Our private dentists – and our incredible patients – love dental implants. In this post, we’ll go through what they’re used for, what treatment involves, pros and cons, and all the other essential information you need to know if you’re looking into having them.

So, what are dental implants used for?

Put simply, they replace missing teeth. But, one of the best things about them is that they’re a permanent solution – they should not need replacing with the right care and regular check-ups in place. They can last a lifetime.

How does the treatment work?

If the treatment is suitable, you will have your tooth implant fitted in two parts. First, a screw is inserted into your gum under anaesthetic. Once this has healed up and fused with the underlying jaw bone, you’ll have a strong foundation in place for your new false tooth. We’ll then finish it off with a ceramic crown.

Is treatment obvious?

No, most people can’t tell you’ve had dental implants. That’s because they’re placed deeply in the mouth and topped with a ceramic crown, which is a lifelike alternative to your natural teeth. Some people, who have either one or both sets of teeth missing, use dental implants to restore their smile – meaning treatment can replace every tooth in your mouth.

How successful is the treatment?

Incredibly – most dental experts put their success rate at over 90%. To have that secure anchor for your teeth, you’ll need to have enough gum tissue and bone in place. If not, we might not recommend additional treatments beforehand, such as a gum tissue graft. We’ll go over this during your consultation.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros: Replacing a missing tooth means you’ll be restoring the function and aesthetics of your smile, and preventing the remaining teeth from shifting into the gap. If you’re having more than one dental implant, treatment might also help restore the structure of your face, as missing teeth can cause sagging around the mouth. And finally, you’ll be helping retain your gums and jaw bone; missing teeth can cause recession over time.

Cons: Tooth implants need care and attention, just like your natural teeth. While there’s a high success rate with the procedure, there are always risks, especially as the implantation is a type of minor surgery. Here at our York dental practice, we’ll always talk you through any drawbacks to any procedure you have with us, to put your mind at ease.

How do I book?

If you’re interested in tooth implant treatment here at our York dental practice, get in touch with our friendly team today.