Dental Implants – How late is too late?

Leaving infected or damaged teeth in the mouth can result in hidden damage, whilst leaving gaps can cause drifting and loss of space to place a dental implant. For this reason we will always recommend early intervention, and will be able to offer you tailored advice and a customised treatment plan.

A missing tooth is more than just a gap in the mouth, it can significantly impact your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Fortunately, at Infinity Dental Clinic, we have some of the best Implant dentists in the country, and last year were able to help hundreds of patients smile again. However, I often find that patients are nervous and hesitant to take the step towards dental implant treatment, instead, simply putting up with the issues that missing teeth bring. In today’s blog, I hope to demystify some common misconceptions about dental implants and emphasise the importance of timely intervention.

How many appointments does it take to get dental implants?

The process of replacing a tooth with a dental implant consists of two main stages. The first stage involves the placement of the implant itself, acting as a new tooth root. For straightforward cases, this is normally completed in a single appointment, lasting around an hour. The recovery period is minimal, and after a little bit of rest, most of our patients are able to continue with their day-to-day life immediately.

The second stage is the fun part, where we design the new tooth, or teeth, that will attach to the implant. This takes a few short appointments, and is a very exciting time where we start seeing the final results coming together. We can also offer cosmetic treatments during this period, such as teeth whitening, Invisalign, and composite re-contouring.

Is it painful to have dental implants?

This is one of the questions I am asked most often, and the fear of painful treatment can be enough for some patients to delay treatment. Rest assured, during implant placement, we use the strongest local anaesthetics available, and prioritise your comfort at every stage. We are also able to offer sedation, to make you feel more relaxed and at ease during the appointment. After the anaesthetic wears off, you may experience some mild tenderness and swelling, which usually subsides within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.

Do I have to have all my teeth removed?

It’s a common misconception that all your teeth need to be removed for dental implants. Our primary goal is to save your natural teeth whenever possible. Sometimes, teeth may appear in a worse condition than they actually are, and we offer a range of treatments to restore their health and appearance. Dental implants are reserved for specific cases where natural teeth are beyond saving, or are already missing.

Will I ever be without teeth?

The dental implant journey typically spans 6 to 9 months, and you’ll never be left without teeth during this process. Temporary teeth are provided for you to wear between appointments, ensuring your daily life remains uninterrupted. These temporaries will be made to match your natural teeth, and will be made to be as comfortable as possible.

What happens if I delay dental implant treatment?

Whilst at Infinity Dental Clinic we possess extensive experience in dental implants and can often treat patients who have delayed having treatment, there are scenarios where delays can compromise the safety and effectiveness of implant placement. Leaving infected or damaged teeth in the mouth can result in hidden damage, whilst leaving gaps can cause drifting and loss of space to place a dental implant. For this reason we will always recommend early intervention, and will be able to offer you tailored advice and a customised treatment plan.

I hope this blog has been helpful in alleviating the common fears that people have regarding implants, and reassuring you that at Infinity Dental Clinic we always strive for absolute excellence, and ensure your implant journey is one you can look back on as a happy and exciting time!

Thank you for reading.

Dr Roma McNeil