Are Dental implants Right for Me?

If you’re considering dental implants, you may have a number of questions. How long do dental implants last? Do they last forever? Why should you avoid dairy with them? Are dental implants safe? Can you have dental implants with receding gums or gum disease? And is this treatment suitable for everyone?

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Here, we delve into these important queries, highlighting the need-to-know insights that can help you make confident decisions about the right treatment for you.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants work just like real teeth, serving as strong replacements. Made from titanium, they act as artificial tooth roots that are implanted in your jawbone. Your bone grows around them, forming a sturdy base. Dental implants can support crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers or even replace a whole set of missing teeth. 

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How long do dental implants last? 

Do dental implants last forever? Technically not, but their durability - along with regular dental check-ups and excellent oral hygiene, can lead them to lasting a lifetime. As robust titanium roots, dental implants are renowned for their enduring reliability.

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Are dental implants safe?

Yes, dental implants are safe, and your comfort is our priority for any procedure. Before we carry out any dental procedure, we’ll thoroughly assess every aspect of your oral health and bone density to ensure the treatment is right for you. Along with her team, our senior implant surgeon Dr Kirrin Punia has successfully placed over 2,000 dental implants. If you’re nervous, you can have peace of mind that we’re the only cosmetic dentist in Huddersfield to be Dental Phobia Certified, taking a gentle and understanding approach to your dental implant treatment.

Can you eat or drink normally with dental implants?

Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are designed to function just like natural teeth, so you can eat and drink normally with them. Following dental implant treatments, it's advisable to avoid dairy products, especially in the initial stages of recovery. Why no dairy after dental implant treatments? Potential infections can occur around surgical sites when eating dairy products such as yoghurts with live bacteria, and many dairy products such as ice cream or cold milk can result in temperature sensitivity, causing discomfort.

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Can you have dental implants with receding gums?

It’s still possible to have dental implants, even with receding gums. However, this can depend on the severity of the gum recession, which we’ll assess in a complete 360 investigation of your tooth and gum structure, and bone health with X-rays and an intraoral 3D scan. Dental implants also need a sufficient amount of healthy bone to be fitted, so the density of your jawbone can play a role in whether the treatment can go ahead. We’ll evaluate this, too.  

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Can you have dental implants with gum disease?

During a dental investigation, we’ll also look for signs of tooth decay and any early signs of gum disease or oral cancer. If gum disease exists, this can complicate the dental implant process, but, severity dependent, it’s still possible to have the treatment. While mild to moderate gum disease can be managed with proper treatment and maintenance, severe gum disease may require deep cleaning procedures and potential surgery to eliminate infection and inflammation. Once oral health is treated and stable, dental implant treatment can begin. After the treatment, it’s crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene, especially for those with a history of gum disease.

Can anyone get dental implants?

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether dental implants are right for you. This includes your overall health, your oral health, and individual factors, which can be discussed on a bespoke basis at a specialist dental practice. 

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For more than 25 years, our team has been at the forefront of dental treatment in Yorkshire, with an implant procedure happening every single day in our state-of-the-art dentist. Learn more about dental implants in Huddersfield, or speak to a member of our friendly team to see if the treatment is right for you.

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