The benefits of dental implants

If you are missing a tooth or teeth, dental implants could be an option you may consider away from dentures or bridgework. Implants are known to have various benefits in comparison to the uncomfortable results that other treatments can have.

Here to discuss those benefits in further detail is Top Doctors Awards 2021 winner and one of the best dentists in the UK, Dr Olurotimi Adesanya.

How are dental implants done?

A dental implant is a surgical procedure. Once the patient is numb from anaesthetic, the surgeon will then begin the process of making space within the bone to place the implant.

This can sometimes be done as a keyhole procedure but more often the patient will have stitches in the gum after the surgery.

Although invasive, there is a very short recovery time as aftereffects are normally just light pain and a small amount of swelling, if at all.

How long does a dental implant procedure take?

A dental implant can take less time than having a root canal procedure. If the patient is having multiple implants placed, we would allow a bit more time. The surgery itself tends to take under an hour.

What are the benefits of having dental implants?

The benefits of having dental implants are vast:

• For function, it means the patient can still chew food and have the correct bite.
• Aesthetically, they look natural and no one would know the patient is missing their own teeth, thus restoring confidence.

A big benefit is that the patient will not have to wear uncomfortable and ill-fitting dentures. An implant does not affect speech, and as it is fused to the bone there is no worry of it slipping or falling out.

Who is and isn't a good candidate for dental implants?

Nine out of 10 patients are good candidates for dental implants. Ideally when placing a dental implant, we would like a patient to have a good basis of oral health. It may be that other dental work will need to be carried out and the patient be stabilised before implants are planned.

Some bone degenerative diseases can affect the placement of a dental implant. This is something a patient would need to discuss with their dentist and treating consultant for guidance on.

How long do dental implants last?

If looked after properly, a dental implant can last a lifetime. It should be remembered that an implant can only thrive in a healthy environment. Aftercare is extremely important, regular check-ups and hygiene appointments should be attended. A dental implant can also be affected by gum disease just like a natural tooth, so it is highly important to practice good oral hygiene.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

Dental implants have a very high success rate. We will always advice that there are no guarantees, but a success rate of 95 to 98 per cent is very high. They are also more successful than crowns and fixed bridges, as a dental implant does not damage an existing tooth which can lead to more tooth loss.

If you’re considering having dental implants, you can arrange an appointment with Dr Adesanya via his Top Doctor's profile.