Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth or fix dentures in place. A small titanium screw is placed in the jaw bone and acts like the root of a tooth. Once the implant is stable, a crown can be placed on it to fill the gap.

Using implants to fill a gap means we don’t have to involve other teeth, as you would with a bridge, and an implant restoration feels and looks very natural!

A loose or ill fitting denture can be distressing and we can use implants to secure a denture. As few as two implants can be enough to hold dentures firmly in place, with less pink plastic covering the roof of your mouth.

DENTAL IMPLANTS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please click on a question from below to find out the answer.

A dental implant is a small titanium screw which is placed in the upper or lower jawbone. The implant acts as a root to support crowns, bridges or dentures to replace one or more missing teeth.

With routine check ups and the following of home care instructions as advised by your dentist, implants should last a life time

The success rate is 98.4% in a healthy person.

The cost of a single implant is usually between £2,200 and £2,500. This is split between implant placement and the final restoration. After careful treatment planning your dentist will be able to advise you on how many implants you may need and estimate the cost involved. Be driven by the benefits not cost!

Generally speaking, if a person has good health and is able to undergo surgery for routine bridgework or routine tooth extractions, the same person can receive dental implants. If the patient is taking any form of medication they should notify their dentist. There are very few medical conditions that would prevent you from having an implant.

No, implant placement is a very gentle procedure normally carried out under a local anaesthetic. In surgical terms, it is similar to a wisdom tooth removal.

Approximately 30 minutes for each implant placed.

There may be some slight discomfort and perhaps swelling for a short period which can be relieved with painkillers. Patients are often prescribed antibiotics for their comfort as a precaution.

In the rare case of an implant not integrating with the bone, the implant will have slight movement which the dentist will be able to detect.

In most cases the implant would be replaced. Your dentist would advise you based on the clinical factors involved.

Usually no, but this will be at your dentist’s discretion as this decision will be dependent on the clinical circumstances.

3-9 months as a general guideline. Your dentist will provide a full treatment plan and a more accurate time scale.

As a general rule no.

Normally after 24 hours. Your dentist will advise you – this really depends on each individual case.

Like natural teeth and gums, implants need a good oral hygiene program and regular checks by your dentist. You will be given full instruction by your dentist on how to look after your final restoration.

Follow up care: You will need to see the hygienist at regular intervals following completion of the implant as advised by your dentist.

Good oral hygiene is the key to the long-term success of your dental implants.

  • The most natural way to replace missing teeth.
  • It’s your third set of teeth.
  • No dentures to remove at night.
  • Removes the need to damage adjacent teeth as in bridge preparation.
  • Freedom to choose from a restaurant menu.
  • Implants look and feel like natural teeth.
  • Improves chewing ability.
  • Greater confidence to socialise.
  • Implants prevent bone loss.
  • Implants are more permanent then conventional crowns and bridges.

  • The most natural way to replace missing teeth.
  • It’s your third set of teeth.
  • No dentures to remove at night.
  • Removes the need to damage adjacent teeth as in bridge preparation.
  • Freedom to choose from a restaurant menu.
  • Implants look and feel like natural teeth.
  • Improves chewing ability.
  • Greater confidence to socialise.
  • Implants prevent bone loss.
  • Implants are more permanent then conventional crowns and bridges.

For patients who have no remaining teeth the alternatives are:

  • Removable upper and lower dentures.
  • Implants which secure their dentures in place.
  • Implants which support crowns of bridges.
  • No teeth at all.

For patients who have some of their own teeth the alternatives are:

  • Crowns and bridges supported by implants and/or teeth.
  • Partial dentures secured by implants and/or teeth.
  • Bridges supported by teeth.
  • Crowns supported by a post.

Step 1:

  • Examination and diagnosis including full mouth x-rays and study models.

Step 2:

  • Stage 1 surgery- Implants are placed in bone.
  • There may be some swelling which will disappear within 4 to 7 days.
  • Sutures (stitches) need to be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery (unless they are resorbable). Healing in the mouth is usually very quick.
  • A fluid diet is recommended for the first week; then a softer diet is recommended for a few weeks after. This is particularly important if a temporary denture is being worn.
  • Implants will integrate within 2 to 6 months.
  • Dentures may need to be modified in this time.

Step 3:

  • Stage 2 surgery – Implants are exposed.
  • Implants are checked to make sure they are osseo-integrated (that the bone has grown around them to keep them firmly in place).
  • A small cap (healing abutment) is placed on top of the implant to allow the gum to heal around it.
  • check x-rays are taken.
  • Impressions are taken for the final prosthesis (crowns, bridges or dentures).
  • Sutures need to be removed within 7 to 10 days.

Step 4:

  • Final crowns, bridges or dentures are completed and placed onto implants.
  • In some instances second stage surgery is not required. One stage surgery is dependent on high primary stability of implant. Where possible, one stage surgery saves the patient having to have a surgical procedure for a second time.

Contra-indications to treatment.

  • Time: Patients are encouraged to continue their normal activities, even if it involves travelling out of the area or even out of the country during the implant treatment. Usually the longest period of time you will need to stay close to the surgery is the time immediately after the implant placement, usually 2 to 3 days after surgery, and 10 days after surgery in order to have sutures removed. It is important that neither the patient nor the dentist attempt to rush implant treatment. If a patient hasn’t got the time available, then it may be more sensible to consider implant treatment when the patient has more time.
  • Money
  • Pain: The after effects of having implants placed are usually very mild. They may include slight bruising, dull ache, and swelling, the amount of which will vary depending upon the number of implants placed. Antibiotics will be prescribed for the patients comfort. These symptoms should disappear within a few days.

If you want to know more about dental implants and how we can transform your smile, call us on 01733 381 241 to make an appointment for an assessment and consultation; or fill in the form below.