Discuss your options
There is a misconception that implants are the best solution for EVERYONE in EVERY circumstance. This is not the case and it requires every patient to be individually assessed and the best options recommended. Theses options include conventional crown and bridge work with partial chrome cobalt dentures (to fill the gaps), normal denture prosthesis or immediate dentures (extraction and fit). We look forward to discussing your dental options with you in the near future.
What are the benefits of implants?
- Easier to eat with than dentures
- Aesthetically more pleasing
- More beneficial for the mouth
- Better stability than dentures
āas you bite and chew, this strengthens the jawbone. Not only is this true for natural teeth it is also true for implantsā explained Nigel Towner CDT.
When a patient is āedentulousā (all their natural teeth have been lost), implants are a natural choice as they allow a complete row of bridges or crowns to be constructed dependent on the nature of the case.
Done well, by an experienced dental team, implants can give patients back confidence in their appearances and health is improved through being able to eat a wider choice of food.
But Nigel did inject a note of caution. āIf a patientās teeth are still intact then the option of fillings to the tooth or root should be explored to determine the best long term outcome - everybody is different.ā
What are the costs?
They are certainly regarded as the higher end of the denture market, but done well you certainly get what you pay for. Allow between Ā£2,000 to Ā£5,000.
Other considerations
Whilst the vast majority of implants are successful, the procedure increases the importance of avoiding infection which can occur and damage the bone holding the implant in place. This is known as āperi-implantitis (not to be confused with ordinary gum disease) and can cause the implants to loosen. There is no consensus among experts in the field as to exactly what causes it but it highlights the need to have this procedure done by a qualified and experienced dental team, who operate to the highest standards and who are particular about client suitability. It is important to ensure that in each case there is enough jawbone to hold all the implants in place.
There is also a heightened obligation on the patient to practice a thorough dental hygiene regime and if relevant to consider giving up smoking.
When done well and on the right patients implants are a great option that can increase a personās quality of life and improve their looks.