Here at Sheen Dental we’ve been successfully fitting dental implants in Richmond for many years and as such have helped many patients bring back their smile and restore their confidence. In this article we thought that we’d share with you a few of the most frequently asked questions, so that you can make an informed and educated decision before you go ahead with the process.
How much do they cost? No two patients or indeed their treatment plans are ever the same. As a result the number of treatments and appointments will vary. Having said this, dental implants aren’t cheap and you should expect to pay anywhere between £800 and £2000 per tooth. However if you look on it that undergoing the implant process could be a permanent and trouble-free way of restoring your smile, then it is money well spent. Most clinics offer some sort of finance or payment plan, so you shouldn’t have to pay it out in one hit.
How long does the process take?
Again every case is different; however in your treatment plan your dentist should provide you with a time scale of events. Typically the process from start to finish will take somewhere between 3 -9 months and will take into consideration criteria such as patient restoration requirements, dental and medical histories and bone condition.
What are the risks? The implantation process has been carried out successfully for many years and has been proven over time to be efficient, effective and indeed safe. Complications are rare but like any forms of surgery there is some element of risk. These include infection, nerve damage and implant failure. Before anyone undergoes treatment for a dental implant in Richmond, here at Sheen Dental we make sure that every patient is fully briefed about the risks involved.
Is it going to hurt? Although there may be some slight discomfort after surgery including swelling and bruising (normally 3-4 days after treatment) this can be eradicated reasonably quickly using standard over-the-counter pain killers such as ibuprofen. Cold and hot compresses can also be used in conjunction, to aid quick recovery. Many previous patients have reported that they felt better than anticipated and many returned to normal activities within a few days. As for the procedure itself, many dentists practice conscious sedation techniques that can give the patient a pain-free surgical experience.
What about eating?
Generally speaking, patients have found that they are able to return to normal eating within 1-2 weeks after surgery. Again this depends upon recovery times. Immediately after surgery (eg, the first 24 hours) we’d recommend cold soft foods such as yoghurt, rice pudding or cold/tepid soup. After this, gradually introduce hot drinks and foods such as rice, mashed potatoes, fish and pasta.
Hopefully this has answered many of the questions that you may need to know. If you need more information regarding dental implants in Richmond, then talk to Sheen Dental on 020 8876 5277 or visit the website at www.sheendental.co.uk to book your free appointment. Dr Harmit Kalsi and his team are standing by to help.