FAQ on Oral Implant Maintenance

Are you experiencing confusion about dental implants in Ipswich? Here, some commonly searched online questions about oral implants are answered.

Can my oral implants get cavities?
Oral implants are porcelain caps over a steel or titanium core. They are not susceptible to cavities. Cavities are created by intense localised dental acid damage. From small colonies of anaerobic bacteria, which digest sugars into acid byproducts. These attack enamel and cause pits in the teeth that are referred to as cavities. Implants use a poly porcelain crystalline coating and therefore are not vulnerable to acid attack. So they can become stained and even become built up with plaque and tartar with poor oral hygiene. But they cannot form cavities.

Can the implant slip and rub like a denture?
An implant is permanently fused into the jaw. The lower part of the implant undergoes a process known as osseointegration. New bone grows around it, locking it in place. Implants cannot slip or rub like dentures but neither can they be removed for cleaning. This means that you have to treat them more like natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing. 

Aren’t oral implants a lot more expensive than bridges and dentures? 
Implants are often more expensive than bridges and significantly more expensive than dentures alone. But both of these systems have significant drawbacks that you would not have to suffer from an immobilised implant-supported prosthetic. They are easier to clean, they feel more natural as they are integrated into your bone and are therefore harder to distinguish from regular teeth.

Most dental clinics that offer implants will also have in clinic financing options allowing you to pay for your dental care in small manageable monthly payments. Rather than a single payment that may be disruptive to your personal finance.  

How long do implants last?
This is a tough question to answer as each person has their own genetic variations and their own lifestyle choices. If you have no genetic complications, like osteoporosis, and take good care of your implants, it is highly likely that they will last between 10 and 15 years. Be sure to treat them as you would your regular teeth, which will not be hard. Brush them, floss them and as usual, see your dentist twice a year for check-ups. You may also need to visit your hygienist. Gum disease is a leading cause of loose or lost oral implants. So it is worth attending at least a yearly appointment with your hygienist to keep your oral implants in place

Does the fitting hurt?
The fitting of oral implants should not be uncomfortable. Your dental team will be able to provide you with a local anaesthetic before they begin. If you are a more nervous patient, you may be offered sedation options. The fitting is quite straightforward but when you are at home afterwards, you may experience a sensation that feels like bruising or soreness. This is normal. You should aim to mitigate this using over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol and ice packs. If you spot pus, notice abnormal swelling, bleeding or general discomfort which is not fading, then you need to seek emergency treatment.

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