Dr Peter Sanders
Dentistry

10 reasons to have dental implants

Written by: Dr Peter Sanders

Published: 21/10/2019 | Updated: 15/12/2023

Edited by: Laura Burgess

If you have any missing, broken or decayed teeth you may be wondering if dental implants are the right choice for you. The good news is that implants look and feel like your own teeth and can even last a lifetime. Still not convinced?

Top dentist Dr Peter Sanders of Dental Confidence clinic in Southampton shares ten reasons why dental implants are the best available solution to tooth loss.

1. They look natural

Dental implants are simply the closest replacement to natural teeth. The implants are placed within the bone of the jaw and integrate with the bone to create a secure root form. As the crown (or prosthetic tooth) sits in the same position to the gum line as a tooth, most people are unable to tell the difference between natural teeth and an implant. At Dental Confidence, Dr Sanders and his team strive to achieve the best results in terms of the colour of the implant crowns to guarantee the restoration looks natural.

2. They act like a normal tooth

You are able to eat the foods that you enjoy with dental implants as they function like a normal tooth. As the implant consists of a small titanium screw, which is inserted into a tiny hole in the jaw bone, it naturally fuses with the bone to create a strong artificial root.

3. No damage is done to other teeth

Dental implants replace a single tooth without any unnecessary damage to other teeth. Conventional bridges can reduce the two healthy teeth adjacent to a gap to support the structure. Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant has no effect on adjacent teeth and can be cleaned and flossed just like a natural tooth.

4. Dental implants are cost-effective

According to the British Dental Health Foundation: “over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost-effective and satisfactory option.” A bridge tends to last around ten years but an implant is a permanent solution that will not decay or cause any complications to surrounding teeth. This makes it cost-effective in the long run.

5. They last a lifetime

The longevity of a dental implant is generally very high with an average success rate of 95% after ten years. Dental implants provide a highly predictable solution to replace missing teeth. If you care for your dental implants as you would with natural teeth – by attending regular dental appointments and maintaining a healthy lifestyle – they should last a lifetime.

6. You can eat whatever you like

Wearing dentures or having loose or missing teeth may mean that you are limited in terms of what you eat, which means avoiding any foods that are crunchy or chewy. The strength and stability of the implant, however, means that you no longer have to avoid a tough steak or a crunchy apple!

7. You can confidently smile

It is easy to feel unhappy with your smile if you are embarrassed about your teeth. Restoring your missing teeth will allow you to smile confidently again.

8. People won’t know you have implants

Patients have given feedback that when they meet people for the first time, they are completely unaware that they have implants. The invisibility and reliability of implants mean that patients no longer feel self-conscious about their smile.

9. Dental implants prevent ageing

The reduction in jawbone tissue that bridges or dentures cause, can often result in the ageing of the patient’s face. Implants, however, prevent this bone loss and help retain the natural shape of the jaw.

10. Implants restore self-esteem

Dental implants are invisible, discreet, reliable and aesthetically natural, meaning they will inevitably enhance your self-confidence, increase self-esteem and improve appearance.

If you would like to discuss your options for dental implants, do not hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Sanders now.

By Dr Peter Sanders

Dentistry in Southampton

Dr Peter Sanders is a highly respected and influential dentist with a well-earned reputation as one of the UK’s leading implantologists. Dr Sanders has been a practicing dentist since 1981 and began his implant training in 1997, where he studied at the Eastman Dental Institute in London. In 2005 He became the first dentist in the region to achieve the Royal College of Surgeons Implant Diploma. Over the following years he progressed to be Programme Director and Examiner for that course. ...

By Dr Peter Sanders
Dentistry

Dr Peter Sanders is a highly respected and influential dentist with a well-earned reputation as one of the UK’s leading implantologists.

Dr Sanders has been a practicing dentist since 1981 and began his implant training in 1997, where he studied at the Eastman Dental Institute in London. In 2005 He became the first dentist in the region to achieve the Royal College of Surgeons Implant Diploma. Over the following years he progressed to be Programme Director and Examiner for that course. He is currently President of the Implant Diploma Alumni and is the Past President of the British Society for Advanced Dentistry.

In 2009 Dr Sanders gained an MSc in Implantology and in 2011 was awarded the Fellowship of the Faculty of General Dental Practice. Dr Sanders is a fellow of the International College of Dentists and is currently Chief Examiner on the European Master of Science in Implant Dentistry at Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid.

Having pioneered the intraoral welding method in the UK, Dr Sanders is the British Ambassador for the ground-breaking implant technique, having been the first dentist in the UK to practice the implant loading method which is based on a resistance spot welding principle. He now trains and mentors those wishing to practise the new improved restorative protocol. In 2018 he was also appointed as a global instructor for Zimmer Biomet. Dr Sanders also regularly presents at various key professional events on an international level.

As Clinical Lead at Dental Confidence Ltd in Southampton, he exclusively practices implant dentistry. Dr Sanders has also developed a comprehensive, hands-on implant mentoring programme - designed to help nurture the development of practicing dentists, improving their knowledge, confidence and competence in implant dentistry. His mentoring uniquely aims to involve the whole dental team to allow participating dentists to include dental implantology in their scope of practice.

Aside from his clinical experience, Dr Sanders was the first dentist, worldwide, to have his practice achieve the quality management standard ISO9000.

Peter is a busy father of four with six grandchildren, with hobbies including skiing, cycling and motorcycling, singing and classical guitar.