Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery is generally well-tolerated. At Acorn Dental, we use local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort during the procedure. Some mild soreness or swelling afterwards is normal, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Our team provides clear aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery and are always at hand to address any concerns. 

Dental implants can last many years with the correct care. At Acorn Dental, we recommend regular check-ups and good oral hygiene to ensure the longevity of your dental implants. Many patients enjoy durable results for 10 to 25 years or more. The lifespan depends on factors like bone health and how well you follow dental implant aftercare instructions.  

A good candidate for dental implants is someone with healthy gums and enough bone density to support the implant, however, with the appropriate preparation, virtually anyone can be suitable. Candidates should be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. At Acorn Dental, our team assesses each patient carefully to ensure implants are suitable and to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your dental needs. 

The timeline varies depending on your individual needs, but on average, the process takes between 3 to 6 months. This allows time for ‘osseointegration’—where the implant securely fuses with your jawbone. While this may seem like a long time, it is this crucial healing phase that ensures your new tooth is as strong and stable as a natural one. At Acorn Dental, we provide temporary solutions during this period so you’re never left with a gap.

Yes, in many cases you can. If you have been missing a tooth for a long time, the jawbone can naturally shrink. However, we offer advanced treatments such as bone grafting or sinus lifts to rebuild the foundation of your jaw. We also provide ‘All-on-4’ or ‘Same Day Smile’ techniques that often work for patients with reduced bone density, ensuring almost everyone can enjoy the benefits of a permanent smile.

Caring for an implant is very similar to caring for your natural teeth. You should brush twice a day and floss regularly. However, we do recommend specific interdental brushes to clean around the implant post effectively. Because implants can’t get cavities, the focus shifts to keeping the surrounding gums healthy. Regular visits to our hygienist at Acorn Dental will ensure your implants remain in perfect condition for decades.

While smoking doesn’t automatically disqualify you, it can increase the risk of implant failure. Smoking restricts blood flow to the gums, which can slow down the healing process and prevent the bone from fusing with the implant. We always recommend cutting down or quitting before the procedure to give your investment the best possible chance of success. Our team can offer advice and support on how to manage this during your treatment.

Modern dental implants are designed to be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. At Acorn Dental, we use bespoke porcelain crowns that are colour-matched to your surrounding teeth and shaped to fit perfectly within your gum line. Not only will they look natural, but they also function like real teeth, meaning you can eat, speak, and smile with total confidence.