Implant FAQ’s

Some frequently asked questions about dental implants in Maidstone & Chatham

1. Why is Kent Smile Studio a leading practice for dental implants?

You can expect to receive highly accurate, professional dental implant placements performed by our experienced implant dentists who have successfully performed a variety of dental implant procedures over the years. Our latest technology, such as digital impressions with the Carestream intraoral scanner and CT scanners, allows us to obtain an incredibly detailed diagnosis and create accurate bespoke implants. We strive to take care of you and your family, and your oral health is our top priority. Please feel free to have a look at our testimonials page to see some examples of happy customers who have visited us recently. We do not place our implants freehand, but perform computer guided surgery.

2. How much are dental implants?

We offer various discounts and payment plans to make your treatments as affordable as possible. However, we cannot provide an accurate quotation without meeting you in person as every individual has different requirements and the complexity of the procedures that may need to be performed vary. We value your needs and, to provide you with the most suitable and personalised treatments for your individual case, we must carry out a detailed examination first.

3. Is the dental implant procedure painful?

Although getting dental implants is an invasive procedure, we offer you a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the implants will be fitted. It is similar to having a tooth removed or a filling in sensation. If you’re a particularly nervous patient, then IV sedation may also be an option. Please read more about it on the IV sedation page. We always try to make your visits as comfortable and relaxing as possible, but every individual may experience the treatment sensations differently.

4. How strong are dental implants?

Once fully healed, your implants should feel just like your natural teeth. However, many patients find that they may be even stronger than natural teeth.

5. Do I require special care for implants?

No. However, proper oral care is a must. Implants don’t deteriorate, but oral hygiene must be well maintained in order to care for your gums and mouth.

6. Will I require a bone graft?

Although most patients don’t require a bone graft, this is up to each individual case. We will perform a detailed examination during your initial consultation to determine if you require this procedure or not. If there isn’t enough bone in your jaw to hold an implant, you may need a bone graft.

7. Is it possible for dental implants to fail?

Yes. However, it is an uncommon occurrence. As long as you follow proper guidance and oral care and your dentist’s advice, the procedure should be successful. Due to our innovative technology, approach to dentistry and our expertise, we can usually detect possible complications before they occur.

8. I lost my teeth a long time ago – are dental implants still an option for me?

Dental implants should be possible even when the teeth have been missing for a long time. However, depending on the length of time, it may be the case that you require a bone graft. We will be able to determine this during your initial consultation.

In rare cases, dental implants may not be a viable option, but we will be able to offer you alternative treatments suitable for your individual circumstances.

9. I am missing a full arch of teeth – would replacing them take a long time?

If you have a full arch of missing teeth, we try to avoid offering individual implants. However, we may suggest better and more affordable alternatives such as All-on-Four implants which are used to hold a fixed dental bridge.

10. I have a badly damaged tooth – how quickly can it be replaced with an implant?

Most implants take up to 3 months to fuse with the jawbone. However, if there is an urgent need for a tooth replacement, we offer a ‘Tooth now’ treatment that enables a tooth replacement in a single day. An assessment would be required to determine if you’re suitable for this treatment.

11. How long does an implant last?

There is no set time for an implant to last as it depends on the individual patient and the different factors affecting your lifestyle (habits, oral hygiene, sports and possible injuries). However, we expect dental implants to last at least 15 years with regular dental check-ups and proper care. Like all medical treatment, it is noted that implants are not for life.

For more information regarding this treatment