Author: Asa Medhurst

Lots of people are affected by missing teeth, either due to sporting injuries, ageing or poor oral health. Without finding a permanent solution, the bone underneath the missing tooth is at risk of receding, causing the face to become sunken or misshapen. This can add years to a person’s appearance and really affect their confidence. A missing tooth could even lead to further dental issues in the future as the remaining teeth are forced to move, making them more vulnerable and prone to decay. Dental implants are the most popular and effective solution for tooth loss, however, many people are concerned about the cost. So, are dental implants worth their price tag?

Why dental implants?

Dentures or dental bridges are a cheaper alternative to dental implants and can be used to fix the aesthetic problem of missing teeth, however they do not tackle the issue of the receding jawline or provide a permanent solution. This is because they are only connected to the surface of the gum and not at the root. Dental implants are the only permanent solution to tooth loss. They use a titanium screw which is inserted into the gum, imitating the root of the tooth. This helps to re-stimulate the bone and prevent the jawline from disintegrating. A crown is then fixed on top of the screw to look and feel just a like a real tooth. Whilst dental implants are the more favourable and effective solution, they are also much costlier than other treatments. Dental implant treatments from a reputable dentist can range anywhere between £2000 for a single implant and £30,00 for more extensive treatment that replaces all teeth. Despite their price, many people still argue that dental implants are a much more cost-effective solution long term than the expense of managing a missing tooth.

Are dental implants worth the investment?

Whilst the initial cost of dental implants can seem a lot of money, when you consider the impact a missing tooth can have on your oral health, they are worth considering. Ongoing issues with your teeth can cause severe discomfort and pain and often leads to excessive dental bills further down the line. When you take that into consideration, a one-off cost for dental implants is extremely worthwhile, particularly as they can improve your quality of life by providing you with permanent, fully-functioning teeth, restoring your confidence, reshaping your face and allowing you to eat your favourite foods again.

Will you get good value for money?

Some people are travelling abroad for dental implants in search of cheaper treatment, however, many have found that there are hidden costs, lower quality materials and difficulty with aftercare. Whilst UK practices may be a little costlier in terms of treatment, patients are receiving much better quality. The materials used are strong, durable and long-lasting to ensure that they continue to function for years following the treatment. Many dental practices even offer an affordable pricing strategy which allows patients to pay off their implant bill in instalments, making it much more affordable. At Ten Implant Centre, we provide friendly, professional and high-quality dental implant treatment and would be more than happy to discuss any pricing queries or implant questions you may have. Just get in touch!

Whether you realise it or not, your teeth are probably trying to tell you important information about your oral hygiene. Being able to read the signs of poor oral health could make the difference between losing or saving a tooth. Whilst regularly visiting your dentist can help to ensure your teeth remain healthy, there are also lots of things you can look out for when it comes to detecting problems with your teeth.

1. Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth usually mean that the enamel on the tooth’s surface has begun to wear thin, exposing a more sensitive layer of the tooth underneath. Once the enamel has eroded, the process cannot be reversed, however, a dentist can advise you on how to prevent further erosion and prescribe you with sensitive toothpaste to manage the pain. We recommend avoiding harsh food and drink such as citrus fruits, vinegar and sugary drinks, as they are likely to cause further erosion.

2. Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums when you brush could mean several things, but is usually caused by plaque build-up on the gum line. Without maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, it could lead to gingivitis and eventually gum disease. We suggest sticking to a strict teeth-cleaning routine using toothpaste, mouthwash and floss twice a day and visiting your dentist to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

3. Sharp tooth pain

If you are experiencing sharp tooth pain as you bite down on your food, it is usually your teeth trying to tell you that you have cavities or tooth decay. In which case, you should book a visit your dentist so that they can assess the problem and provide you with further treatment or advice. We would also recommend that in the meantime, you try to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet and pay extra attention to that area of your mouth when brushing.

4. Worn teeth

If your teeth are starting to look or feel worn-down, it could be a sign of stress. Lots of people tend to clench or grind their teeth when they are under pressure, which often causes damage to the teeth. Dealing with the causes of your stress could help to prevent you from grinding your teeth, or alternatively, your dentist can provide you with a protective gumshield to wear at night. You might even consider cosmetic dentistry to rebuild your worn-down teeth and bring them back to full-size.

5. Bad breath

Bad breath is not always down to your morning coffee, but is often caused by bacteria build-up in the mouth. Thoroughly and regularly brushing your teeth, tongue and gums can help to disrupt the bacteria and remove it, however, if the problem continues, we suggest that you make an appointment with your dentist, as persistent bad breath could be a sign of gum disease.

If you would like any more information or advice about oral health, please get in touch.

We all know that sweets and fizzy drinks are bad for our teeth, however what many people do not realise is that there are also lots of healthy foods that can be equally as damaging. In fact, healthier foods which contain lots of sugar are often bigger culprits of tooth decay as many of us do not realise that we need to take extra care of our teeth after eating them. Here is a list of five healthy foods that could be damaging your teeth.

Raisins

Although they are considered a healthy snack, dried fruits, such as raisins, are often high in sugar and have a syrupy texture which sticks to the teeth. Without proper care, this makes them highly likely to cause tooth decay. Whilst other fruits such as grapes or strawberries also contain lots of sugar, the water that is in them helps to dilute the impact of sugar on the teeth. With dried fruits however, all of the water has been extracted, turning your healthy snack into something that is purely concentrated sugar.

Health Bars

When trying to eat healthier, many of us trade in a chocolate bar for a nice nutritious health bar. The only problem is however, that very often they are actually full of sugar, which can be extremely misleading for many people. A lot of us don’t realise the impact that health bars can have on our oral health, particularly if we are eating them on the go and cannot brush our teeth until much later on. That is why it is really important to be aware of how much sugar is in your health bar and also to make sure that you are brushing your teeth shortly after eating them.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as grapefruits, oranges and limes are extremely high in acidity. Over time, this can start to erode the tooth’s enamel and weaken your teeth. Once the enamel has eroded, it cannot grow back, leaving you with long-term oral health problems. This can include extreme sensitivity or pain, tendencies to easily chip or break the teeth and unsightly stains on the tooth’s surface.

Sports drinks

Many of us consume sports drinks as we are doing exercise, to help us reenergise as we go. However, although sports drinks are associated with health and fitness, they are actually very unhealthy for your teeth. The large amounts of sugar and acidity that they contain make them prime suspects for cavities and erosion, particularly if you are doing exercise a few times a week. We recommend sticking to water when you can or in situations where a sports drink is essential, try to also have your toothbrush handy.

Ice

Although ice is completely free from sugar and acidity, it can still cause problems for your teeth. Many people have a tendency to harmlessly crunch on ice, which can actually cause the tooth to chip or break. It could even cause problems with previous dental work you have had done, for example loosening a filling or veneer.

Remember…

Although these foods can have a damaging effect on your teeth, it is important to remember that without regularly brushing and flossing, your teeth are always at risk of decay and erosion. If you have already suffered from tooth loss, there are still lots of options available to restore your teeth and help you regain your confidence. Dental implants are the only permanent solution to tooth loss and even act and look as though they are your real teeth. For more information on dental implants, get in touch.