FAQ

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a “root” type device, usually made of titanium, that mimics the function of a tooth’s root. By acting as a root the dental implant supports and secures your dentures in your mouth, so you won’t have to worry about your dentures becoming loose or falling out of your mouth. Dental implants can be placed in both the upper and lower jawbones.

What is an dental implant retained denture?

A dental implant retained denture is a denture which is supported by and attached to dental implants, whereas normally your denture rests on your gums.

How does a dental implant retained denture work and what is meant by “denture stabilisation”?

Dental implants provide a strong, stable base for your dentures to be attached to and sit on. Once your denture is secured on these dental implants, then your denture will fit securely and will no longer be loose and your denture will be completely stable; hence the term denture stabilisation. Your implant retained denture will now function like your natural teeth once did.

Are dental implants right for me?

If you have been suffering with loose dentures for years, you have not been able to eat the foods you love and you have found using denture adhesives to be ineffective and inconvenient to use, then stabilisation of your dentures with dental implants could be the answer to your denture problems. However, we will need to conduct our Dental Implant Consultation with you to make sure this is the right solution for you.

Are dental implants successful?

Yes. The use of dental implants to secure and stabilise dentures has proven to be successful for hundreds of thousands of people.

How many dental implants will I need to achieve denture stabilisation?

In general, we recommend that an upper denture is likely to require a minimum of four dental implants, whereas a lower denture may only need two dental implants to hold your dentures securely in place. However, we will assess and discuss this with you during your Dental Implant Consultation.

Is my age a problem?

Mini dental implants are so small, they are placed very gently and cause very little discomfort. These dental implants are regularly placed in people of advanced age. If mini dental implants are not suitable for you, your age will not prevent you from enjoying the benefits of other types of dental implants. Generally speaking, if a person is able to undergo routine bridgework or routine tooth extractions, that same person can receive dental implants.

How long do dental implants last?

With routine dental implant check ups and the following of our home care instructions, your dental implants should last for many years.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of this treatment depends upon several factors including:
The number of dental implants needed
The type of dentures placed upon your dental implants
The complexity of the individual case
After we conduct our Dental Implant Consultation with you, we will be able to provide you with the cost of your treatment. Finance packages are available upon request.

Is the placement of dental implants painful?

No. Dental implant placement is a very gentle procedure, normally carried out under local anaesthetic and, in some cases, a mild sedative.

How long does the procedure take?

It takes approximately 20 minutes for each of your dental implants to be placed. In general, as we recommend that an upper denture is likely to require a minimum of four dental implants, the placing of dental implants to secure an upper denture will take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. A lower denture may only need two dental implants to hold it securely in place and therefore to sure a lower denture it will take approximately 40 minutes. However, we will assess and discuss this with you during your Dental Implant Consultation.

Will I experience pain after the procedure?

You might experience some slight discomfort and perhaps a little swelling for a short period which can be relieved with painkillers. Most of our patients report little or no discomfort.

How long does the whole dental implant procedure take?

We will provide you with an individualised treatment plan with an accurate time scale.

How soon can I return to work after my dental implants have been placed?

Normally after 24 hours. However, we will advice you about this an on individualised basis.

Do dental implants require special care?

You will need to maintain a good oral hygiene programme and on average visit the Dentist once every 6 months. We will give you an individualised oral hygiene programme.

How soon can my Dental Implant Retained Denture be fitted?

How soon can my Dental Implant Retained Denture be fitted?

Is it necessary to replace missing teeth?

Leaving gaps between your natural teeth can affect your speech and your ability to eat and chew properly. Gaps between teeth can also make your smile look less attractive, which can affect your self confidence.
Replacing any missing teeth improves your smile, can make you look younger and more attractive and can also improve the variety of food you can eat. This can lead to an overall improvement in your health as you are able to have a more balanced diet.

How soon can I have a denture fitted after my teeth are taken out?

Usually dentures can be fitted straight after your teeth have been removed, this type of denture is called an immediate denture.
With immediate dentures you don’t have to be without teeth while your gums are healing. However, bone and gums can shrink over time, especially during the first six months after your teeth have been taken out. If your gums shrink, your immediate dentures may need relining, adjusting or even replacing. Sometimes it is advisable to wait until your gums are healed before having your dentures.

Will I look different with dentures?

At Glasgow Denture Studio we design your new dentures to be as natural looking as possible, so when you smile your new dentures will look like real teeth not false teeth. We use gender specific tooth shapes and colours that will compliment your gender, age and personality.
We will position your new denture teeth where your natural ones once existed, providing you with the correct lip and facial support. If you are having partial dentures, we will design these dentures together with our referring Dentist to blend in with the rest of your natural teeth and facial features so your smile will look as natural as possible.

What are the different types of dentures?

There are two main groups of dentures: complete or full dentures and partial dentures. Complete or full dentures replace all of your natural teeth in either your upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures are used to replace some of your teeth in either your upper or lower jaw.
There are a number of different types of dentures, including chrome cobalt, flexible and acrylic dentures; you can discuss the different types of denture with us at , as some types may be more suitable for your individual needs than others.

How long will it take to make me some new dentures?

The time it takes to provide you with your new natural looking dentures varies and depends upon a range of factors, including the complexity of your treatment and the type of dentures chosen. At an additional cost in case of emergencies we can provide a same day service.

How long will my dentures last?

It is impossible to give an exact length of time that dentures will last an individual and some individuals dentures may last a lot longer than other peoples. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may need new dentures:
Have you started to use a denture adhesive or are your dentures loose for any reason?
Are you are no longer happy with your smile?
Do you feel that your dentures are no longer giving you facial support?
Are your dentures making your mouth sore?
Have had one or more denture repairs?
Have your denture teeth and acrylic (plastic) become worn and stained?

Will I be able to eat all of my favourite foods with new dentures?

With conventional dentures you may be restricted in some of your choices, however if you choose to have implant retained dentures, where your dentures are attached to dental implants, your choice will be significantly improved.

What’s the best way to clean my dentures?

Cleaning your dentures every day is important for good oral hygiene. If you don’t, plaque and bacteria can form on them leading to oral health problems. We recommend cleaning dentures thoroughly twice a day and after eating when necessary. We recommend the following procedures are followed:
The general rule to cleaning your dentures is:brush, soak, brush.
Your dentures are breakable, so always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them.
Brush your dentures thoroughly before soaking, to remove loose food particles. Use cool or warm water. But never use hot water – it can warp your dentures.
Soak your dentures in a denture cleaner, if required. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Apply a denture cleaning paste to a moistened denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush. However, never use conventional toothpaste as this can be abrasive and damage your dentures. Brush all surfaces thoroughly. Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles, as these bristles can damage the denture material.
Brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled regular toothbrush to remove plaque and stimulate circulation. Rinse your dentures, then reinsert them.
We recommend you leave your dentures out at night, as this allows your gums to rest. Whilst you sleep at night, soak your dentures in a cleanser or water. If you use a denture cleanser, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Please remember that if you use any kind of denture adhesive this needs to be removed daily.
DO NOT use very hot water or any type of bleaching product to clean your dentures.
If you notice a build up of stains or scales, then we can clean your dentures professionally for you.

Will new dentures affect my speech?

When adjusting to new dentures, some patients find their speech can alter slightly (especially pronouncing “s” and “f” sounds), whilst getting used to the new shape of their dentures; this is only a short term inconvenience.
It is also usual for denture wearers to produce more saliva, which can also affect speech, this should also be temporary and will be resolved once your mouth becomes accustomed to the new dentures.

Should I wear my dentures at night?

Generally it is considered best to remove dentures at night; this is to give your gums a chance to rest. It is especially ideal to leave your dentures out at night if you grind your teeth, as this causes more pressure against your gums. However, some patients are embarrassed about removing their dentures in front of their partner and therefore prefer to wear their dentures at night. If this is the case then we would recommend two things:
Firstly, please make sure you clean your dentures thoroughly before you go to sleep and when you wake up.
Secondly, we would recommend that you remove your dentures for some period of the day if you can’t leave them out at night. At least once a day you should remove your teeth and brush your mouth and gums with a very soft toothbrush. This stimulates circulation and maintains healthy tissue.
If you do remove your dentures at night, please remember to store them in a small amount of cold water to stop them from drying out and warping. Please do not place your dentures in hot water, as this will damage them.

How should I look after my dentures?

A denture is a removable appliance and cannot be guaranteed against breakages. We therefore recommend you follow some simple steps to reduce the likelihood of damage occurring to your dentures. Dentures should be looked after carefully.
Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them.
It is extremely important that your dentures are kept moist and are not allowed to dry out, this is to prevent them distorting. However, if your dentures become dry please soak them in a glass of clean fresh water before wearing your dentures again.
Some patients prefer not to wear their dentures at night. In this instance, please place your dentures carefully into clean fresh water or into your preferred denture soak. If you use a denture cleanser overnight, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Dentures should be rinsed and cleaned on a regular basis.

Will my new dentures be comfortable?

Initially, dentures may take a little getting used to. Dentures as designed to fit you as precisely and as comfortable as possible and there are various materials we can use when making your new dentures to try and make them as comfortable as possible for you.
However, whilst your mouth and gums adjust to these new dentures, it is possible that sore spots or ulcers may develop during the first few days of wear. This can be relieved by slight adjustments to the denture surface. It is never advisable to try and adjust dentures yourself. If you are experiencing sore spots contact us and we will arrange for an appointment to adjust your dentures.

I am a nervous dental patient, can you make me new dentures?

We understand that having new dentures can be an anxious time and we understand that some patients are ‘dental phobic’. We have the facility to book longer appointments with our nervous dental patients so we can take breaks during your treatment. This allows you to take things at your own pace. We can then tailor the support we offer you and the appointments you have with us, to your individual needs. We can also offer a duplicate technique which can be easier for nervous patients.

Can you visit me at home to make me new dentures?

Yes, we offer home and domiciliary visits where and when required and are happy to go to hospitals and care homes.