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Why dental implants
Dental implant solutions to tooth loss have been around for quite some time. Still, over the past couple of decades, they went through extensive research and development. The massive improvements in the quality and placement procedures have resulted in increasing the success rate of dental implant treatments to over 98%.
Nevertheless, there are still lots of questions that either remain unanswered or are unclear as far as the whole process is concerned. In this article, I will elaborate on why fixed teeth over dental implants are the best long-term solution for toothless patients and I will debunk the 5 most common myths related to dental implant treatments. So let’s get to it, shall we?
Firstly, we need to clarify the difference between implants and dentures. There is still a lot of misunderstanding over the internet on that topic, so I feel it deserves to be mentioned in the introduction.
Dental implants are titanium posts which are inserted into the jawbone. Their purpose is to hold in one place firmly the fixed teeth mounted on them. That way, they will not shift or move in your mouth and will allow the dental bridge to look and feel just like your natural teeth.
Conversely, removable dentures are the cheaper alternative to dental implant treatments. Despite offering a cheaper option for those who can’t afford an implant treatment, they have many downsides such as poor look, durability, comfort and most importantly they move freely which can result in an embarrassing situation if you’re in public.
So, in this article, we will take on the role of dental mythbusters and help you get the information you need to be able to choose whether to get dentures or implants in the UK.
Myth 1: Dental Implants Are Painful
Dental implant treatments can be considered straightforward and routine if done by a qualified professional with state-of-the-art equipment. To ensure the successful outcome of the procedure, experienced dental professionals follow a 3-step diagnostic process before proceeding with the treatment:
- Examination
- Digital tomography
- Computer-aided planning
The treatment is divided into separate stages, depending on the amount of work needed. After each stage, there is a healing period to allow the jawbone to heal and be prepared for the next step. During the treatment and healing period afterwards, there is no pain involved whatsoever.
How is this achieved?
Local anaesthesia is designed to ensure a pain-free dental implantation procedure. Afterwards, to ensure a swift recovery with minimal discomfort, you are provided with a goody bag with antibiotics and pain killers.
The truth about dental implant procedures is that they are completely safe, but can have dire consequences if done in a rush. They require precise planning and careful execution. The dental implantation surgery can fail horribly if your dentist has overlooked the healing periods (needed for bone grafting or sinus lift). The reports show that this practice is typical for dental implant clinics abroad that in the attempt to streamline the process, skip laying the solid foundation for dental implants.
In case the treatment is not done properly, there is a significant risk that you return home with horrible complications like infections, failed restorations, nerve injuries or a sinus lift gone wrong. Not only these can result in paying extra for complicated remedial treatment, but the failed treatment can affect your whole life and have long-term consequences.
Myth 2: Dental Implants Are Expensive
It’s no secret that dental implant treatments can cost an arm and a leg. According to Evo Dental, it is said that in 2019, over 30,000 Brits have ventured abroad in pursuit of affordable dental implants.
Still, with an average price of £18,000 for all-on-4/all-on-6 treatment the prices in the UK for full mouth implants are not nearly as extortionate as in the US, where they start from ＄25,000 per arch.
The good news? Dental implants are now made accessible to anyone in the UK – with dental implants costs of £6,990 for a full-mouth restoration, the prices at Dentaprime are 70% more affordable than other dental practices that offer the same treatment across the island. How is this made possible? With a streamlined process, excellent negotiated deals with top-notch German and Swiss implant brands and an in-house laboratory where the dental bridges are produced.
Myth 3: Implants do not look natural
Before proceeding to the costs for dental implants and the treatment itself, your dentist should clearly explain the options and the costs involved clearly and transparently. If you are not able to pay the entire amount and you cannot wait long enough to save money to pay for it, paying for dental treatment in instalments may be a suitable option for you.
With Dentaprime F3T you get packages for full-mouth restoration with implants that are up to 70% more affordable compared to the average in the UK. They are made available through flexible financing options, such as:
One important clarification is due here though – we need to make sure we distinguish the dental implant and the crown/ bridge on top of it.
One of the most common mistakes that I come across online is people using implants and bridges as interchangeable terms. The dental implant serves the purpose of substituting the tooth root. That stops further bone loss and creates a solid foundation for the dental implant once it has fused with the jaw bone. This part is embedded in the jaw bone and is not visible. The actual visible part of your smile is the dental bridge over the implants.
The dental market offers various materials when it comes to fixed teeth over implants – zirconia, ceramic fused to metal, glass-ceramic, and pmma (acrylic). It is up to the specific dental practice to choose what materials to work with.
At Dentaprime we have focused on two different fixed tooth bridge options – pmma and zirconia. They both look natural and function just like your natural teeth.
Specifically, pmma is the more budget-friendly option, however since it is subject to wear and tear, you need to have it replaced every 3-5 years ( it depends on the maintenance)
Alternatively, if you opt for a zirconia restoration, you can choose between a wide variety of shades that range from a Hollywood smile to a more natural look that will have you smile with confidence all the time. As far as zirconia durability and longevity are concerned – with proper maintenance these teeth can last for life, so you can consider this a long-term investment.
Myth 4: Implants Do Not Last Long
Dental implants are known to be the best alternative for toothless patients. Their lifespan is over 20 years if properly maintained. Over the years they have undergone extensive testing and improvement which has led to a success rate of dental implantations that exceeds 98%.
However, you need to be wary of things that may cause your implants to fail – here are 5 factors that may cause your implants to fail:
- Poorly aligned implants
- Infections
- Failed osseointegration (that’s the process of your jaw bone fusing with the implant)
- Allergic reactions
- Failure of the implant itself
The truth is – it’s a shared responsibility here. The successful outcome of the dental implantation is largely dependent on the dentist’s skill and expertise.
There are these occasional situations like allergic reactions for instance, but this is why tests are done in advance. So if you are allergic to titanium implants, alternatively you can get zirconia ones to avoid implant failure.
Nevertheless, it’s your responsibility to take good care of your implants to make sure they last long. And the best part is – all you need to do is look after them just like did with your natural teeth.
Myth 5: I don’t have enough bone
Essentially, bone grafts are used to facilitate bone formation and create a solid foundation for dental implants.
When do you need a bone graft?
Untreated gum disease, tooth extraction, trauma, and inflammations can cause bone deterioration. As a result, bone loss can also appear around natural teeth.
Imagine you have been wearing removable dentures for over 10-20 years. When there are no natural teeth in your mouth, specifically no tooth roots in the jaw, the bone naturally resorbs (practically melts). This is why your face sinks in when you lose teeth (see picture below) – it is a natural process for the body to get rid of material that is not used.
Bringing it all together
Going through such a transition from toothless to having glamorous new teeth can be quite unnerving. However, with the right support, it can be also smooth and exciting. Imagine how your life would change once you are able to smile with confidence in public again and eat your favourite foods.
Always remember to have a critical thinking approach to any information you find on the internet and make sure it is truthful and accurate. And if you need emotional support along the way, you can look for dental implant patient communities – you can get all the insight needed there and after all why go alone through it when you can get all the help you need with just a click away.
