There are many reasons to have dental implants fitted; they improve your confidence, look like natural teeth and can even improve your bite. Despite their soaring popularity, many patients have questions about implants that they want answered before they book their initial consultation. Some of these questions are easily accessible online, but many dental practices do not have a FAQ section discussing implants on their websites, requiring you to book a consultation to have your questions answered. If you have questions about having dental implants in Cheltenham or the Cotswolds, then read on; this article has summarised the most commonly asked questions about having oral implants fitted. 

‘Does having implants fitted hurt?’ 

Obviously, if you are thinking of undertaking oral implants you will want to know if the procedure is painful. There is an assumption that smaller dental practices are less advanced than the larger surgeries in the cities and so, many patients worry about pain. Simply put, many people who have had implants have reported that having implants fitted was less painful than a tooth extraction and that the discomfort could be easily controlled with painkillers. Many were able to return to work after having the procedure and required no time off to recover. So, discomfort from implants is minimal. 

‘Are implants permanent?’ 

Some dental surgeries will tell you that all implants are permanent; however, this depends on multiple factors, such as aftercare, diet, lifestyle choices and even your age when the implants are fitted. With good care, lifestyle and diets, dental implants can last up to forty years, so if you are older when they are fitted, they last the rest of your life. Your dentist will provide you with a personalised care regime to ensure you have your implants for the longest time possible. 

‘Do oral implants need special care?’ 

In a word, yes. After your implants are fitted, you will need to schedule regular dental check-ups and visits to the hygienist, to keep them in full working order. You will need to have a strict home hygiene routine in place, such as brushing, mouthwash, flossing and minimal sugary foods to reduce the likelihood of gum disease. 

‘Can I smoke after having implants fitted?’ 

If you smoke, it is four times as likely that your implants will fail; smoking causes gums to recede and raises the likelihood of gum disease, which increases the failure rate of implants. Your dentist will advise you to cease smoking and chewing tobacco once you have oral implants, which can only improve all round health. 

‘How much will oral implants cost?’ 

This depends on how many implants you are having, the cost of creating the prosthesis and any additional work that may be required from your dentist. The cost of having dental implants can vary greatly, but your dentist should be able to provide you with an estimated cost for your implants after your initial consultation.