Dental implant questions

[Armaan]

Hi

I need to have a dental implant at the front due to the fact that I lost the tooth in a motoring accident. I have a few dental implant questions to ask you that I hope you can answer before I come to see you for a consultation as I live in Birmingham.

1. How long do dental implants last on average? I have heard that they can last for a lifetime, is that true?

2. Do I have any good alternative options to dental implants? I have a denture at the moment but I hate it and would not want another denture at any cost and would like to get rid of this one ASAP.

3. How long does it take to get dental implants made? What could I have in the meantime whilst the implant is getting ready?

[Dr Vahid Motahar]

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

One cannot tell for sure how long a dental implant is going to last as its survival will depends on many factors, many of them depending on the patients themselves. Therefore many variable factors will effect its survival. However I can tell you that they are designed to last for long and in most of the cases we are talking about few decades. In actual term the implant that is embedded in the bone , if maintained correctly, very likely will last a life time. Te restoration on top may need replacing after a several years (abutment and crown).

If one does not wish to have implant, the alternative possibility beside denture will be dental bridges. But again you have to be aware that bridges will use adjacent teeth to the gaps as a support for the false tooth that will close the gap. This may involve drilling the tooth next to the gap. Also sometimes the is not suitable to be part of a bridge like when it has had root canal treatment.

The alternative to dentures, in some cases where it is possible, will be temporary bridges. But one has to be aware that they have their own disadvantages. I would be happy to further explore these if you decide to come for your consultation and assessment of your teeth.