Are dental implants the best solution to tooth loss?
Written by:
Dentist
Published: 25/09/2019
Edited by: Lisa Heffernan
Dental implants are considered to be the most successful of all complex dental treatments and are the closest replacement to natural teeth. Award-winning dentist Dr Peter Sanders tells us why dental implants are the best solution to replace teeth that have fallen out or that simply need replacing.
Can a person tell if someone has had dental implants?
Implants are developed to look, feel and function exactly like natural teeth, allowing a person to speak, laugh, smile and eat with confidence. Peter Sanders from Dental Confidence makes sure that the process of placing dental implants is thought through thoroughly. Matching the colour of the implant with your natural teeth and focusing on phonetics so that speech is not compromised are just two things out of many that are taken into consideration.
Do you need to be a certain age to have implants?
Contrary to what most people think, dental implants are not just for old people. However, implant surgery should not be carried out until the jaw bone has stopped growing. Therefore, patients should be at least 18 years or over before getting implants.
Older age does not limit a person from having implants either unless the person has insufficient bone tissue to place the implant.
Can implants replace dentures?
Dental implants can replace dentures, broken or missing single teeth and bridges. If a patient has a denture, four to six implants can help to secure the denture, providing long-term stability. First, the implants are placed into the jaw bone, then the denture or bridge is fixed in place. Patients no longer have to be self-conscious about smiling or laughing or worry about eating certain foods.
How long do implants last?
Implants can last a lifetime if a patient maintains a high standard of dental hygiene and takes good care of their teeth. Unlike any other dental procedure, implants are long-term and only require a one-time investment.
Is it painful to get dental implants?
Placing dental implants is surprisingly pain-free for the majority of patients and few feel discomfort. The implants are fixed under local anaesthetic, so the most a patient feels is a slight pressure or a little vibration. Sedation can also be considered for patients if they wish.
Are implants the most expensive solution to tooth loss?
Whilst the price of implants may throw a lot of people off because they are an expensive option, patients should consider that implants are a lifelong solution. The British Dental Health Foundation recently stated that “over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost-effective and satisfactory option”. A bridge, on the other hand, has a much shorter life expectancy of about 10 years. Therefore, implants are more cost-effective and last longer.
Are you considering dental implants? Read Dr Peter Sanders’ article that deals specifically with the benefits of dental implants.