You may have heard about dental implants or other tooth replacement options, but often people aren’t sure what exactly they are. So they ask many questions when losing a tooth and the various options available to replace it, depending on their budget and needs.
Now, the two main options to replace missing teeth are getting dentures and having dental implants. But what’s the difference?
What are dentures?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth made of ceramic or porcelain and patients can get 
partial or complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when there are missing teeth while complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing. The materials used offer a translucent look just like natural teeth and the colour of the dentures can be very similar to the other teeth in the patient’s mouth.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a surgical procedure done to restore your teeth. This process includes replacing the tooth roots. A dental implant is placed in the bone socket of the missing tooth and as the jawbone starts to heal, the implant is secured in place. A small abutment is done to connect the implant to the replacement tooth, and this can either be permanent or removable.
Why do more people choose dental implants?
The benefits of dental implants over dentures is that implants are a long-lasting solution whereas dentures can
break easily or wear down over time. They offer better comfort and don’t move around. They also help with speech and enhance your facial structure. They might be a bit more costly, but the benefits outweigh the added cost and they will pay off in the long run.
Here are some frequently asked questions about dental implants:
1. When do I need to get a dental implant?
Dental implants are used for tooth replacement. They are used to replace teeth with extensive decay or replace a broken tooth which cannot be restored with a crown or by root canal treatment.
2. What are the benefits of having a dental implant?
Some of the benefits of having a dental implant include:
· They are a permanent tooth replacement option. They look and work like most natural teeth and they don’t affect your ability to chew or bite
· They restore your natural smile and help preserve your facial features
· They fit precisely without slipping and don’t need any adhesive to keep them in place
· They prevent damage to the surrounding teeth
· They last a very long time, if taken care of accordingly
· They improve your appearance and confidence without making you feel self-conscious about your smile
3. How long does it take to get a dental implant?
The process can take up to 16 weeks, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. However, at Angel Smile we also offer immediate dental implants that the patient can go home with right after tooth extraction within one appointment, if suitable.
4. Are dental implants ideal for everyone?
Each person has different requirements and the best person to advise you on the ideal course of treatment is your dentist. Some of the factors they look at is if you have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone tissue. If so, dental implants could be an option. They will enquire about any pre-existing conditions you might have such as heart disease, immune problems or a history of cancer to find out what the ideal dental implants look like for you. Your dentist will then advise you on the best course of treatment.
5. How does having dental implants improve my oral health?
Since a dental implant is meant to fill a missing tooth, it acts like a normal tooth. This means that you can bite and chew food normally and your jawbone remains strong and won’t subside. You retain your facial structure and since missing a tooth can lead to other health consequences like loss of neighbouring teeth, you can retain your teeth with proper oral care and hygiene over years.
6. What does the dental implants procedure entail?
After a tooth is removed, the oral tissue first needs to heal. After this an implant screw is inserted into the jawbone, this screw is usually made of titanium or could be made of other materials. When the screw adheres to the bone, it is then capped with a crown that looks like the rest of the teeth. At Angel Smile London we use a technology called guided surgery where every step of the dental implant surgery is digitally planned and the dentist follows the instructions on a computer screen.
7. Is getting a dental implant painful?
As a rule, anyone who can withstand the healing process of tooth extraction can handle dental implants. The first procedure is done under local anaesthesia and might be a bit painful but the rest of the procedure is relatively painless, but this is all dependent on each person’s pain threshold.
8. What happens if the missing tooth is left unreplaced?
For many people, when a missing tooth isn’t replaced, they may have a hard time chewing and biting especially 
harder foods. The jawbone also deteriorates faster which leads to the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. This could also affect the neighbouring teeth and lead to tooth loss. The rest of the teeth may move, causing bite problems and the facial skin might sag and give you an uneven smile.
9. How long do dental implants last?
Most dental implants last an average of about 12 years or more. With new dental implant materials and new technology, they are designed to fit better to allow the jawbone to heal faster.
10. How much do dental implants cost?
On average a single implant in the UK costs about £2,415*, however, the specific cost can vary greatly depending on the location of your dentist and the material and service charges. It’s advisable to discuss your treatment plan with your dentist in your initial consultation in order to establish the expected financial burden and a possible finance plan solution.
At Angel Smile we source the best materials for dental implants and use the latest technology for the best dental implant treatments.
Drop us an email at reception@angelsmile.co.uk and we will gladly arrange a consultation appointment at your convenience. Just click on the image of Angel Smile’s dental implants expert Dr Amin to get to the make an appointment page.