When you have missing teeth, it is often more than a simple aesthetic issue. Depending on the teeth that are missing, you may find it harder to bite into and chew food effectively, which can lead to secondary complications such as indigestion, acid reflux or even malabsorption of food. None of these is good!

Many people in the past have opted to alleviate the issues caused by missing teeth with dentures or fitted bridges. However, in 2022, there is an additional restorative option that is becoming more popular in dental surgeries around the world: oral implants.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are always happy to meet with adult patients who have missing teeth and want to discuss the possibility of having dental implants Clapham fitted. This procedure is more straightforward than most people think and can leave you with a smile that you won’t be able to stop showing off. You’ll also be able to eat tougher foods again; what’s not to like about that?

But before you book your appointment with our team, you are likely to have a few questions about dental implants Clapham, so in this article, we answer five questions frequently asked by our patients about oral implants.

How do they work?

Your dental implants Clapham will be affixed to your jaw via surgery. Our team will initially need to take an x-ray of your jaw to assess its suitability; if it is thick and healthy, implantation will likely be successful. We will numb the area and then make some incisions. Then, fitting the implant, we will close the gum around it to secure it in place. The implant will be made of titanium, which is biologically inert and can fuse with the surrounding bone. Once this process is completed, the implant will act as a stable base for prosthetic teeth to be attached.

Is the fitting uncomfortable?

Not at all! Our team will ensure that the implant site and your mouth are numbed before we begin surgery. Once you are at home afterwards and the surgery is completed, it is advisable to use over-the-counter pain relievers to mitigate the discomfort you will feel, which should be no worse than that of a dental extraction. If you notice that the pain is more significant than this or gradually getting worse, then you need to see our team to have an assessment completed as you may have an infection.

Can anyone have oral implants fitted?

Not everybody can have oral implants. As mentioned earlier, you need to have a healthy and strong jawbone, which can be an issue if you have had teeth missing for many years or you have osteoporosis. Furthermore, your mouth should be free of decayed teeth and gum disease, and you must be 18 years or older to have implants fitted.

How long do they take to fuse?

On average, oral implants take between 3 to 6 months to fuse, but this may vary based on age and general health. After 12 months, if our team finds that the implant has not fused, we will need to remove it and consider other restorative options.

Are they worth the money?

If they are cared for correctly, oral implants can easily last for 20 years or more. And compared to the secondary complications that can arise due to missing teeth, such as a higher incidence of tooth decay, gum disease or even orthodontic concerns, oral implants are actually not that expensive.