Dental implants offer a safe and permanent solution to replace teeth that are missing or have been damaged beyond repair.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are a fixed solution to missing teeth and differ from bridge work where teeth either side of a gap are used to support a false tooth or teeth.
When a dental implant is placed the jawbone is used to anchor a titanium screw which then has a porcelain crown attached to it once healing is completed.
The implant replaces the root of a normal tooth. The titanium implant is biocompatible with bone structure, which allows it to fuse with the bone in your jaw.
What are the advantages of an implant?
The advantage over bridges or dentures is that an implant feels and functions more like a natural tooth because the jaw takes all the force whilst eating. At Smilecare we use proven and up to date techniques that give the best results and success.
Implants have been shown to help maintain the level of bone in the jaw unlike the shrinkage of the jaw that can take place with dentures and bridges.
Is the procedure painful?
We use a trusted and effective local anaesthetic and although you will feel some vibration it will otherwise be comfortable. We can provide sedation for any patients who are anxious about the procedure.
What are the stages of the treatment?
We carry out a full investigation in the first instance including dental x-rays or a scan. Our implant dentist, Oliver, will then provide you with a full treatment plan, a timeframe and the cost of treatment.
A straightforward single implant can be placed within two to four weeks after the first assessment. It usually takes 10-12 weeks before the crown can be secured on the top. Sometimes bone regeneration is needed before placing the implant because of earlier bone loss and this can increase the timeframe to 10 months.
Are implants suitable for everyone?
It’s important that patients are fit and healthy and that they maintain good oral health and hygiene. The bone height and volume in the jaw also needs to be suitable.
When bone levels are low we encourage it to regenerate using an artificial bone substitute. At Smilecare we use Bio-Oss by Swiss company Geistlich. The regeneration process usually takes 3-6 months. Bone levels need to be good enough to support a future implant.
What is the cost of an implant?
The initial clinical assessment is £250-£450. Following an assessment, a single implant with crown costs £4,300. If bone regeneration is required then there will be an additional cost of £500-1200.
If a temporary bridge or denture is needed to prevent a gap while the implant is healing then there would a further cost of £650-900.
Once in place you will need to make sure you care and protect your implants just like your normal teeth with a good oral hygiene routine of daily brushing and flossing.
