FAQ

First, you should decide whether implants could be right for you. Contact us to arrange an implant consultation and discussion and we will let you know the treatment options.

Implants are a well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. Generally we say implant would last for the lifetime.. But it also depends on your bone changes.

Yes. You can have any number of teeth replaced with implants – from one single tooth to a complete set.

It depends on the state of the bone in your jaw. Your dentist will arrange for a special radiograph to assess the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn’t healthy enough, grafting or placing of bone may be required prior to placing implants in that area first.

Placing the implants requires a small operation. This will be carried out under local anesthesia itself- the same that is given for removal of teeth. You will not feel any pain at the time, but you may feel some discomfort during the week following the surgery. This is usually due to having stitches in place, and the normal healing process which is relived by the medication prescribed.

No. The implants need to bond (integrate) with the bone after they have been placed. This takes at least 3 months in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper jaw. If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you will have a temporary restoration in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, then you can wear them throughout the healing period once they have been adjusted after the surgery.

It takes up to 6 months from the initial assessment to the time when the artificial teeth or dentures are finally attached to the implants. However, if only the lower jaw is involved then it may only take around 5 months. A lot depends on how complicated your treatment is. Your dentist will be able to give you a timetable once the surgery has been done. In the meantime however, immediate loading teeth or temporary crowns are placed..

Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, you’ll be shown methods to help keep your implant area clean and healthy.

Only if you don’t care for them well enough. If you keep them clean, then you should not have any problems.

Most artificial teeth attached to implants can only be placed and removed by the dentist. However, if you have complete dentures fixed to the implants by bars, then you’ll be able to take them out for cleaning.

No, unless you’re only having a single tooth replaced. Normally, four to six implants are used to replace all the teeth in one jaw, as each implant can usually support two teeth. For a few missing teeth, two or three implants may be sufficient.

This happens very rarely. If the implant becomes loose during the healing period or just after, then it is easily removed and healing takes place in the normal way. Once the jaw has healed, another implant can be placed there. Or, the dentist can make a bridge, using the implanted false teeth that have ‘taken’.

Unfortunately, yes. However, in many situations, the cost of the treatment is only a little more than the cost of more conventional treatment with crowns and bridges.

With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants can last many years—often a lifetime. Regular dental checkups and maintenance are essential for their long-term success.