Whether you are 17 or 70, having missing teeth can put a real dent in your confidence. While teeth are not only great for showing off when you meet new people or attend interviews, they are also essential for healthy digestion and consumption of food. In the past, many people have approached their dentists for dentures or bridges to cover both of these bases, only to find that fitted bridges can put additional pressure on the teeth that they are attached to and of course, no matter how well fitted dentures are, they can rub.

The alternative is to leave these gaps in your smile as they are and to manage as best as you can. But, unfortunately, this can allow plaque and bacteria to accumulate, especially if there are natural teeth either side of the gap. Also, as the gum and jaw shrink due to the lost tooth, any nearby natural teeth may move and even fall out!

Luckily, there is a solution. When you come to our team at Clapham South Dental, we may be able to offer you dental implants in Clapham. Designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and more functional than dentures, these prosthetics are the perfect solution for missing teeth. Perfect! Want to know more about dental implants in Clapham? Read on!

Can anyone have them fitted?

Unfortunately, no. While many people are suited to having dental implants in Clapham, you have to have a good level of oral health and have enough jaw bone to make this option viable.

While our team at Clapham will always endeavour to meet your cosmetic requirements, if you are a smoker or consume alcohol regularly, then your implants are unlikely to last.

Are they uncomfortable?

Many patients worry that having implants fitted will be painful but, as many of our previous patients have told us, it is no more uncomfortable than having a tooth extracted. Also, our team will ensure that your mouth is sufficiently numbed before we begin this process and afterwards, the implant site may feel tender for a few days. If you find the discomfort is not controllable with over-the-counter pain relief, contact our team.

How long does the fitting take?

This depends on how many implants you are having fitted. For one implant, you can expect to be in the dental chair for up to or over an hour. However, once fitted, you will need to wait for 3-6 months for it to fuse to your jawbone so the crown (tooth) can be attached.

How long do they last?

With proper care and healthy lifestyle choices, a correctly fitted implant can last up to 40 years! Remember, smoking, alcohol consumption and poorly managed oral health will shorten this substantially.

Do they need special aftercare?

Not really. After fitting, be careful not to irritate the implant site and eat soft foods to enable faster healing. Apply minimal to no pressure, avoid mouthwash and use salt water to clean the implant site until the inflammation eases.