11 Things to Know Before Getting Dental Implants

Sian Victoria © - Woman holding toothbrush and paste

Dental Implants Guide: What You Need to Know & How it Works

If you've experienced trauma to your teeth due to an accident while playing sport, or you want to replace your entire set of teeth, taking the plunge to go with dental implants may be somewhat scary, especially if you are afraid of the dentist, like me and so many others.

It is a serious choice that will impact your mouth, your finances, and your self-confidence. In this article, I will provide you with a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about dental implants. I will share some facts and hidden information that will help you prepare for your consultation so that you can make the right choice or consider other tooth replacement options if this option isn’t for you.

So, here are twelve things that you need to know before you get dental implants, specifically in the UK.

What exactly is a dental implant?

Most people mistakenly assume that an implant is the false tooth, but in reality, it is the underlying structure. An implant is a metal post that is inserted surgically into your jawbone. It serves as a replacement root for your new tooth. Once this post heals and fuses with your bone, an abutment is added, and finally, the artificial tooth, or the crown, is added. This is the only visible component of the procedure.

How much do dental implants cost?

Now let’s go into figures since this is the most difficult part. In the United Kingdom, one implantation that involves the titanium screw, the abutment, and the specially manufactured crown will start at approximately £1,800 to £3,500. For the jaw restoration using techniques such as All-On-4, it will cost you more than £10,000 up to £15,000 per arch.

Take note that the stated cost may just include the surgery alone. Any other additional treatments needed by your dental specialists such as teeth extraction, preliminary 3D scan, or even bone graft will be an added cost. Even though the cost might seem very steep, most of the private dentistry clinics here offer flexible financing schemes with zero interest rate.

1. Your jawbone needs to be strong enough

Since the implant depends on your bone structure for its strength and support, having strong jawbones becomes an absolute necessity. If you've been living without a tooth for a long while, chances are high that the bones in that particular region would have deteriorated and become weak. Should your doctor determine that the bone structure in your mouth isn't strong enough for your implant, you might have to go through a bone graft procedure before getting the implant.

2. The timeline is a marathon, not a sprint

If you are anticipating that a brand new set of teeth is something which you can get in just one afternoon, then maybe you should think again. Although the procedure of putting in the titanium post itself is fairly short, the process of recovery will certainly test your patience. It takes your body between three and six months for the bone to integrate around the post before the final crown can be fitted.

3. It is much less painful than you think

The very mention of dental surgery would naturally cause anxiety in someone, but the truth is that things are far easier than they seem. The whole process takes place using a local anaesthetic, so you don’t need to worry about anything at all while the treatment is taking place. However, there will be some pain after the anaesthetic wears off, and that too is easily manageable.

4. Dental implants boast incredible success rates

In case you are concerned that the procedure will not work, you should rest assured knowing the statistics. Modern-day dental implants boast a success rate of almost ninety-five per cent, which is provided that the procedure is carried out by a competent practitioner. Given that you are healthy and decide to visit an expert, the odds of rejection of the titanium implant will be negligible.

5. Smoking can seriously jeopardise the results

If you are a smoker, it is highly likely that your dentist will request you to stop smoking before your surgery starts. This is because smoking reduces the flow of blood into your gums and bone, and consequently limits your body’s healing process. The chances of having an infection increase due to the slow process of healing, thus causing an implant failure.

6. They look and feel completely natural

One of the greatest advantages associated with such treatment includes the natural feel of the end product. While conventional dentures can easily come off, become loose, and even affect your speaking abilities, dental implants are permanently fixed in the mouth. Implants perform the same way as one’s natural teeth do.

7. Maintenance is just like looking after real teeth

No special teeth cleaning products or elaborate processes are required for keeping your dental implants in good condition. All that you have to do is brush them two times a day using fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dental appointments. Even if the artificial crown does not get cavities, the gums surrounding it may suffer from inflammation and disease if they are not properly cleaned.

8. Implants are a lifetime investment

It cannot be denied that the initial cost of dental implants is high, and this is because they are not usually covered by the NHS due to cosmetic reasons. But once their long-term benefits are considered, they turn out to be very cost-effective. Unlike dental bridges or dentures, which need replacement or adjustment after every couple of years, implants can easily last for a lifetime.

9. They actually protect your remaining teeth

If one of your teeth falls out, the adjacent teeth will try to move and tip into the open space. This can lead to an uneven bite and a misaligned jaw. In addition, with a traditional bridge, you have to file the adjacent healthy teeth to accommodate the bridge. An implant is independent, so it will not affect your other teeth at all.

10. Choose your clinician with care

Since getting dental implants installed is such an advanced surgery, you definitely want to be in capable hands. Do some investigation into the person who will be installing your implants and view pictures of past patients along with testimonials. You want to be sure that the person doing the surgery has lots of advanced education in implantology.

Nolan, a dentist in Belfast who specialises in dental implants, says, "Choosing a clinic with an on-site lab can really make a difference. It helps with quality control and makes sure your restorations fit perfectly, so you can enjoy your smile for years to come."

11. Age is rarely a barrier to treatment

The majority of seniors believe that they have exceeded the age limit for candidacy of this procedure; however, good general health becomes more important in this case rather than one’s date of birth. If you have a fully grown-up jawbone (this occurs in late teenage years), and do not suffer from any uncontrollable diseases which can prevent proper recovery, you are safe to get your dental implants even in old age.

To conclude

Getting dental implants is not simply a solution for filling a missing tooth in your mouth. This is a highly reliable means that will help to ensure proper dental health in the future, keep the integrity of your bone and give you back your self-confidence. Although there is going to be some waiting period along with some potentially high costs, this chance to have a fully functional tooth is truly invaluable.