Are dental implants painful?
As dental implants are embedded through an incision in the gum into the jawbone using a screw, it certainly sounds painful – but most patients find that there is no pain during surgery as the anaesthetics are very effective. While you will be awake during the surgery, a local anaesthetic will be used. Post-surgery, you are likely to experience some swelling, minor bleeding and mild discomfort or pain for up to 48 hours; however, the pain is not severe and can be effectively diminished using over-the-counter pain relievers. Mild pain and discomfort should completely disappear within a week.
How long is the recovery process after getting an implant?
The recovery time from the surgery is usually up to a week for the swelling and discomfort to disappear; however, you should be able to return to normal duties sooner than that. Although you won’t feel it, the bone and structures surrounding the implant will take from three to six months to fully heal, as the bone integrates with the implant.
Is there an age limit for getting dental implants?
Not really – it is not suitable in children or teenagers as the bones are still changing. Dental implants need to be placed in areas where the bones have fully developed, as further bone growth would compromise the implant position.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants are considered the most successful dental restorative treatment. While there is a very small chance of failure or complications, with an experienced dentist and the use of advanced implant techniques, chances of success are very high.
Why choose Dental Implants?
Many patients are electing to receive implants for both aesthetic and health concerns, making implants a popular choice. They have many advantages to offer patients with missing teeth, such as:
- Improved oral health. As dental implants don’t require the use of adjacent teeth for support (as dental bridges do), remaining teeth are left intact as they don’t need to be reduced in size to make room for other dental structures. Implants also prevent your other teeth from shifting.
- An improved smile. Dental implants can help you restore your smile to its fully functioning and aesthetic best, with structures that look and feel like your own teeth. Using advanced prosthetic material, implants are customised to fit your own unique profile, and possess the same aesthetic properties as your natural teeth, merging seamlessly into your smile.
- Confidence and self-esteem. You will feel much more confident to smile if you can flash a full set of teeth when you do, and dental implants can fill any gaps and improve your confidence and self-esteem.
- Comfort and improved speech. Slurring or mumbling are common in patients with tooth loss, as mouth and facial muscles become lax; but implants can improve these problems. They are more comfortable than wearing dentures, and after a few weeks you won’t even be able to feel the implants as they function and feel exactly like your own teeth.
- Prevent bone deterioration. As implants are fused to your jaw bone, this will improve your facial profile, preventing the face from sagging around the jawline.
- Convenience. Unlike other dental treatments such as dentures, implants are a fixed restoration, so there is no need to remove them for cleaning or maintenance. Larger bridges will be removed by the dentist for cleaning and maintenance at regular intervals.
- Durability. Implants are one of the longest lasting dental restorations and are extremely durable. As they are designed to fuse with the bone, they can withstand greater bite pressure than dentures can. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
- Dietary and nutritional benefits. Chewing can often be difficult with dental restorations such as dentures and can affect how and what you eat as a result of this. Implants can restore natural function of the mouth, allowing you to eat high fibre foods without a problem.
Are there any disadvantages to dental implants?
- Cost – implants are usually the most expensive of the restorative treatment methods.
- As a result of the cost, some insurance plans may not cover dental implant treatment.
- Implants require a surgical procedure, and any surgery carries some risk.
- Patients may experience temporary swelling and pain after getting an implant, this is usually well controlled with medications and so this will not last long.
- If you have insufficient bone for implant placement, bone grafting may be necessary.
- While implant posts are extremely durable, the crown placed on top may sometimes need replacing.
- Not everyone is a suitable candidate for implants – those with leukaemia, uncontrolled diabetes or other chronic illnesses may not be suitable, as these conditions may delay or interfere with healing. Smoking tobacco can also slow healing and affect the future integrity of the treatment, so smokers will need to consider whether they would be able to stop smoking before committing to implant surgery.
What care do dental implants need?
Dental implants don’t need any special care post-recovery; however, they do require the same care and maintenance as natural teeth. Commitment to good oral health practices as well as regular cleans and check-ups are important to maintain the integrity of your implant.
