. Positioning your Dental Implants under the safe, sterile conditions of our surgery may take anywhere from one hour for two implants in the lower jaw, to several hours for multiple implants in your upper and lower jaws. Throughout this time, local anaesthesia may be combined with conscious sedation, as we do everything we can to ensure that you experience as little discomfort as possible.

    Healing and Integration period - Throughout the duration of your healing phase, you can wear a temporary crown, bridge or dentures. After a minimum period of 3 months, your dental implants will be fully integrated, and your replacement teeth can be attached. In the meantime, a modified diet can often help to reduce the amount of pressure on your gums. 

    Tooth replacement phase - Once your Dental Implant is fully healed and firmly integrated, a small component is attached to the implant body. Varying in shape, flat or round, this component head sits neatly above your gum line. An attachment placed inside your replacement tooth will snap firmly onto the head of your Dental Implant, thus securing your crown, bridge or dentures in place.

     

    Is the treatment painful?

    As with any type of surgery you can expect some discomfort after the procedure, but most of our patients are surprised by how little pain they actually feel. Using a combination of anaesthesia and sedation, the procedure itself becomes totally painless and our Implant dentist will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur thereafter. In fact, we will do everything we can to ensure that your Dental Implant procedure is as pain-free as possible.

     

    How will I feel after the treatment?

    It is normal to experience some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues of your mouth, but any discomfort can be treated with ordinary painkillers. Full post operative instructions will be given so that any discomfort is kept to an absolute minimum.

     

    How do I care for my Dental Implants?

    As with your own natural teeth, your new replacement teeth and Dental Implants must be cared for and checked regularly. Your normal everyday routine is sufficient to maintain them and this will be backed up by six monthly visits to our hygienist and annual inspections by the implant dentist.



    For more information about any of the services we offer, please feel free to contact Harley Street Dental Implants today.