Dr Matt Lawler

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants

Q: What are dental implants?
A: Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture, allowing the replacement teeth to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Q: How do dental implants work?
A: The implant is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once the implant is secure, an abutment is attached to connect the implant to a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture.

Q: Are dental implants safe?
A: Yes, dental implants are a well-established and safe treatment. They have been used in dentistry for over 50 years and have a high success rate when placed by a qualified dentist.

Q: What are the benefits of dental implants over dentures or bridges?
A: Dental implants offer several advantages:

• They look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
• They prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone.
• They don’t require altering adjacent teeth (unlike bridges).
• They are stable and don’t slip or shift (unlike dentures).
• With proper care, they can last a lifetime.

Q: How long do dental implants last?
A: With proper care, dental implants can last for decades — often a lifetime.

Suitability and Eligibility

Q: Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants?
A: Most adults with good general and oral health are suitable for dental implants. You need healthy gums and sufficient jawbone to support the implant.

Q: What if I have bone loss — can I still get dental implants?
A: Yes, if you have bone loss, treatments such as bone grafting or a sinus lift can often be performed to build up the bone and create a stable foundation for implants.

Q: Can I get implants if I have gum disease?
A: Active gum disease will need to be treated before implants can be placed. Your dentist will assess your gum health and recommend any necessary treatments.

Q: Are dental implants suitable for older patients?
A: Yes, age is not a limiting factor. As long as you have good general health and enough bone to support the implant, you can have dental implants at any age.  Our oldest implant patient was 84, our youngest was 22.

Q: Can I have dental implants if I’m a smoker or vaper?
A: Smoking increases the risk of implant failure because it affects healing and bone integration. It is recommended that you quit smoking before the procedure for the best outcome.

Procedure and Treatment

Q: What happens during a dental implant procedure?
A: The procedure usually involves the following steps:

• A full consultation with X-rays and 3D scans.
• Placement of the titanium implant into the jawbone under local anaesthetic.
• A healing period of 3–6 months to allow the implant to fuse with the bone.
• Attachment of an abutment and a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture.

Q: How long does the dental implant process take?
A: The entire process typically takes 3–6 months, including the healing period. In some cases, same-day implants may be possible.

Q: Will I need a bone graft or sinus lift before getting implants?
A: If you have insufficient bone density or volume, a bone graft or sinus lift may be necessary to create a stable foundation for the implant. Your dentist will assess this during the consultation.

Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: No, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during the treatment. Sedation is also available for nervous patients.

Q: How long does it take for the implants to heal?
A: Healing usually takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on your bone health and overall health.

Cost and Financing

Q: How much do dental implants cost?
A: The cost depends on the number of implants and the type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture). We provide a detailed treatment planning and cost breakdown after you have had your initial consultation with Dr Lawler.

Q: Do you offer financing or payment plans?
A: Yes, we offer flexible payment options, including 0% finance, to help make dental implants more affordable.  We can discuss this and give you more details at your consultation visit.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Q: How do I care for my dental implants after the procedure?
A: Care for implants just like natural teeth:

• Brush twice a day.
• Floss daily (or use interdental brushes).
• Attend regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments.

Q: Can implants get cavities?
A: No, implants are made from materials that don’t decay. However, the surrounding gum and bone tissue must be kept healthy to maintain implant stability.

Q: How often do I need to visit the dentist after getting implants?
A: Regular check-ups every 6 months are recommended to monitor the health of your implants and surrounding tissue.

Other

Q: How natural will my implants look and feel?
A: Implants are designed to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth, providing a natural appearance and comfortable fit.

Q: How do I book a consultation?
A: You can book a consultation by calling us at 0151 424 2516 or using our online booking system.