June Newsletter.

An update from our practice.

Summer is approaching & it’s a time when people start to think about getting holiday ready! It’s a good time to be thinking about your health both in general and your oral health too. Whether you’re curious about dental implants or just want to hear more about what is happening at WDC then we’ve got you covered.

Two out of Three Peaks Complete!

Team WDC has now ticked off Snowdon and Scafell Pike in our team building charity endeavours!

 

In 2019 our team hiked up Wales’ highest mountain Snowdon, in a bid to raise funds for Antony Nolan. In 2023 we reached the summit of England’s highest peak Scafell Pike & raised money for Our Dementia Choir. In September this year, we will be trying to complete the set & climb Scotland’s Big Bertha, Ben Nevis! We will be doing this on September 19th. We know we are repeating ourselves here but it’s necessary as we want to raise loads of money for charity! We are fundraising this time for Reverse Rett, Footprints Conductive Education Centre & the B.R.I.L.L. team (Brain Injury Living Life) at Nottingham University Hospitals Charity. Please please support our team & these fantastic charities by clicking below to donate.

These charities have been carefully selected by some of our patients at the practice due to their personal connections with the charity.

Let’s help support our community by fundraising for their chosen charities.

 

Responsible Employers.

In our spare time we like to learn & we take our responsibilities to our team as their employers very seriously! We were therefore pleased to attend a recent peer review study group with HR solicitor Sarah Buxton. Being part of the local peer review group gives us the chance to meet other colleagues to make sure that we are giving our best to our team & patients & to keep abreast of current developments in our industry.

Cake Sale!

Come & join us on Friday 27th June for a cake sale to support our fundraising for Reverse Rett, B.R.I.L.L at NUH Charity & Footprints Conductive Education Centre. The sale will start at 9am & will continue until we close at 4pm or until we run out of cake, whichever comes first!

 

Dental Implants…FAQs!

We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions our clinicians get asked about dental implants. If the answer to your question isn’t here, let us know. Give us a call. We’re always happy to help!

 

 

1. What are dental implants and how do they work?

In a nutshell, dental implants are artificial tooth roots. The implants we place are made of titanium. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone to support crowns or bridges which then replace your teeth. The implant fuses with the bone and then can provide a stable foundation for crowns, bridges or sometimes even dentures .

2. Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants?

Ideal candidates have good oral and general health & sufficient jawbone density with healthy gums. Health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes and gum disease are likely to affect your suitability for reliable implant placement, as is smoking. A thorough oral health examination and treatment planning is essential to minimise the chances of complications.

3. How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last upwards of 20 years and are an excellent and long term solution for many people with missing teeth. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene and avoiding harmful habits like smoking are crucial for longevity.

4. Is the dental implant procedure painful?

At our practice, implants are placed under local anaesthesia. Everywhere is thoroughly numbed so the procedure itself should not be painful. The treatment is a small operation and so like any surgery, mild post operative pain is expected in the few days following the placement of the implant. Any discomfort that is experienced is usually very manageable just with over-the-counter painkillers and subsides within a few days. There is not a lot of ‘down time’ needed after having an implant placed & many of our patients require very little pain relief. We usually advise that in most cases people feel back to normal within three to four days.

5. What is the cost of dental implants at WDC?

Costs for implants vary based on factors like the number of implants and complexity of the case. If you anticipate each implant to cost around £3200, then this will give you a good guide on what to expect in terms of cost. If a bone graft is needed, then the cost can rise by approximately £500. After a full consultation, you will of course be provided with a completely accurate cost prior to consenting to any treatment.

It is important when comparing costs for dental implants that you are comparing ‘like for like’. The above price includes all of the treatment planning, scans, surgical guides, placement of the Straumann implant (there are numerous brands of implant on the market), follow up care and the crown as well. Sometimes a price may initially seem cheaper but some of these items may not be included and are provided as additional ‘hidden’ costs. We always aim to be transparent with our pricing from the get go.

6. How long does the dental implant process take?

The entire process can take several months, typically between three to six months, depending on individual healing times and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are needed. The appointment itself for the surgery to place the implant is scheduled for around three hours with the actual process usually taking much less than this, around an hour & a half.

7. Are there any risks or complications associated with dental implants?

Dental implants have a high success rate, but as with any treatment there are always potential risks. These include infection, nerve damage, or implant failure. Choosing a dentist who thinks about your case meticulously and follows a strict protocol when planning and placing your implant, will minimise the chance of these complications. To date at WDC our success rate is 97%.

8. How do I care for my dental implants?

Dental implants require at least the same care as natural teeth if not more. Regular brushing and cleaning between teeth and implants is vital as well as regular dental examinations and visits with the hygienist. Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital to prevent issues like peri-implantitis (inflammation of the tissues around the implant)

9. Will my dental implants look and feel like natural teeth?

Yes, dental implants are designed to mimic the look and function of natural teeth closely. They are the closest thing you can have as a replacement for your missing teeth. They provide a stable and fixed in solution for missing teeth which looks great and blends in with your smile.

10. Are there financing options available for dental implants?

We are able to offer interest free credit to any treatment plans with a cost of over £5000. If your treatment costs less than this, we cannot offer interest free credit but payment is taken for each stage of the treatment as it occurs. As the treatment takes place over several appointments over a period of three to six months, you will find that the cost is spread over this period of time.