dental implants

implants are generally considered the best solution when it comes to replacing lost teeth.

an implant is a titanium-based screw, that is placed into your jaw bone as if it were the root of your natural tooth. a porcelain crown, designed to look and act like your own tooth, is then placed on top of the implant screw, above the gum. it’s all fixed down, so it does not move and does not need to be removed – the closest thing you can have to your own tooth.

the treatment is usually broken down into three phases:

phase one – the consult

the dentist will assess your tooth (which needs to be removed) or the gap that you have after it has been lost. they will take x-rays, maybe a ct scan and a digital scan of your mouth. this will help them to understand the space better so that they can then discuss the options available to you and plan your treatment.

phase two – implant placement

the dentist will have worked hard before your appointment, to plan exactly how and where to place the implant screw in your jaw bone. the procedure itself needs to be conducted in an extremely sterile environment, much like any other medical surgery, so the room will be set up to look like a surgical theatre on the day of your visit, to make sure the highest levels of cleanliness are maintained throughout. it usually takes about 90 minutes but if more than one implant t is being placed, it could take longer.

phase three – crown placement

the implant screw is left to heal in your jaw bone for anywhere between 3 and 6 months, so we can make sure it is really well-anchored in place. the dentist will then place an attachment to the screw above the gum, and a porcelain crown will be placed onto the attachment to look like your own tooth. this phase may take 2-3 visits.

frequently asked questions

i have dentures but they do not stay in place. can implants help?

yes, we can use implants either to replace the missing teeth so you can be rid of your denture altogether or alternatively place implants in the jaw to clip your dentures on so that the dentures do not move at all.

what if i have been told i do not have enough bone in the area for implants?

much like a screw placed in wood needs enough wood to be strong and stable, the implant in your jaw needs enough bone. if there isn’t enough bone in the area, which happens if bone has been lost during extraction or over time since the tooth was lost, we can replace it with a bone graft. this will add and generate new bone in the area which in turn, can support an implant.

what can i do to manage the gap while the implant is healing?

there may be a few months between the beginning of the process and the end when you have a new tooth, or teeth in place. during this time, if you wish, the dentist can provide you with a temporary bridge or denture to close the gap.

how much do implants cost?

they cost from £3000 upwards per tooth. this cost may vary depending on how many teeth are missing, as well as if you need a bone graft. the dentist can give you all this information before you decide to start treatment. we do offer interest-free finance for all treatments over £1000 and can help arrange this for you.

are implants available on the NHS?

no, they are not. we do provide dentures, and sometimes bridges, on the NHS to replace missing teeth.