Dental Implants in Wigan

Having any dental work done can be expensive and it is natural to want to obtain treatment at the lowest price. However, cheap options are often ineffective, and can cause further issues. So-called ‘bargain implants’ are often designed with cosmetics rather than dental health in mind, and many dentists and patients have warned about potential risks.

At Circ Dental, our dentist are specialists in fitting implants. They are passionate about dental health and providing the best experience for patients with lasting, durable implants which can remain fully functional and in place for decades. 

If you are concerned about the cost of your treatment, please contact us to discuss an affordable treatment plan.

Several studies suggest a link between smoking and the failure of implants to properly fuse with bone (osseointegration). If you are a heavy smoker, this risk will increase. 

Additionally, chemicals present in cigarette smoke can interfere with blood flow and increase the time it takes for bone or gums to heal. The tar found in cigarettes can also stain the new tooth and interfere with oral hygiene, increasing the risk of further decay. Therefore, giving up smoking before treatment is strongly recommended.

Peri-implantitis is a serious inflammatory condition which affects soft and hard tissue around dental implants. It can result in the loss of bone around the implant and will often require further treatment. 

Symptoms include pain, swollen gums, bleeding during brushing, pus formation, gum recession (leading to the implant base becoming visible) and bone loss, which becomes visible on X-rays. The implant may become loose and have to be replaced. 

The risk of peri-implantitis is increased by smoking, poor oral hygiene and heavy alcohol use. This condition can be prevented by regular checkups and looking after all of your teeth by brushing and flossing. With good oral hygiene, your implants should last between 10 and 20 years.

Not all dental implants require bone grafts, but you might need one because there is not enough bone in your jaw to secure the dental implant. 

If your own bone is used, it can come from another part of the jaw (minor bone grafting) and from another part of the body, usually the hip (major bone grafting). Sometimes it can come from other sources, including donors or synthetic material.

Bone grafting is usually safe but like any surgery it can carry risks. 

Following surgery, you might have pain and swelling in the area that the bone is taken from. If you need major bone grafting (where the bone is taken from the hip), you may find it uncomfortable to walk for two to four weeks. Following the surgery, you may have swelling in your jaw from one to two weeks. 

Adults of all ages can get dental implants, but they are not recommended if your adult teeth have not finished erupting. In most people, this occurs between the ages of 18 and 23. If you are a smoker, we recommend that you give up before starting treatment; smoking can impede blood flow, increasing the risk of infection after the implant has been inserted. 

Health conditions such as diabetes or severe gum disease can also affect whether implants can be fitted. Implants may also not be recommended if you have a history of radiotherapy on your jaw; this is because there may not be enough bone for the implant to fuse with. 

At your initial consultation, we will assess your situation and help you decide on a treatment plan.

It is normal to experience some pain after treatment and you can usually treat this yourself with paracetamol and ibuprofen; it is best to commence this before the painkillers wear off, and to continue up to 48 hours after treatment. If you experience any swelling or bruising, the NHS recommend that this can be treated with ice packs for up to 6 hours after treatment. 

Although you should be able to eat normally, your dentist might recommend a diet of soft foods shortly afterwards, and alcohol should not be consumed for up to 24 hours after the implant has been fitted. Usually, you will be advised not to brush the affected area for up to a week after surgery; your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. 

Following your implant, please make an appointment to see us between 7 and 13 days afterwards so that the wound can be checked over and cleaned if necessary. 

For standard dental implants, the healing process takes between 6 weeks and 6 months before your new tooth is fitted, although it may be possible to fit your tooth on the same day.