Your dental implant questions answered

Dental implants can be a fantastic solution to give you a smile you can be proud of. Like any other major purchasing decision, choosing to go ahead with dental implant treatment is the easy part, deciding which dentist to choose is trickier.

Do you go for the cheapest option – but what about the quality? Do you go for the most expensive choice – but what if it is simply overpriced? Here at Highfield Dental & Facial Clinic in Southampton, we would encourage you to make an informed decision that leaves you feeling reassured and confident. We have the expertise to analyse your smile and make bespoke recommendations that align with what is important to you and your lifestyle.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are designed to mimic natural teeth, from the way they are placed to how they look and feel. They are as close as you will get to your natural teeth. They can be a great option if you have missing teeth or have dentures that you’re no longer happy with.

The Dental Implant is a hollow screw that is inserted into the jawbone at the area of the missing tooth. A crown is then made which then is screwed into the implant replacing the missing tooth.

Dental implants vs dentures? – the benefits & risks

• Dentures
  
  Dentures are great for the replacement of multiple teeth, the stages are minimally invasive, and treatment can be completed within 4-5 weeks with multiple appointments to make sure the fit/bite is correct. Approximately 80% of patients adjust to a denture over time and ultimately, dentures are the lower end of the price range – meaning you can replace your teeth aesthetically for a lower cost. The risks involved with dentures are that they are removable and not a fixed solution to replacing teeth. They need to be removed at night while you sleep and pose the risk of becoming loose and restricting certain foods. If you fall within the 20% of patients that cannot adjust to a denture over time, you may have to seek alternative replacement options in the future.
  
• Dental Implants
  
  Dental Implants are the closest replacement to your own teeth and a long term, fixed replacement solution of more than 10+ years. As the implant crown is separate from the Implant screw, this makes access to both the crown and dental implant very easy meaning if there is any damage over time caused to the crown of the implant, this can be removed without causing any damage or removal of the implant screw. The treatment is surgical and more appointments are required than dentures. Implants also have a longer treatment time. The implant screw needs to integrate with your own bone which takes approximately 3-4 months due to healing time required. It is estimated that you will have a fully restored implant, including the implant crown within 6 months. Replacing your tooth or teeth with dental implants is at the higher end of the price range. Although this is a larger investment, this is the closest replacement to your own tooth or teeth and patients are very pleased with their results.

Both dental implants and dentures are fantastic solutions for replacing teeth and we offer both options at Highfield Dental & Facial Clinic, so we can advise you on the best treatment for you and your teeth in a free consultation.

Are dental implants right for me?

You can replace one tooth or multiple teeth with dental implants.

Dental implants are a good choice if you want a great smile but have missing or unstable teeth. They are also much more secure than dentures.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of implants with us at Highfield Dental & Facial Clinic start from just £62.78 per month. We would need to see you to give you an accurate cost for your specific case.

Does dental implant treatment hurt?

Dental implant treatment is always carried out under local anaesthetic by our highly skilled and gentle dentist, so the treatment is always pain free.

How long can dental implants last?

With the right care and maintenance, your new dental implants will last a lifetime. Your dental implants not only give you back a full and complete smile; they are a long-term investment in your dental health. 

To book a free consultation to discuss dental implants, click here.