Tag: missing teeth

How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Factors To Consider

Tooth loss is becoming a growing concern in the UK. According to the Oral Health Foundation, over 71% of British adults have at least one tooth missing. Similarly, the Adult Oral Health Survey 2021 showed that almost 5% of the people in the UK have lost all their teeth. Unfortunately, even a single missing tooth can cause various oral and physical health complications, besides affecting one’s smile and facial aesthetics. If you have also lost one or more natural teeth, dental implants are the best tooth replacement option. 

But what are dental implants and how long do they last? You may ask! Don’t worry, we will provide answers to all your dental implant-related questions in this blog. So, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about implants for teeth. 

What are Dental Implants?

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, an implant is a screw-shaped titanium fixture placed into the jawbone. Dental implants serve as artificial roots and anchor themselves firmly in the jawbone to provide a strong foundation for the false teeth attached to it. Since dental implants are placed in the jaws just like natural teeth, they are considerably more durable and functionally efficient than other tooth replacement options such as bridges or dentures. 

How Long Do Dental Implants Take To Heal?

When considering dental implants for tooth replacement, you might be wondering about the time required for healing after implant surgery. The answer is that your dentist will perform the tooth implant surgery in two or more stages. In the first stage, they will surgically insert the implant within the jawbone. Afterwards, the surgical site will be left untouched for 4 – 6 months to ensure that healthy bone forms around the implant. So, only after about 6 months of implant placement will your dentist load it with a suitable prosthesis for tooth replacement.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Well-Treated Dental Implant?

Dental implants are by far the most durable option for replacing missing teeth. According to the Oral Health Foundation, well-looked-after and well-treated dental implants can last a lifetime. On the other hand, the risk of implant failure is significantly higher when they are placed by novice dentists. So, if you want to maximise the lifetime of your implants, you should go to an experienced and qualified dentist. 

How Many Days Does It Take To Implant A Tooth?

The surgical process of placing an implant into the jawbone, also called implantation, can be completed in a single sitting. However, it may take up to 6 months for the implant surgical site to heal properly and promote sufficient bone formation around it. So, placing an implant does not take long, but your dentist will wait for a few months before they will load it with a suitable prosthesis. 

Are Dental Implants Safe For My Long-Term Oral Health?

Dental implants have become the most sought-after tooth replacement option in the UK. This is because of their excellent durability, the ability to restore one’s facial aesthetics, and more importantly, their biocompatibility. Dental implants are made of titanium alloys, making them suitable for implantation in the oral cavity without the risk of adverse effects or an allergic reaction. So, if you’re looking for the safest tooth replacement option, you should consider dental implants. 

Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Last Forever?

An all-on-four implant is a prosthesis used for replacing all missing teeth in a jaw using tooth implants. It consists of four implants placed in each jaw that support a complete fixed bridge. Since the all-on-4 prosthesis is supported by dental implants, it provides excellent stability and is significantly more durable than the other tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges. With proper care, you can expect your all-on-4 implant-supported teeth to last a lifetime. 

What Happens If You Don’t Get Dental Implants?

Not everyone needs a tooth implant. They are needed for only those individuals who have lost one or more teeth. However, if you don’t get an implant even if you have missing teeth, it can lead to various complications. First, bone tissue around the missing tooth starts to degrade, making the jawbone brittle and fracture-prone. Secondly, this bone degradation can also cause significant facial structural and aesthetic changes. Finally, it becomes challenging to eat and speak properly when one has one or more missing teeth. So, it is advisable to replace one’s missing teeth as soon as possible. 

What Should I Do If I Get An Infection After Dental Implants?

An infection around an implant is called peri-implantitis. This condition typically occurs when a dentist hasn’t ensured optimal infection control or if they have applied too much during implant placement. If you feel that you have an infection around the implant site – which is characterised by pain and swelling – you should consult your dentist immediately. 

Do I Have To Get My Implants Replaced After 10 Years?

It is not necessary to have your tooth implants replaced after 10 years. In fact, most dental implants last for a lifetime if they are looked after properly. You can consider tooth implants as the next best thing to natural teeth. 

Why Would You Need A Dental Implant?

When considering tooth implants, it is advisable to seek the services of a specialist implant dentist. Why? Because implant dentists have obtained additional training and qualifications in replacing missing teeth with implants. This means that they are better equipped to perform implant procedures with minimal risk of adverse effects or complications. 

If you are looking for the best implant dentist practice in Essex London, Harrow Dental Practice and Dental Implant Centre is your best option. We take pride in having one of the best dental professionals and equipment in town, to ensure that you get the most out of your implant treatment. Click here to make an enquiry regarding tooth implants and let us take care of all your dental needs. 

What Does A Specialist Prosthodontist Do?

Dentistry is a vast field. A dental professional not only ensures that their patients enjoy optimal dental and physical health but also gives them an optimal smile and facial aesthetics. With time, dentistry has evolved tremendously and divided into many branches and specialties. 

Gone are the days when a single dental professional would perform all procedures. Today, dental professionals specialise in different fields to provide top-notch services to their patients—one such dental speciality. If your general dentist has just told you that you need to see a prosthodontist, you might be wondering about this speciality. But, there is no need to worry; this blog will explain everything you need to know about prosthodontics and what a prosthodontist does. So, read on to learn more. 

Who Is A Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dental professional who has obtained an additional 3 – 4 years of clinical training and experience in replacing missing teeth using prosthetic dental appliances. For example, if someone is missing one or more teeth, their prosthodontist will replace them with dental implants, teeth bridges, or removable dentures. Prosthodontists also replace missing teeth in people who have lost all their teeth using complete dentures or all-on-4 implant-supported complete fixed bridges. 

What Are The Advantages Of Seeing A Dental Specialist?

Many people wonder why is it necessary to visit a specialist dentist. The answer is that not all dental problems require seeing a specialist. For example,  a general dentist can easily treat common dental issues such as teeth cavities or mild gum disease. However, if someone has lost many teeth and does not have sufficient bone tissue available to support an implant, they should consult a specialist prosthodontist. Why? Because they are trained to perform specialised procedures to treat even the most complex cases. 

Is General Dentistry A Specialty?

General dentistry involves, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common dental problems. A general dentist performs various procedures such as teeth cleanings, dental fillings, and root canal procedures. In short, general dentistry provides basic dental treatment to help maintain one’s oral and physical health. 

Although general dentistry comprises a significant portion of procedures performed in dentistry, it is not recognised as a speciality. According to the Royal College of Surgeons of England, general dentistry is not among the list of dental specialities recognised in the UK.  

What Do You Call Someone Who Makes Dentures?

A denture is a prosthesis used for replacing missing teeth. A dentist who specialises in replacing missing teeth by using various prosthetic dental appliances, such as dentures, bridges, and dental implants, is a prosthodontist. According to the British Society of Prosthodontists, a prosthodontist is a professional who specialises in the replacement of missing teeth. So, if you or a loved one requires tooth replacement, you should consult a prosthodontist. 

What Are Periodontics, Paedodontics And Prosthodontics?

Periodontics, or periodontology is a branch of dentistry that relates to the treatment of problems involving tissues that surround our teeth, such as the gums, the fibres around our teeth, and the jawbone. On the other hand, a pedodontist or a paediatric dentist specialises in the treatment of dental problems in children. Finally, a prosthodontist is a dental professional who specialises in replacing missing teeth. So, all three are dental professionals. However, they have different specialities. Generally, dentists have to obtain an additional three or four years of clinical training in their chosen field before they are considered specialists. 

How Do I Choose The Right Dentist For Dental Implants

Prosthodontists are dental professionals who specialise in replacing missing teeth using various treatment options such as teeth bridges, removable dentures, and implant-supported overdentures. If you have lost one or more teeth and considering getting them replaced with dental implants, you might be looking for a prosthodontist near you. 

The first thing to consider when selecting a prosthodontist for dental implants is their skill and qualifications. You can check the register of dental specialists on the General Dental Council’s website to confirm whether the specialist you’re considering holds a recognised qualification. Another good way to select a prosthodontist is to check for the online ratings of your local prosthodontic practices. You should go with a practice that has 5-star ratings and state-of-the-art facilities and offers flexible payment plans. 

Prosthodontist Near Me, What Factors To Consider When Choosing One?

If you or a loved one is looking for a prosthodontist in Hornchurch, here are some tips that will help you select the best dental specialist in town. 

  • The Qualification and Experience – the more qualified and experienced a specialist is, the higher the quality of their treatment. 
  • The Location – a prosthodontist in a metropolitan area will have higher treatment costs than one in the suburbs. 
  • Services Offered – you should select a prosthodontic practice that offers all your required services under one roof. 
  • Treatment Costs – you should look for a prosthodontist in your area who offers flexible treatment plans in the form of easy affordable instalments. This will help you manage your expenses during implant therapy. 

When it comes to finding the best specialist prosthodontist in Hornchurch, your best option is Harrow Dental. We take pride in having specialist prosthodontists in our team who can treat even the most complex missing teeth problems. We also have state-of-the-art equipment that allows us to offer the highest-quality services in town. So, book an appointment with us today and let us restore your smile and oral health. 

How Much Does Dental Extraction Cost?

When we talk about dentists, the first thing that comes to mind is teeth extractions. However, teeth extraction is not that common anymore. Today, dentists focus on preserving as many teeth as possible. But even today, teeth need to be extracted in a few cases. 

So, what is tooth extraction, when it is needed, and how much does it cost? You will get answers to all these questions and many more in this blog. So, if your dentist has just told you that you need to get one of your teeth removed and you would like to know more about the procedure, read on!

What Is Dental Extraction Treatment?

Tooth extraction is a procedure in which a dentist pulls a tooth out of its socket. A tooth extraction may seem painful, but it is not. Why? Because your dentist will administer local anaesthesia to make you pain-free before starting the procedure. 

What Should I Know About Tooth Extractions?

If this is the first time you are having one of your teeth removed, there are a few things you should know about the procedure:

  • Dental extractions are painless. You will not feel any pain but may experience pressure sensations during the procedure. 
  • The procedure can be completed in under an hour. However, some dental extractions may take longer. 
  • You should come in for an extraction with a full stomach. 

What Is Better, Root Canal Or A Tooth Extraction?

A root canal and dental extractions are two separate procedures. A root canal is performed to treat infection inside the tooth’s pulp tissue. A root canal can be considered your dentist’s attempt to save a grossly damaged tooth. However, if a root canal is not successful or a tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will suggest getting it extracted and replacing it with an implant-supported prosthesis. 

How Much Does A Tooth Extraction Cost Privately?

Getting a tooth extracted from an NHS-affiliated dentist is considerably cheaper than going to a private dentist. However, the waiting times with NHS are quite long. So, if you don’t want to wait many weeks for your turn with the NHS, you may consider a tooth extraction with a private dentist. Regarding the cost, an extraction by a private dentist can cost around £50 and £350. 

Why Does It Cost So Much To Get A Tooth Pulled?

A tooth extraction is expensive because it is a surgical procedure that requires accuracy and precision. The cost may increase if someone needs an extraction of a broken tooth or root. This is because broken teeth or roots need to be removed with a more extensive surgical procedure called surgical resection. If you cannot afford the high cost of a private oral surgeon, you may consider going to an NHS dentist who will charge you considerably less. 

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Gold Teeth?

When we talk about gold teeth, it doesn’t mean that the tooth is made of gold. Instead, gold teeth refer to teeth having gold filings. Since gold fillings do not hinder tooth removal, the price of having a gold filling-containing tooth should be the same as one without it. But, there is one factor which should be considered. A tooth containing a large gold filling may break or fracture during the extraction. Surgical resection may be needed in these cases, which costs more than a regular extraction. 

What Are The Alternatives To Wisdom Tooth Removal?

A wisdom tooth extraction is performed for various reasons:

  • When there is insufficient space in the jaws to accommodate all the teeth. In such cases, wisdom teeth may be removed to create space and realign the remaining teeth 
  • When the position of a wisdom tooth risks infecting the adjacent teeth 
  • When the soft tissues around a partially impacted wisdom tooth get infected frequently, the affected wisdom teeth should be removed in this condition- called pericoronitis. 

Unfortunately, there is no alternative to wisdom tooth removal. If a wisdom tooth gets infected or affects the other teeth, it must be surgically removed. Choosing not to extract a problem-causing wisdom tooth can lead to various complications. 

Dental Extraction Near Me

If you have one or more teeth needing removal, you are strongly advised to visit a qualified and experienced oral surgeon. Why? Because a dental extraction is a surgical procedure. Therefore, you should go to a dentist who is very particular about cross-infection control. More importantly, your dentist should have excellent surgical skills. This is because the higher the surgery quality, the lesser the post-operative pain and discomfort will be. Another reason one should visit an experienced oral surgeon is that they are trained to administer local anaesthesia. Therefore, they will ensure that you remain pain-free throughout the procedure.  Finally, having your teeth removed by an experienced dentist minimises the risk of surgical complications. 

If you reside in North Harrow and you’re looking for an experienced and renowned oral surgeon, Harrow Dental Centre should be your first choice. We have a team of highly qualified general and specialist dentists who will take care of all your problems and treat you in a relaxing and soothing environment. We also have state-of-the-art technology that allows us to provide our esteemed patients with the best services in town. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us to book an examination now, and let us take care of your entire family’s dental issues. We look forwards to serving you.