If you are missing a tooth, or maybe even a few, you have probably spent some time thinking about how to fix your smile. It isn't just about looks, though that is a big part of it. It is about being able to eat a steak without thinking twice, speaking clearly, and not feeling shy when you laugh at a joke. Out of all the choices, dental implants are usually called the best option. But a big question many people have is: are they actually safe for the long run?
At Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre, we hear this question quite often. It is a fair thing to ask. After all, you are talking about putting something permanent into your jawbone. As a local dentist in Yeovil, we want to give you the honest, human side of the story.
The short answer is yes, dental implants are very safe and are actually one of the best things you can do for your health over time. Here is why.
To understand why they are safe, you first need to know what they are. Think of an implant not as a new tooth, but as a new "root." It is a small post, usually made of titanium, that is placed into the jawbone.
Titanium is a special metal because the human body does not try to fight it or push it away. Instead, a natural process happens where your bone actually grows around the post and joins with it. This creates a solid foundation for the new tooth (the crown) that goes on top.
At Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre, we use high-quality materials to make sure this process goes as smoothly as possible for every patient.
Most people think about the gap in their smile, but the real trouble with missing teeth is happening under the surface.
Your jawbone needs the pressure of chewing to stay healthy and thick. When a tooth is gone, the bone starts to shrink because it has no work to do. This can eventually change the shape of your face, making it look a bit "sunken." Implants are the only treatment that replaces the root, which keeps the bone active and strong.
When you get a bridge, the teeth on either side have to be filed down to hold the new tooth. With an implant, your healthy teeth are left alone. As a trusted dentist in Yeovil, we always prefer treatments that keep your natural teeth healthy whenever we can.
No surgery is completely without risk, and it would be dishonest to say otherwise. However, the success rate for dental implants is very high—usually around 95% to 98%.
Just like natural teeth can get gum disease, implants can get an infection around them if they aren't kept clean. This is usually caused by poor brushing or smoking. This is why we focus so much on how to look after them at Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre.
In very rare cases, an implant might be placed too close to a nerve or the sinus area. This is why picking an experienced dentist in Yeovil is so important. We use 3D scans to map out your mouth exactly before we start, which takes away the guesswork.
Most adults are good candidates for implants, but there are a few things we look for during your visit.
If you aren't sure if you can get them, the team at Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre is here to talk it through. We don't just give everyone the same plan; we look at what is right for you.
Q: Do dental implants hurt?
A: Most people are surprised by how little it hurts. The work is done while the area is numb, so you won't feel anything. Afterward, it usually feels a bit like having a tooth out for a few days.
Q: How long do they last?
A: If you look after them, dental implants can last a lifetime. While the tooth on top might need replacing after 10 or 15 years because of normal wear, the post itself is meant to stay there forever.
Q: Will they look like my real teeth?
A: Yes! As a specialist dentist in Yeovil, we take great care to match the colour and shape of the new tooth to the ones you already have. Most people will never know it's an implant.
Q: Is the metal safe?
A: Titanium has been used for hip and knee replacements for decades. It is very safe for the body and has been tested for a long time.
We know that the idea of dental surgery can be a bit nerve-wracking. Our goal is to make you feel like a person, not just another name on a list. We take the time to explain every step, show you the scans, and answer all your questions.
Being a local dentist in Yeovil means we care about our neighbors. We want you to walk out of our doors feeling confident and healthy. From the first chat to the final fitting, we are with you the whole way.
Once your new tooth is in, looking after it is quite easy.
When you look at everything, dental implants are a very safe way to get your smile back. They don't just fill a gap; they protect your jaw, keep your other teeth from moving, and let you eat whatever you like.
At Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre, we have seen how much a new smile can change someone's life. It is about more than just teeth; it's about feeling good again.
As your local dentist in Yeovil, we are committed to looking after you. We use the latest tools and the gentlest ways to make sure your journey to a new smile is a good one.
You don't have to live with the worry or the trouble of missing teeth. Life is too short to hide your laugh or struggle with your favorite foods.
If you want to find out if dental implants are right for you, come and see us at Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre. We would love to meet you, take a look, and give you an honest answer on what to do next. Whether you pick us or another dentist in Yeovil, we just want to make sure you have the facts you need to make the right choice for your health.
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