Carl Horton

Dental Implants FAQs

How long will the treatment take?

There is no set time and treatment will depend on a patient’s individual circumstances. Treatment can take as little as six weeks, but more complex treatment will take longer.
        

Are implants safe and how long will they last?

Implants have been around for more than 30 years and are a safe and clinically proven technology. Implants have an integration success rate of up to 98 per cent, and if properly maintained will last for a considerable number of years, if not a lifetime.
        

Can I have more than one implant?

Yes. You can have any number of teeth replaced with implants - from one single tooth to a complete set.
        

Can implants always be used to replace missing teeth?

It depends on the condition of the bone in your jaw. Your dentist will carry out several tests to find out how much bone is there, and if there’s not enough, or the bone isn’t healthy enough, some bone grafting may be required before implant treatment can go ahead.

Do implants hurt?

Placing an implant can be easier than extracting a tooth and is usually done using a simple local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain during the procedure, but there may be some discomfort in the week after surgery.
        

What happens next?

After your implants have been placed, the bone in your jaw needs to grow onto them and fuse to them, a process called osseointegration. This usually takes about 6 to 12 weeks. After the healing period the replacement tooth (a crown, bridge or denture) is secured to the implant.