Will Dental Implants Change My Face? Your Dental Implant Questions Answered

For most people, the decision to have dental implant surgery is huge. There are many factors to consider, from understanding the cost of dental implants and how you’ll pay for the treatment to its benefits and practicalities. Each consideration brings its own question. 

At Love Teeth, we want you to make an informed choice about every treatment you receive. It’s our duty to ensure you understand the benefits of dental implants and the procedure before you commit. 

We’re always here to discuss your options and answer questions such as “will dental implants change my face?” and “am I a suitable candidate for the dental implant procedure?”

To help you out before your initial appointment, here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about dental implant surgery. 

What Are Dental Implants?

Every tooth has a root. But most options for replacing missing teeth don’t have roots. Bridges are supported by the teeth on either side, while dentures often rely on clasps. Although these options restore the appearance of your teeth and some of the function, they don’t have the same firm foundation as your natural teeth. 

Dental implants are unique because they replace the tooth’s root. A dental implant is a titanium post that provides perfect anchorage for a life-like replacement crown. 

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

A dental implant fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This leaves your new tooth firmly positioned and just as capable as the real thing. This means you can bite and chew with complete confidence. 

Without a tooth, your jawbone will deteriorate. As your jaw thins and weakens, it leaves you with an aged appearance. Dental implants stop bone resorption, helping you maintain a full and healthy jaw. 

Once in place, the replacement tooth supported by your dental implant will look like the real thing. We use tooth-coloured porcelain that perfectly matches those around it. Your new tooth will seamlessly blend in with your smile, restoring lost confidence. 

What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery? 

We’ll place dental implants in several stages. Between each procedure, your jawbone needs time to heal. During every treatment, we’ll give you an anaesthetic to numb the treatment area, giving you a pain-free experience. 

After placing the implant, your jaw will need time to heal. This can take several months. During this time, we’ll give you a temporary tooth. Although it’s a short-term measure, this will look and feel great. 

Once we’re happy that your jaw is ready, we’ll place your final tooth. 

How Long Does It Take to Recover After Dental Implant Surgery? 

Because bone takes time to heal, during the recovery period, you will have to stick to soft food early on. After a while, you can gradually introduce firmer foods that require more chewing. 

It can take several months to fully recover after treatment.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The great thing about titanium is that it’s durable and biocompatible. Because of this, your implant will last a lifetime with the proper care and attention. 

There are no special techniques for caring for your dental implant. Brush thoroughly twice daily, floss, and visit us for checkups often and your new smile is yours forever. 

Will Dental Implants Change My Face?

Once in place, your dental implant will look completely natural. It won’t change your appearance, but your new realistic-looking replacement teeth will complete your smile. 

Placing dental implants will prevent bone loss. Losing jawbone mass can alter your facial features. When you lose a tooth, the jaw below can start to deteriorate. Implants stimulate the bone, preventing any unwanted changes. 

What Are the Finance Options for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are available from £3,000 each. We offer flexible payment options, including 0% finance. During your initial consultation, there will be an opportunity to discuss financing options. 

Who Can Have Dental Implants?

Dental implants are suitable if you have missing teeth or need an extraction. However, you must have sufficient bone mass in your jaw to support the implant. We’ll take scans of your jaw to assess density. 

Other general health factors could stop treatment. We always perform a thorough assessment to ensure implants are right for you. 

What Are the Options If I Can’t Have Dental Implants?

One of the main things preventing us from placing implants is often insufficient bone mass. There are other options for receiving treatment. 

Have a Bone Graft First

If you lack density in your jaw, you could have a bone graft or sinus lift first. This advanced treatment involves placing a piece of bone onto your jaw. Over the next few months, the new bone will fuse with your jaw, increasing its density. 

After you’ve had this treatment, you can return to us for implant placement. 

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are a great option for replacing multiple teeth on your upper arch, when you lack the bone density to support an implant. We use implants that are longer than usual, placed at an angle to get support from the dense cheekbone above. These implants are used in conjunction with other, standard implants to replace a whole row of teeth. 

Bridges

A dental bridge consists of one or more replacement teeth supported on either side by crowns which are placed onto natural teeth. There are several types of bridge, all of which complete your smile. 

Dentures

If you’ve lost several teeth, dentures are an option. We can either provide full or partial dentures which leave you with a great-looking smile you can feel good about. 

Dental Implants In Surrey

Dental implants provide a range of life-changing benefits, enhancing your smile, boosting your confidence, and allowing you to enjoy your favourite meals without a second thought. 

We expertly place perfectly-designed implants at our modern clinics in Sutton, Stonecot, Cheam, Chessington, and Worcester. Our expert team is on hand to answer any questions you may have during your initial consultation. 

Call us today to schedule your dental implant appointment.