You will, no doubt, want to ask a number of questions when you come to your consultation in Hampstead. We recommend our patients read up on dental implants prior to coming in so you can bring along your own list of dental implant questions to your consultation.
There, our highly skilled team of experts can answer any dental implant questions you may have. Anything you’d like to know about the procedure, results or maintenance; we’ll be happy to put your mind at ease.
Until then, here is a list of some of our North London patients’ most frequently asked dental implant questions to get you started.
Dental implant FAQ – How do I know if I am suitable for dental implants?
Most generally healthy people are suitable for dental implants. We carry out a strict series of examinations and checks to make sure implants are right for you.
At your consultation, we will need to know your full medical and dental history. It’s rare to find a health issue that will stop you being able to have tooth implants, but there are some that may reduce the success rate of your treatment. For example, problems like tooth clenching or grinding may put your implant under too much pressure.
If you have gum disease it will need to be treated before surgery, but it shouldn’t stop you being able to have the implants altogether.
Dental implant FAQ – How long will my treatment take?
The procedure to place your implant will only take one or two hours, but a temporary crown will be fitted until the bone and implant fuse together. This can take between three to nine months, as every patient heals differently.
If you’re having an extraction, in many cases, we may be able to place your implant in the same appointment. Once you’re healed up, we can place your permanent crown.
We’ll also ask you some questions about your lifestyle too. Drinking alcohol and smoking can have negative long-term impacts on the health of your gums and bones around your implant. You may have to reduce or quit smoking before you are able to continue with your dental implant treatment.
Dental implant FAQ – Will the procedure hurt?
This is one of the most commonly asked dental implant questions we hear. But don’t worry, we’ll use a local anaesthetic when placing your implants so you won’t feel any pain.
Although the procedure may be invasive, we carry out your surgery with care; gently, cautiously and precisely. Our team are highly skilled and have extensive experience in dental implant treatments. We’ll do everything we can to make your procedure as comfortable as possible.
You may find the area around your implant a little swollen, tender, and occasionally bruised after your surgery. These usually resolve themselves after about a week, and you should be able to treat any discomfort you may have with over the counter painkillers.
If your pain persists or you have any concerns or questions about your dental implants, you can always come back and see us or call Dental Perfection Hampstead practice on 020 7431 2710.
Dental implant FAQ – How much do they cost?
The final cost of your dental implants can only be given after you have had a consultation with us. We will send you a very detailed treatment plan with full costs a few days after your appointment. However, you can view our standard dental implant costs.
Dental implant FAQ – What types of implants do you offer?
We offer a range of implants to suit each individual situation. You can find out more information about these by clicking on the appropirate link below.
- Same-day tooth implant placement after extractions
- Single tooth implant-supported crowns
- Multiple teeth implant-supported bridges
- Implant retained overdentures (partial and complete)
- Mini implants to help orthodontic tooth movement
- Full mouth implants
Dental implant FAQ – How long will my implants last?
Once your bone and the tissue around your implant have healed (after about 3-9 months) and your crowns are properly fitted, how long your new teeth last is completely up to you.
The quality and upkeep of how you care for them will influence their durability. Implants need the same attention as real teeth. If you take care of them properly, they’ll last you a lifetime. Read more about the further benefits of dental implants.
Dental implant FAQ – How do I care for my implants?
One of the main reasons an implant will fail is due to poor oral hygiene. Remember – your dental implant is a replacement tooth, so you do have to take care of it as though it were real.
Brushing at least twice a day, flossing, having regular check-ups with your dentist and seeing a dental hygienist regularly will all help keep your implants and surviving teeth healthy.
Your dentist will also give you all the information you need to know about aftercare and maintenance for your implant following your treatment.
Dental implant FAQ – What if I don’t have dense enough bones for dental implants?
At your consultation, we will look over your x-rays to get an idea of your bone density. Your implants need a strong jawbone to keep them stable. Particularly if you’re wanting an implant placed on the same day as an extraction, it’s really important you have enough bone to support the treatment.
However, even if you don’t have enough bone for dental implants, there is still a way you may be able to have them in the future. There are two different methods we may be able to use to help you.
Bone grafting – this is where we use a bone substitute and a protective membrane to replace your bone. This gives you the ideal density and contours for tooth implant treatment after bone loss. As time goes by, your body has a way of replacing this substitute with its own bone in a process that’s known as Guided Bone Regeneration.
Sinus lift – If you’ve lost your upper back teeth, the change in force can mean your sinus cavity becomes bigger. A sinus lift adds to the bone in the upper arch where the bottom of your sinus cavity is located. This lifts the floor of the sinus cavity and gives your upper jaw more depth and density to allow for dental implants.
If you need a bone graft before your implant procedure, your treatment time will be longer, but it means the success rate of your dental implants will be greatly increased. Your dentist will let you know if this is a suitable option for you and give you the chance to ask any bone graft or dental implant questions at your consultation.
Dental implant FAQ – Why should I have my implants at Dental Perfection in Hampstead?
We are a team of highly qualified specialist dentists and dental nurses here in North London based in our Hampstead clinic. We work with you through every step of your dental implant treatment, from your initial consultation all the way to your life changing end result. We have had many patients who we have helped regain their smiles and you can view some of our dental implant before and after photos to see the difference we have made.
We’ll answer any concerns or dental implant questions you may have and help to make your experience as relaxed, comfortable and rewarding as possible. Call Dental Perfection today to book your dental implant consultation with our team on 020 7431 2710.
We have been working with clients from all over North London (including St Johns Wood, Belsize Park, Highgate, and Swiss Cottage) from our Hampstead clinic since 1979.
Our North London premises are less than a minute's walk away from Hampstead Underground Station.