Are dental implants right for me?
When you have gaps in your smile due to tooth loss, it can have a serious impact on how you perceive yourself and can cause you to feel self-conscious.
Not too long ago, dentistry could only provide you with bridges or dentures to fill the gaps in your smile but today, more and more people are turning to oral implants, as a more permanent alternative.
Although they are not a new treatment, in recent years, oral implants have transformed restorative dentistry and have enabled thousands of people to get back their confidence and their smiles.
Despite the popularity, many patients who would reap the benefits of having dental implants in Golders Green, are unsure about undertaking the procedure, due to concerns about the procedure failing or causing excess discomfort.
At The Garden Dental Practice, our team of dentists have compiled five of the most commonly asked questions about having dental implants in Golders Green, to allow you to see if implants could help you regain your smile.
Do implants hurt?
One of the most common questions our team gets about dental implants in Golders Green; we have asked our former patients who have had implants fitted and have been told that after the implants have been fitted to your jaw, it may feel slightly bruised for about a week. As there is no nerve being hit, it is likely to be a more residual feeling than acute.
If, post fitting, you are concerned about the level of discomfort you are feeling, it is vital you visit our surgery, so we can check for signs of infection or rejection.
How long will they last?
Implants are designed to last a lifetime, but this depends on multiple factors, such as your lifestyle, oral hygiene and pre-existing conditions, such as periodontal disease.
However, with regular check-ups, good hygiene and a healthy diet, your implants should last for forty years or more.
Can anyone have oral implants? Are there any restrictions?
To be considered for implants, you have to have good oral and general health; our dentists will check your mouth to ensure there are no pre-existing conditions that could be detrimental to your implants.
As long as you are over eighteen years of age and given the all clear from our team, there are no limits on having implants.
How long does it take to fit the implants?
This is the cause of confusion for many patients; the implants are small, metal screws which are fitted to your jaw.
This process can take up to an hour and may be spread over two sessions. After this, you will be required to wait for up to six months, to ensure your jawbone has regrown around the implants before you are fitted with your new tooth or teeth.
What is the success rate of implants?
The latest research shows that the long term success rate of implants is around 96% for a successful fitting, with long term success being around 96% too.