Replacing missing teeth

Blog posts by Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic relating to Replacing missing teeth

Can Dental Implants Fail, And What Are The Reasons For Failure?

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Dental implants are the most sought-after tooth replacement option in the UK. Research has shown that the 10-year survival or success rate of dental implants is more than 90%. However, a recent systematic review revealed that over 20 years, one in five tooth implants may fail due to various reasons. But can dental implants fail, and what are the reasons for it? You may ask. We will answer this question and many others in this blog. So, continue reading to learn more about tooth implant failures and how to minimise them. 

What are Dental Implants?

According to the British Society of Periodontology, an implant is a cylindrical fixture that is inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are surgically anchored into the jawbone, where they serve as artificial tooth roots. Over time, high-quality bone forms around them. As a result, dental implants provide a firm foundation for any prosthesis attached to them for replacing missing teeth. 

Can tooth implants cause problems?

Research has shown that dental implants don’t cause any problems if they are placed by an experienced dentist and are looked after properly. Problems with dental implants can arise when novice dentists don’t create a thorough treatment plan or don’t follow the recommended surgical technique. This is why it is important to visit a qualified and experienced dentist when getting one’s missing teeth replaced with implants. 

What is the most common cause of dental implant failure?

The most common cause of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, this condition refers to the inflammation of the soft and hard tissues surrounding an implant. Peri-implantitis can occur due to poor surgical technique or inadequate oral hygiene maintenance. If this condition is not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to implant failure. 

Can dental implants last a lifetime?

Dental implants are extremely durable. According to Healthline, dental implants can last a lifetime for many people, particularly if they are looked after well through optimal oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. So, it all depends on how well you look after them. 

What should I do if my dental implant feels loose?

If you feel that your dental implant has become loose, you should visit your dentist immediately. It could be due to various factors, such as infection or overloading during implant placement. You may prevent this implant from failing if you seek treatment in a timely manner. 

What are the signs of dental implant rejection?

Failure of dental implants can occur due to two major factors: early and delayed implant failure. Implant failure or rejection is typically characterised by symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, and redness in the region. The dental implant may also feel loose, may give off a foul smell, and may exude pus. Another symptom of implant failure is exposure of the implant threads. If you feel that one of your tooth implants is failing, you should consult with your dentist immediately. 

Can I get dental implants if I have other health conditions?

Anyone can get dental implants if they have good oral and physical health. However, dental implants are not advisable if someone is suffering from chronic conditions that may affect implant durability. For example, patients suffering from bone diseases or gum disease should seek treatment for this problem first before getting implants. Similarly, diabetic patients should get their blood sugar levels under control before seeking this treatment. This is because high blood sugar levels can interfere with optimal healing. 

If an implant fails, is it worth getting another?

In case someone’s dental implant fails, they should get another one. However, they should consider the following before getting another implant. First, they should ensure optimal oral hygiene before implant therapy. Secondly and most importantly, they should get dental implants from a highly qualified and experienced dentist to minimise the risk of implant re-failure. 

Can a dental implant fall out?

Dental implants can fall out if they fail to anchor themselves firmly into the jawbone. This typically occurs because of peri-implantitis, poor surgical technique, or overloading during implant placement. 

Does Dental Implant surgery always work?

Dental implant therapy works perfectly if it is provided by a renowned and experienced dentist. In most cases, problems with dental implants occur when implant treatment is provided by novice dentists. So, it is very important to do your homework before selecting a dentist for getting tooth implants. 

Will dental implants rust?

Dental implants don’t typically rust. This is because they are made of titanium. Titanium alloys have an inherent tendency to form a thick layer of oxides around them, which prevents them from rusting and degrading. This is also one of the reasons why dental implants are considerably more durable than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures and tooth bridges.  

Is dental implant surgery safe?

Like all other dental surgical procedures, implant surgery is also safe if it is performed by a dentist with sufficient experience. Ideally, implant dentists should have obtained additional qualifications to ensure that their patients enjoy the best outcome from this treatment. 

If you are looking for e reliable dental implant practice to get teeth implants in the West Midlands, you should consider visiting Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic. Our practice offers high-quality general dental and implant services to our esteemed patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Book an appointment with us today and let us give you a healthy and lasting smile with dental implants. 

Dental Implant Problems: What's The Worst That Can Happen?

Dental Implant Problems: What’s The Worst That Can Happen?

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Gone are the days when dentists could only replace missing teeth with removable dentures or teeth bridges. Although these options had been in use for many years, they had their own drawbacks that limited patient acceptability, such as their limited clinical services life and inability to restore one’s ability to chew food optimally. But then came dental implants, which quickly became the most sought-after tooth replacement option worldwide. In 2022 alone, over 238,900 dental implant procedures were performed in the UK. 

However, despite their popularity, many people are sceptical about dental implant treatment and worry that implant treatment will lead to many problems. If you’re also considering dental implant therapy and you’re worried about dental implant therapy-related complications, this blog is for you. So, read on to learn more about implant treatment and whether it can cause future complications. 

Can Tooth Implants Cause Problems?

Like all dental procedures, there is always a risk of complications with dental implants. However, research has shown that dental implant-related complications are rare. A research study showed that the overall 10-year success rate of dental implant therapy is more than 90%. This means that the chances of implant treatment failure within the first ten years of insertion are less than 10%.

Complications with implant therapy are typically associated with poor treatment planning or an improper surgical procedure. Therefore, the risk of complications is higher when treatment is performed by novice dentists. So, it is always advisable to visit a specialist implant dentist to get your missing teeth replaced. 

What Is The Major Problem In Dental Implants?

Dental professionals regard tooth implants as the next best thing to one’s natural teeth. This is because dental implants are extremely durable, allow for an aesthetic replacement of one’s teeth and more importantly, restore one’s ability to chew food without difficulty. 

However, dental implants also have some drawbacks. For example, dental implant treatment requires precision and immaculate surgical skills. So, if an implant is placed by a novice dentist, there is a risk of implant failure. Another disadvantage is the high cost of treatment with tooth implants. However, if one considers their durability and aesthetics, their high cost is a small price to pay in return for a fully functional set of teeth. 

Can Dental Implants Cause Health Issues?

Dental implants are made of high-quality titanium alloys which carry a minimal risk of health-related adverse effects. According to Healthline, tooth implants are considered safe for many people, except those who have an allergy to titanium. 

However, health-related adverse effects can occur with implants if the surgical procedure is not performed correctly. For example, inflammation of the tissues surrounding the implant – a condition called peri-implantitis – can occur in cases where the surgical protocol was not followed. 

Can Dental Implants Fail, And What Are The Reasons For Failure?

Overall, dental implants have a very high success rate. A 2022 research study showed that the success rate of tooth implants 20 years after their insertion was 93%. This success rate is the highest among all the tooth replacement options. 

Despite that, implant failures do occur, mainly because of poor treatment planning or an improper surgical technique. That is why, it is recommended to visit an experienced and qualified implant dentist for your treatment to avoid future complications. 

What Are The Disadvantages Of Having Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a versatile option for replacing missing teeth and offer several advantages over conventional options. Despite that, they have certain drawbacks as well. For example, the success of implant therapy is highly dependent on the dentist’s skills and surgical precision. Moreover, the high cost of dental implants is another drawback of this treatment option. 

What Are The Risks Associated With Dental Implant Surgery?

Research shows that there are minimal risks associated with implant surgery, provided the procedure is performed by an experienced and qualified dentist. Nevertheless, there are some risks associated with this treatment, such as infection, inflammation, and host-implant incompatibility. The good news is that these risks can be minimised with careful treatment planning. 

Are There Any Long Term Problems With Dental Implants?

Unlike removable dentures and teeth bridges that have associated long-term problems, dental implants do not cause long-standing issues. Again, this depends on how good the surgery was performed by the dentist. 

Can Dental Implants Cause Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs around the gums, and not the implants. Instead, inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the implants can occur sometimes and may cause implant failure. This condition, called peri-implantitis, is rare and mainly occurs due to poor treatment planning and surgical procedures during implant placement. 

Is It Possible To Have Implants With Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a condition in which the tissues surrounding our teeth, the gums, their associated fibres, and the supporting jawbone become inflamed. Implant placement is not recommended in patients who have periodontitis as the bone quality is compromised. As a result, there is insufficient healthy bone tissue available to anchor the implant, leading to failure. 

Do Dental Implants Need To Be Checked Or Maintained?

Yes, dental implants require similar care and maintenance as natural teeth. In addition to brushing and flossing, patients with dental implants should visit their dentist regularly for oral health checkups. This ensures that any problems with their implant-supported teeth are diagnosed and treated promptly, well before they cause permanent damage or require expensive treatment. 

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Research has shown that dental implants are a safe option for replacing missing teeth. In addition to offering a very high long term success rate, dental implants have minimal oral or physical health-related adverse effects. 

So, if you or a loved one has one or missing teeth, they should consider dental implants for their replacement. If you live in Birmingham, the best place to go for dental implant treatment is Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic, where we offer high-quality services under one roof. So, book an appointment with us today and let us give you a healthy and functional smile. 

Dental Implants - Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Implants – Frequently Asked Questions

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According to the Oral Health Foundation, around three in four Britishers have had at least one missing tooth. Unfortunately, even a single missing tooth can negatively affect one’s smile and facial aesthetics. More importantly, missing teeth also create difficulty in speaking and eating. Therefore, missing teeth should be replaced without delay. But, what’s the most durable and aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option? You may ask. When it comes to a tooth replacement option that functions, feels, and looks like natural teeth, then dental implants are the best option. 

If you or a loved one has missing teeth that need replacement, you should consider dental implants. However, if you want to know more about dental implants before deciding, then this blog is for you. So, read on to learn everything you need to know about tooth implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

According to the British Association of Oral Surgeons, an implant is a cylinder or screw-shaped fixture used for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone and serve as a replacement root of an artificial tooth. Dental implants have become extremely popular worldwide owing to their excellent durability and aesthetics. According to statistics, Over 238,900 dental implant procedures were performed in 2022 alone in the UK. 

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the most sought-after tooth replacement option in the UK because of the several benefits they offer over other options. Some of them are:

  • Durability – dental implants are made of high-quality titanium alloys that make them extremely long-lasting. In fact, dental implants can last a lifetime if we look after them properly. 
  • Lifelike Appearance –  missing teeth replaced with implants have lifelike aesthetics and blend in perfectly with the neighbouring natural teeth. 
  • No Dietary Restrictions – unlike dentures, there is no food restriction with dental implants. Whether you want to eat steaks or enjoy dry fruits, dental implants will allow you to all these foods.  
  • No Bone Loss – unlike dentures, dental implants do not cause damage to the underlying bone. Instead, they promote new formations around them and reduce the risk of excessive bone resorption and spontaneous jaw fractures. 

What Are The Different Uses Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are primarily used for replacing missing natural teeth. Whether you have a single missing tooth or you have lost all your teeth, you can get them replaced with dental implants. However, dental implants can also be used for other purposes. For example, mini-implants, so-called because of their reduced length, are used as anchors for performing complex tooth movements during orthodontic treatment. 

Can You Get Dental Implants If You Don’t Have Any Teeth?

As mentioned earlier, dental implants can be used for replacing missing teeth even if one doesn’t have any natural teeth remaining. For such patients, your dentist will plan a prosthesis called an all-on-4 implant-supported prosthesis. This prosthesis is a complete fixed bridge (covering all the teeth in a jaw up to the first molars) that is supported by four implants placed at strategic locations in each jaw. 

So yes, you can benefit from dental implants even if you don’t have any teeth. 

How Long Does A Dental Implant Typically Last?

Perhaps, the best thing about dental implants is their durability. Research has shown that the 10-year success rate of dental implants is more than 90%, which is higher than any other tooth-replacement option. Moreover, dental implants, being highly durable, can last a lifetime if they are looked after properly. So, dental implants are the next best thing to one’s natural teeth. 

Tooth Implants Cost the UK

Although dental implants have many advantages, one of their drawbacks is their high cost. That is why, many people avoid getting implants to replace their missing teeth. The cost of a single tooth implant starts from £ 1900. However, dental implant cost depends on various factors, such as the number and location of missing teeth and the dentist’s skill and location. Your dentist can give you an estimate of your treatment cost after a detailed clinical examination and treatment planning. 

Dental Implants Near Me

If you’re considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth, you should consider the following factors before you decide:

  • The Dentist’s Skill – whenever choosing an implant dentist, you should select one with sufficient skill and experience. The more experienced and qualified your dentist, the less likely the chances of any complications later on. 
  • The Dentist’s Speciality – for implant treatment, one should go to an implant dentist. This is because these dentists specialise in implant therapy and are more skilled in performing these procedures than general dentists. 
  • The Cost – different dental practices have different treatment costs for implants. Therefore, it is a good idea to confirm your treatment costs with your dentist beforehand. Many practices offer flexible treatment plans based on easily affordable instalments. You should check with your dentist whether they offer instalment-based plans before starting your treatment. 

If you live in Solihull and seeking replacement for your missing, we recommend dental implants as the most favourable treatment option. Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic offers high-quality treatment at affordable. Specialising in dental implant therapy, our centre is known for providing the best implant dentistry services in town by highly experienced dental professionals. We also have state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that your smile makeover with dental implants provides the best aesthetic outcome in 

So, book an appointment today and let us give you the smile you genuinely deserve. We look forward to serving you. 

Beyond Dental Bridges - Are Implants The Right Choice For You

Beyond Dental Bridges – Are Implants The Right Choice For You?

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When we talk about replacing missing teeth, the conventionally used options are removable dentures and teeth bridges. While these options have been used for many years to replace missing teeth, they have drawbacks. For example, removable dentures do not completely restore one’s ability to chew food and are prone to staining and fracture. Similarly, tooth bridges require the removal of healthy tooth structure from the supporting teeth for their attachment. More importantly, both these options had a limited service lifetime. 

But, thanks to modern dentistry, a newer tooth replacement option is available, which is not only highly durable but also restores one’s chewing and speech efficiency, giving them a naturally beautiful smile. So say hello to dental implants!

Which Is Better, A Dental Bridge, Dental Implant, Or A Gap?

Let us consider what will happen if we don’t replace a missing tooth. As soon as a tooth is lost, the bone around it starts to degrade very fast, resulting in changes in one’s facial appearance. Secondly, the opposing tooth and the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth begin to creep into the gap, resulting in spacing between the teeth and misalignment. So, leaving a missing tooth unreplaced is not a good idea.

Now, let us discuss which is better; a bridge or dental implant. A bridge is a fixed prosthesis that rests on adjacent supporting teeth and fills the vacant gap using dental crowns. So, dental bridges require natural tooth removal. On the other hand, dental implants are embedded directly within the jawbone, just like natural teeth. As a result, they remain firmly anchored and support the prosthesis – such as a crown, denture, or bridge – that is attached to them. Furthermore, an implant is highly durable and safe for use in the oral cavity. In fact, an implant can last for a lifetime if it is looked after properly, So dental implants are better than bridges when it comes to tooth replacement. 

When Would You Chose A Dental Implant Or A Bridge?

The latter should always be preferred when choosing between dental implants and teeth bridges. Why, because dental implants offer lifelike aesthetics, are durable, and restore one’s ability to eat and speak without difficulty. The only case when dental implants may not be suitable is when one is suffering from bone disease or has recently undergone cancer radiation therapy. 

How Permanent Are Dental Bridges?

Like other dental prostheses, dental bridges have a limited lifespan. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average life of teeth bridges is about 5 years. However, their life can be enhanced significantly if they are looked after properly through oral hygiene maintenance and regular dental checkup visits. 

Can You Replace An Old Dental Bridge With An Implant?

Yes, it is possible to replace a bridge with an implant-supported prosthesis. However, the implant will only replace the missing tooth. But, the tooth structure removed from the healthy supporting teeth will need to be restored with a filling, with or without a crown. To fill the gap created by the missing tooth, your dentist will insert an implant that supports a zirconia crown.  

Which Is Better, An Implant Or A Bridge If You Have Poor Gums?

Neither an implant nor a bridge is suitable for tooth replacement when there is underlying gum inflammation. In fact, dentists do not perform any treatment in the presence of gum disease. Instead, they will first treat the periodontal disease with oral hygiene instructions and professional teeth cleaning and only then proceed with tooth replacement with a bridge or an implant-supported prosthesis. 

Are Implants Better Or A Bridge For A Molar Replacement?

Molars are our back teeth that are used for grinding. These teeth receive very heavy biting forces. Hence, your dentist will use a sufficiently strong and durable prosthesis to replace a missing molar tooth. Therefore, the best option to replace a back tooth is an implant-supported zirconia crown and not a bridge. Why? First, bridges need healthy tooth removal from the supporting teeth. Secondly, bridges are not as strong or durable as dental implants. So, implants are a better option for replacing molar teeth. 

Can Dental Implants Cause Gum Disease?

Dental implants are made of high-quality titanium, highly durable, safe, and non-allergic. However, dental implants require the same oral hygiene care as one’s own teeth. If oral hygiene around dental implants is ignored, food impaction tends to occur around the implant-oral soft tissue margin, leading to an inflammatory condition called peri-implantitis. Such a condition can even lead to implant failure. Hence, optimal oral hygiene must be maintained around implants to avoid soft tissue inflammation. 

Can You Get Dental Implants If Your Gums Are Infected?

It is not advisable to get dental implants with underlying gum disease. This is because gum disease causes the bones to degrade. As a result, they cannot anchor the implant and its prosthesis, leading to implant failure. The best practice is to treat gum disease first and then proceed with implant therapy. 

Can Food Particles Get Lodged Between Implants And The Gums?

If oral hygiene maintenance is ignored, there are chances that food particles may get trapped between the implant and the oral soft tissues, causing inflammation. Therefore, oral hygiene around implants must be maintained through brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkup visits. 

Is There Any Age Factor For Dental Implant Treatment?

Dental implants are generally placed in patients who have already grown all their permanent teeth, and their pubertal growth spurt is over. Apart from that, there is no upper age limit for getting implants. So you could get your missing teeth replaced with dental implants in your 80s or 90s, provided you’re in good health. 

Are you fed up with your uncomfortable dentures or teeth bridges? If yes, it is time to say goodbye to them and say hello to a beautiful and lasting smile with dental implants. If you live in Solihull, Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Centre is your best option to get your teeth replaced with dental implants. So, book an appointment with us today and let us give you a smile you genuinely deserve. 

What are Dental Implants?

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Gone are the days when dentures and bridges were the only options available for replacing missing natural teeth. Today, dentists use dental implants, which have become the most popular option for replacing teeth which have been lost, either as a result of an injury or due to infection. But, do you know why dental implants have become so much popular? The reason lies in their unique design features. Continue reading to find out more.

What is an Implant?

Dental implant Compared to tooth root

An implant is a small screw shaped fixture that is fabricated from titanium alloys. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they become firmly anchored and serve as the tooth is root component of artificial teeth. Once the implant is completely embedded in the bone, a suitable prosthesis, depending on the number of missing teeth, is attached over it. Implants are incredibly effective as they help to prevent bone loss by supporting the surrounding bone.

How do Dental Implants Work?

It is often said that dental implant-supported teeth look and feel just like natural teeth. This is primarily because of a unique property of Titanium dental implants known as osseointegration. Titanium alloys possess the capability of promoting bone formation around them. That is why when an implant is inserted into the bone, the healthy bone starts to form around it and firmly anchors the implant. This allows the implant to support artificial teeth which are attached to them.

Why are dental implants necessary?

Dental implants can be used for the treatment of the following problems:

  • Single Tooth Replacement – an implant can be used for replacing a single missing tooth by attaching a crown over it.
  • Replacement of Multiple Teeth – another beneficial feature of dental implants is that a single implant can up to 3 or 4 missing adjacent teeth.
  • Replacing all Missing Teeth in a Jaw – when it comes to replacing all teeth in a jaw, only 4,6, 8 implants placed strategically can be effectively used for this purpose. Such a prosthesis is known as an all on four, six or eight implant-supported fixed prostheses.
  • Replacement of Old Dentures – for people who are not happy with the fit or esthetics of the removable dentures, they can benefit from an implant-supported prosthesis.
  • Smile Makeover – if you are not happy with your facial esthetics and smile, then your dentist can give you the smile of your dreams with dental implants.

What is dental implant surgery?

Placement of dental implants is usually carried out in different phases:

  1. The Surgical Phase

Placement of dental implants is an oral surgery ‘sprocedure. Therefore, it is performed under the effect of local anesthesia, or if required, under sedation. First, your dentist will make an incision over the soft tissues where the implant has to be inserted, to expose the underlying bone.  Then, your dentist will drill a hole in the bone and then carefully screwing in the implant into it. A healing collar is placed over the implant, followed by suturing back the soft tissue flap.

The surgical site is then left undisturbed for about 6 months to allow an optimal healing process to take place.

  1. Restorative Phase

During your next appointment, which will approximately be after 6 months of implant insertion, your dentist will examine the surgical to ascertain whether complete healing has taken place. If yes, then your dentist will place a pre-fabricated prosthesis such as a crown, bridge or a denture over it to restore the missing teeth. That’s it, your missing teeth have been replaced with an implant.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are by far, the most durable, strongest and the safest option for replacing lost teeth. In addition, they also allow for the attachment of highly esthetic prostheses (dentures, crowns or bridges) over them, so that the replaced teeth look just like your natural ones. Dental implants also restore your ability to chew and speak without any difficulty.

If you have lost one or more of your natural teeth, and you’re looking for the most reliable option, then dental implants should be your first choice. You will never regret your decision.

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Teeth implants – why, what and how

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Teeth implants-what, why and howLots of patients are asking about dental implants and trying to discover whether implants are right for them or not. With so many questions we thought we would attempt to answer a few with our dedicated teeth implant blog post.

Many people talk about teeth or tooth implants, in this post we will refer interchangeably between the term tooth implants and dental implants, these are different terms describing the same thing.

Why do dentists prefer dental implants?

  1. Dental implants can help to stabilise surrounding teeth either side of the gap. They prevent adjacent teeth tipping into the gap and opposing teeth over erupting. Both of these issues can cause problems with your bite which can lead to eating problems and/or headaches.
  2. Implants can stabilise the bone around the socket where the tooth has been removed. When a tooth is lost the bone around the hole collapses, this can lead to problems in later life.
  3. Dental implants don’t require reduction of the adjacent teeth similar to dental bridges, they are therefore less invasive on the surrounding dentition.
  4. When the cost is calculated over your lifetime dental implants often work out at the cheapest option as they involve fewer teeth to replace the missing tooth, unlike dental bridges.

How much does a full set of teeth implants cost?

It really depends on exactly how many implants you have placed and whether you need/want a removable denture or a fixed bridge. If you have lost lots of bone you may find that you need to have a removable denture with replacement gum to bulk out your lips, this can give a more youthful appearance and replace lost bone/gum.

  • A full denture held in by 2 dental implants will typically cost from £3500.
  • A fixed full arch bridge retained on dentures typically costs from £9000.

Further information about the cost of dentistry in the UK can be found on our blog.

Are dental implants painful to have done?

On the whole, no. The treatment is usually carried out under local anaesthetic only, immediately after the tooth implant placement you may need to take prescription painkillers to keep yourself more comfortable. For the first couple of weeks after implants you may find there is some discomfort as the soft tissue heals.

How long do dental implants last for?

The dental implant itself (the part which is under your gum and in the bone) can easily last a lifetime. The only part of a dental implant which may need to be replaced is the part that you see, this will either be a dental crown, bridge or denture. The typical life of a dental crown or bridge is around 10 to 15 years, although many people have dental crowns which last a lifetime.

The key to ensuring a dental implant lasts for the longest amount of time is a good dental hygiene and regular maintenance. This includes good oral hygiene at home as well is regular visits to the dentist.

Can a dental implant fall out?

A dental implant is made of several different components, primarily this consists of the dental implants itself (the part which is under your gum and in the bone), the dental crowns/bridge/denture  (The part which you see) and the abutment (The part which connects the underlying dental implant to the restoration that you see).

Generally speaking the dental implant itself will be so securely retained within your mouth that it won’t fall out, there is however a rare condition called peri-implantitis which can occur if the bone around the implant becomes infected. If this happens it is possible for the implant itself to fall out.

The most common reason you may think a dental implant has fallen out is that the dental crowns/bridge/denture becomes loose or falls out. This is not the same as the implant falling out itself. If the crown/bridge/denture falls out it is usually a simple process to replace it by visiting the dentist.

Do you have to have an anaesthetic for dental implants?

You will always be given a local anaesthetic for dental implants. You can also opt for sedation with dental implants in some cases. Rarely with the dental implants be placed under full general anaesthetic. The process is relatively quick, simple and these benefits outweigh the risk of a general anaesthetic.

What are the downsides of dental implants?

Dental implants have very few downsides, they need to be looked after the same as your natural teeth do and if you do this they will serve you well for many years. Many people believe that the cost of dental implants is a big downside, the cost of implants can be quite high initially but when taken into consideration that implants can last a lifetime it makes the upfront cost very high value.

 

This blog post has been written by Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic, download a voucher now for a low-cost dental implant initial consultation saving you 70% off the usual treatment rate.

Why Are Dental Implants so Expensive?

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The cost of dental implants is something  about which we are very frequently asked at our dental practice in Solihull. Dental implants often run into the thousands of pounds but why is this? In this blog post we will look at how dental implants can be made more affordable and what the components are which make up the cost of dental implants.

What makes up the cost of dental implants?

If you had to replace a missing tooth a dental implant is often considered the most viable solution, but what makes up the cost of the entire dental implant?

The cost of dental implant is made up of the following:

  • The planning stages.
  • The dental implant surgery to place the implant itself.
  • The restoration of the crown (the part of the tooth which you see) on top of the dental implant.
  • The dental implant components themselves.
  • The time of the dentist, implant surgeon and dental technician.

Let’s look at each of these in turn

The planning stages.

When you first coming to the dental practice with missing teeth you will have an initial consultation with the dentist who will discuss your options, (We offer a free dental implant consultation) typically your options would be to:

  1. Do nothing.
  2. Have a denture.
  3. Have a bridge.
  4. Replace the tooth with a dental implant.

At this initial consultation you should be provided with a full treatment plan including all of your options which also lays out the cost of dental implants.

For the purposes of this blog post, we are going to assume that the best clinical option for you is to have a tooth replaced with a dental implant. Once this decision has been made the dentist will begin the planning stages. This could include CT scans, x-rays and impressions of your jaw which can then be replicated in plaster.

 

Working with the scans and plaster models the dentist, surgeon and technician  can work out the best type of implant (length, width, style, brand) and plan the surgical stage.

As part of this planning they will also work out the best type/style of restoration to have on top of the dental implant. The planning stages can often take a few weeks to collate all of the information. Your dentist, technician and dental implant surgeon may then spend a few hours discussing your case and working out the best solution.

Once the planning stages have been undertaken you can progress with the surgery itself.

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  • Are you a candidate for dental implants?
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  • How long will it take?
  • What are the downsides?
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The dental implant surgery to place the implant itself.

implant-placement

With all of the planning complete you can progress to having your dental implant procedure. Sometimes the dentist themselves will place a dental implant or they may refer to another dentist who is a specialist or has a special interest in dental implant placement.

The surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic but if you are particularly anxious it is often possible to arrange some form of dental sedation so that you are less aware of the procedure. It’s worth bearing in mind, however that dental sedation will often add to the price, particularly if intravenous sedation is used as an anaesthetist will often be present.

After the implant has been placed you move onto a healing phase, during this time you will often be provided with a temporary restoration, this may be in the form of a removable bridge.

The restoration of the Crown (the part of the tooth which you see) on top of the dental implant.

Dental implant Compared to tooth rootOnce the healing phase is complete and the dental implant has fully integrated into your jaw then you can move on to having a dental crown fitted on top.  You may have a visit by the dental technician to take a detailed analysis of the colour of the surrounding teeth in order to match the new tooth in perfectly. If you are having multiple teeth replaced then you have a slightly freer rein  as to the colour that you would like your new teeth to be.

The dental technician will then proceed to manufacture  the dental crown, this may be out of a zirconia material (zirconium oxide) this is one of the most abundant minerals known to man but needs to be highly processed in order to make it suitable for use within the human body.

The dental implant components themselves.

a cross-section through a dental implant

a cross-section through a dental implant

When you have a dental implant placed there is the cost of the titanium implant which is placed into your jaw. This is a precision made piece of engineering which is manufactured  down to Micron accuracy (thousandths of a millimetre).

There will also be an abutment which joins the dental implant onto the crown on top. This abutment will probably have a precision made gold screw, the screws are usually made out of gold as they are a slightly softer metal. When the screw is tightened the softer gold screw has some give, this allows the screw to be tightened more tightly but also means that in the event of excessive force being applied the dental implant itself will not break.

The screw becomes a failsafe in the system, it is far better for the screw to break (a relatively low cost component) than it is for the dental implant to file  all the crown on top to break.

The time of the dentist, implant surgeon and dental technician.

Whilst it is extremely difficult to say exactly how long or how many hours each professional will spend on your case it is estimated to be in the many tens of hours.

By the time your dentist, technician and surgeon have been through the diagnostic, treatment, healing, restoration and post-treatment follow-up stages  they will have spent many hours working exclusively  on your case..

How much do dental implants cost?

In order to make this more understandable most dental practices do not quote for each individual stage, they simply place all of the stages and associated fees into one cost. At our dental practice in Solihull, dental implants start at £1995.

We also offer 15% discount to any patients on our Denplan practice scheme,  further details of the Denplan scheme can be found here.

If one considers the lifetime value of this then dental implants are often the most cost-effective option. Implants should last many years providing high-quality dentistry, allowing you to smile eat and chew again with confidence. Who can put a price on that?