Dental Implants FAQs
What can I eat and drink with an implant?
Anything. The chief advantage of a dental implant is that it behaves exactly like your original tooth, meaning that there is no food or drink that’s off limits.
Is the procedure painful?
The implant surgeon will administer a local anaesthetic before putting the implant in place. During the actual surgery itself, therefore, you will feel virtually no pain. Following surgery, there will be some minor discomfort and swelling, but nothing that over the counter medication can’t deal with.
Are there any side effects?
There are no side effects associated with dental implants. Occasionally, the body may reject the implant, but on these rare occasions a second implant can be fitted.
How will my teeth appear whilst the implant is healing?
To cover the period whilst the implant is ‘growing’ into the bone, your implant surgeon will fit you with temporary ‘teeth’ in the form of an adhesive bridge or a denture. With this in place, you will be able to carry on with your social and working life exactly as before.
How long does the procedure take?
The actual operation to fit the implant should take between an hour and two hours, after which there is a ‘healing’ period of eight to twelve weeks, at the end of which the crown can be attached to the implant.
How long does an implant last?
An implant is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth, and actually requires slightly less maintenance than a natural tooth. When cared for properly, existing implants have lasted longer than 40 years.
