New Year Dental Implants? Say Hello To Smile Confidence!

Your opportunity to renew your smile in 2022!

Unfortunately, it’s starting to look as though this Christmas might have echoes of the last one. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed of course and hope that things work out OK. Whilst there will be much of what happens (or doesn’t) that is out of our control, we can at least look forwards to the future, and what better time to do that then in the period before the start of the new year.

The new year is a time of ‘renewal’ and at the Clocktower Dental Implant & Facial Centre we often find an increase in interest in cosmetic and restorative treatments requested by our Epsom patients. Although the most popular of these is teeth whitening, we’ve also seen a dramatic increase in those folk requesting dental implants.

For the benefit of those who have missing teeth, or who wear dentures but find them less than ideal, we offer a few pieces of information about modern teeth implants that you might like to consider. We will also be pleased to discuss this in person to help you on your journey to a more attractive smile in the new year.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a popular alternative to dentures. Unlike dentures however, they also replace the root part of the tooth as well as the crown part above the gum line. Although this does require minor surgery which dentures typically don’t, there are many long term benefits as you can read below.

Can anyone have them?

Yes, providing that you have a jaw bone structure that is healthy enough to place the implants into. This usually means a short period prior to the treatment where you need to abstain from smoking and drinking heavily, and, of course, we will check and treat any gum disease present as well. Some people may not have sufficient bone to place the implant into for a number of reasons. Where this is the case, there are options available, including a bone graft or sinus lift prior to your implant placement. We will discuss this with you at your initial consultation.

Are they painful?

There is sometimes a perception that having teeth implants placed is a painful experience. This is probably because the implant has to be placed into the jawbone. The reality for most people though is that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than you would expect from any advanced dental treatment. A combination of our caring and experienced team and a very effective local anesthetic will help to keep the level of discomfort to a minimum. Patients also have the option of having conscious sedation which allows you to stay awake during the treatment, but in a very relaxed and pain-free state.

How strong are they?

This is one of the biggest benefits of teeth implants. They provide a very strong replacement tooth that allows people to eat as they would with a healthy natural tooth. A big part of this strength comes from the implant which is placed into the jawbone and acts as a replacement tooth root. This prevents it from moving around and ensures its stability. This differs from some people’s experience of dentures which some find move around in the mouth when eating certain foods.

Are they expensive?

There is no getting away from the fact that implants are not a cheap option for replacing missing teeth. This doesn’t mean that they don’t represent good value for money though. Once placed, dental implants rarely require any further intervention during their lifetime, providing that they are looked after properly. This contrasts with dentures which may need adjusting or repairing a number of times over the same period of time. We also offer our Epsom patients a number of payment plans that help you to spread the costs.

Are they easy to look after?

This is another area where implants have a distinct advantage over dentures. To keep dentures clean, they need to be cleaned regularly. This involves removing them from the mouth to brush them and also regularly soaking them overnight. Contrast that with dental implants that you simply brush and floss as you should do your own natural teeth. We do also recommend that you have your teeth and gums professionally cleaned by our hygienist at least twice a year, a routine that is very beneficial whether you have implants or not.

How long will they last?

Dental implants can last for around twenty years and whilst many people can expect to have them for this long as long as they look after them correctly, it is not unusual for them to last even longer. This is hugely beneficial and means that you can trust them as you would your own teeth.

If you would like to find out more about teeth implants and are interested in having them placed, why not book your initial consultation at Clocktower Dental, Implant & Facial Centre for the new year by calling us on 01372 720136.

In the meantime, we wish all of our Epsom patients a happy Christmas and New Year!