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What are dental implants?


A dental implant is used to support one or more false teeth. It is a titanium screw that can replace the root of a tooth when it fails. Just like a tooth root, it is placed into the jawbone.


Are implants safe and how long will they last?


Implants are a safe, well-established treatment. It's probably true to say that implants, much like natural teeth, will last for as long as you care for them.


How well you look after your implants - and whether you go for your regular maintenance appointments - will have the biggest impact on how long they will last.


If you don't look after your implants they will develop a coating similar to what you get on neglected natural teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort. You could get all these problems with natural teeth.


If your implants are well looked after, and if the bone they are fitted to is strong and healthy, you can expect them to last for many years.


Can implants always be used to replace missing teeth?


It depends on the condition of the bone in your jaw. Our dentist will arrange for a number of special tests to find out the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn't healthy enough, it may not be possible to place implants without grafting bone into the area first.


Do implants hurt?


Placing an implant is often easier than taking a tooth out and is usually done using a simple local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain at the time but, just like after an extraction, you may feel some discomfort during the week after the surgery.


Our dentist might give you a sedative if you are very nervous or if the case is a complicated one. General anaesthetics are rarely used for implants and are generally only used for very complicated cases.


How long does the treatment take?


California’s Dental Care team will be able to give you a rough timetable before the treatment starts.


Some false teeth can now even be fitted at the same time as the implants (these are called ‘immediate implants'). Check with our team to see whether these are suitable for you. Usually the false teeth are fitted 3 to 4 months after the implants are put in. Sometimes treatment takes longer and we will be able to talk to you about your treatment time.


What about aftercare?


Your dental team will give you instructions on how to look after your implant. They may give you some painkillers after the surgery - or make sure you have some at home - to take over the next few days if you need them.


What happens next?


After your implants have been placed, the bone in your jaw needs to grow onto them and fuse to them. This usually takes a few months. Sometimes the implants may be stable enough when they are placed for the false teeth to be fitted sooner than this.


If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you may have a temporary denture in the meantime. If you already have full dentures, you can keep wearing these while your implants are healing. Your dentures will need altering, to fit properly after the surgery, and a ‘healing cap' will usually be placed onto the implant site to protect it.


Are the implant teeth difficult to clean?


No. But aftercare is important if you are going to have a long-lasting, successful implant. California’s Dental Care team would give you detailed advice on how to look after your implants. Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, there may be areas that are difficult to reach and you'll be shown how to clean them. You may need to visit your hygienist more often but your dental team will be able to talk to you about this.

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