If you’re feeling in the dark about dental implants, you’re not the only one. Even though it’s a really common (and highly successful) procedure, many of our patients here in Lancaster ask us the same kind of questions. Our dentists will cover them all in today’s post, and if you need more help, feel free to give us a call.

How do I look after tooth implants?

Our patients often ask us, ‘’do I have to brush dental implants?’’. Even though they’re false teeth, they still need caring for – but the good news is, they’re just as easy to look after as your natural smile. Brushing and flossing twice a day is the way to go – and, of course, scheduling regular dental check-ups with us here in Lancaster.

Can dental implants stain?

Yes, they can become stained and discoloured due to diet (coffee, red wine, curry) and lifestyle (smoking, poor oral health). It’s not possible to whiten them, unfortunately, which is why we recommend having teeth whitening prior to this type of dental work, so your new tooth implants can be matched in colour.

Do dental implants need replacing?

No, they should last a lifetime with the right care and attention – that’s regular oral check-ups and a good dental routine, as we outlined earlier.

Can dental implants break?

While a successful treatment (in more than 90% of cases), there are situations where a tooth implant might break, such as during the healing part of the process, or just general wear and tear caused by chewing and biting forces over time. Of course, seeing your dentist regularly can help spot any problems if and when they arise.

Are there alternatives to dental implants?

This treatment is used to replace missing teeth. It can replace single (individual) missing teeth, multiple missing teeth, or one or both sets of missing teeth. In the case of sets of teeth, an alternative might be to look into dentures. However, there can be drawbacks to this treatment, as dentures do need replacing over time and offer less stability (and permanence) than tooth implants do.

What’s my next step?

You can get in touch with our friendly dentists here in Lancaster to book treatment. We’re always open to new patients, too, so don’t worry if you haven’t been to see us before. Get all the details on our contact page and we’ll get back to you to arrange a consultation.