If you have lost a tooth, you know it is about more than just the gap in your smile. It is about how you chew, how you talk, and that annoying feeling of being shy about your smile when you are out with friends. When you look at ways to fix the problem, you have probably heard about dental implants. But the big question is: do they actually feel like the real thing, or will you always be aware that there is something "fake" in your mouth?

At Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre, we know you aren't just looking to make things look pretty. You want your life to get back to normal. As a trusted dentist in Yeovil, we have helped many people go from missing teeth to having a full, healthy smile again.

The honest answer is that while nothing is exactly the same as the tooth you were born with, dental implants are the closest thing we have to the real deal.

The Feel: Will It Feel Like a Real Tooth?

One of the biggest worries people have is that an implant will feel like a piece of metal stuck in their jaw. But the way your body works with an implant is actually quite clever.

The Connection to the Bone

Unlike dentures, which sit on top of your gums, an implant goes right into the jawbone. Over a few months, your bone actually grows around the implant. This means that when you bite down, the pressure is held by your jaw, just like a natural tooth root. At Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre, we find that once everything is healed, most patients actually forget which tooth is the implant.

The Lack of Sensation

It is important to be honest: a real tooth has nerves inside it that feel hot, cold, and pressure. A dental implant does not have these nerves. While the gums around the implant can still feel things, the "tooth" itself won't feel a zing from ice cream or a hot cup of tea. For a lot of people, this is actually a good thing because it means no more toothaches!

The Function: Can You Eat What You Want?

If you have lived with a bridge or a loose denture, you know how hard it is to eat crusty bread, steak, or apples. This is where implants really make a difference.

Getting Your Bite Back

Because the implant is joined to your bone, it gives you almost the same biting strength as a healthy real tooth. You don't have to worry about the tooth moving or clicking. As a leading dentist in Yeovil, we love seeing our patients get back to enjoying their favourite foods without any fear.

Talking Clearly

Missing teeth or bulky dentures can often change the way you speak, especially with "s" or "t" sounds. Because an implant is shaped just like a natural tooth and doesn't take up extra room in your mouth, your speech stays clear and normal.

How Implants Compare to Other Choices

To understand why implants work so well, it helps to look at the other options.

Implants vs. Dentures

Dentures rely on suction or sticky glues. They can move when you talk and often limit what you can eat. Implants are permanent and stay put. At Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre, we often see patients who are tired of their dentures moving around and want something they can just brush and forget about.

Implants vs. Dental Bridges

A bridge requires the healthy teeth next to the gap to be filed down. This can make those teeth weaker over time. An implant stands on its own, so it doesn't hurt your other healthy teeth. This makes it a better choice for your health in the long run.

The Journey to a Normal Smile

Getting an implant is a bit of a process, but as any experienced dentist in Yeovil will tell you, it is worth the wait for the result you get.

The Planning Stage

At Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre, we use digital scans to make sure the implant is put in the perfect spot. This makes sure that when the final tooth is attached, it fits your bite perfectly. If the fit is wrong, it won't feel right, so we spend a lot of time getting this part spot on.

The Healing Time

This is the part that takes some patience. Your bone needs time to bond with the implant post. Once this is done, we put on a custom-made tooth. We match the colour and shape to your other teeth so that it looks—and works—just like the rest of your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I treat an implant like a normal tooth?

A: Yes! You brush it and floss it just like a natural tooth. You don't need any special cleaning tablets or extra tools. However, you still need to keep the gums around it healthy, so regular visits to Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre are really important.

Q: Does it hurt?

A:Most people find it much easier than they expected. We use numbing so you won't feel pain during the work. Most of our patients tell us that getting better afterward is no worse than having a simple filling or a tooth taken out.

Q: How long until it feels "normal"?

A: That "new" feeling usually goes away within a few weeks of the final tooth being put in. Your tongue gets used to the new shape very quickly, and soon it just feels like part of your mouth.

Q: Will people be able to tell?

A: Not unless you tell them! We match the colour of the new tooth to your own teeth so closely that it blends right in. As a specialist dentist in Yeovil, our goal is for no one to even notice you have had work done.

Why Local Help Matters

Choosing where to have your dental work done is a big deal. You want a team that treats you like a person, not a number. At Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre, we are part of the local area. We want our neighbours in Yeovil and nearby to get the best care possible.

When you see a dentist in Yeovil who knows implants inside out, you are getting someone who uses the latest tools but knows how to help your specific needs. We take the time to listen to your worries and walk you through every step.

Tips for Keeping Your Smile Healthy

To make sure your implant stays feeling and working perfectly, follow these simple tips:

  • Don't forget to floss: While the implant can't get a cavity, your gums can still get an infection. Clean around the bottom every day.
  • Try to stop smoking: Smoking can slow down healing and make it harder for the bone to stay strong around the implant.
  • Don't use your teeth as tools: This goes for real teeth too! Don't use them to open packets or bite your nails.
  • Keep up with your check-ups: Regular visits to Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre let us make sure everything is staying tight and healthy.

The Final Word: Is It Worth It?

If you want a fix that lets you eat, talk, and smile without thinking twice, dental implants are the way to go. They give you a level of stability and comfort that other choices just can't match. It is an investment in your health, your confidence, and your daily life.

At Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre, we have seen how happy a patient is when they can bite into an apple for the first time in years. That is why we do what we do. As your local dentist in Yeovil, we are here to help you find the right fix for your smile.

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

You don't have to live with gaps or the struggle of missing teeth anymore. A smile that feels natural is closer than you think.

If you are wondering if dental implants could work for you, we would love to have a chat. Come and see us at Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre for a visit. We will look at your teeth, explain the choices in plain English, and help you decide if this is the right move for you. Whether you pick us or another dentist in Yeovil, we just want to help you get back to feeling like you.

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4.9 Average Rating
I have not been to a dentist in a while due to a very bad experience, My dentist Zarina and her dental nurse are absolutely fantastic , you could not get a more nervous patient than myself, from the second I arrived I was put at ease by the lady on reception. Zarina is so patient and caring. I could not ask for better treatment, I would not consider going anywhere else. 100% recommend anyone nervous about going to a dentist to have their treatment with Zarina and her team.
Lisa Franks
Staff very friendly.Relaxing atmosphere.Zarina, my dentist very friendly very professional, talked me through everything she was doing at all points.Would highly recommend.
David Cook
The whole exspirience for me at Ilchester Dental & Implant Centre was 10 /10 from start to finish from the reception team to my dentist Zarina Surve Szilagyi she was absolutely fabulous made smile again i can't thank them anuff .
Tara Dalwood