Dental Implants

Devonshire Dental Care offers a complete dental implant service.

What is a dental implant?

An implant is a metal fitting that is inserted into your jawbone, acting as a substitute for a tooth root. It helps support one or more false teeth. In a lot of cases, the phrase “implant” refers to both the metal fitting and the false tooth.

How long do they last for?

Dental implants in Glasgow from our experienced team usually last for around fifteen years and are regarded as a very durable and long term option.

Are implants always able to replace a missing tooth?

This will depend on the health and structure of your jawbone. You will need to have assessments and tests done to see if you have enough bone to have implants fitted. If it is not possible to insert an implant, either for health or structural reasons, a bone graft may be required first.

Are they safe? Do they hurt?

Implants have been proven to be a very safe treatment. The procedure involves a minor operation; however, this will be carried out under sedation or local anaesthetic. Under these circumstances there will be no pain, although some minor discomfort may be felt during the weeks after the surgery.

Will my new tooth be fitted straight away?

Unfortunately not. The metal implants that are inserted into the bone need time to fuse or integrate and this will take anywhere between three and six months, depending on whether it is the upper or lower jaw. Dental implants in Scotland from our practice do however have the option of a temporary restoration, available if less than three teeth are being replaced and, if you wear dentures, they can be used during the healing period.

How long will it take to complete the treatment?

From start to finish the treatment will usually take twelve months, including the initial assessment meetings. Although, in cases where only the lower jaw is receiving treatment, the procedure may take as little as five months. Everyone is different so, as with most treatments, the time period may vary. Your dentist will be able to determine how long treatment will take once the initial surgery is completed.

Can you still get gum disease with dental implants?

Dental implants need to be treated like natural teeth. If they are not looked after well enough then complications might arise. Generally, cleaning implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth, but certain cleaning methods can be learned if particular areas become difficult.

Will I be able to remove the implanted teeth myself?

Usually, no. The majority of false teeth that can be attached to implants can only be removed by your dentist. However, if the implants are fitted with a complete denture then it will be possible to remove it for cleaning purposes.

Will the implants be noticeable?

Implants will not show during normal movement and activities concerning the mouth. However, they will need to be visible so that they can be appropriately cleaned.

Are they strong?

Implants and the supported teeth can be damaged by trauma in the same way that natural teeth can. In some cases, a damaged false tooth can prove to be more difficult to remove than a natural tooth after an accident. If an accident does occur new false teeth can be fitted after a period of healing.

What will happen if the implant doesn’t fuse with the bone?

In rare cases the implant will become loose in the bone during, or just after, the healing period. If this happens the implant can be easily removed and the bone will heal over again naturally. Once the bone has healed your dentist can try again or, if other implants successfully fused with the bone, a bridge can be made.

How much would treatment cost?

Dental implants are very strong and effective, so they are not cheap. However, in a lot of cases, the cost is only a little more than the cost of treatment with crowns and bridges. Also, dental implants have advantages above other restoration procedures, as they do not require teeth to be filed down and they do not affect speech or the ability to eat.