*fee quoted is for the dental implant ONLY. Additional fees will apply for Implant crowns, Implant bridges or Implant Retained Dentures. Our dentists will comprehensively detail a treatment plan inclusive of fees after a thorough consultation.
Once we have established you are suitable for implants, we take digital scans and images to ensure your treatment is highly accurate and precise. We can also check if you need any preparatory work at this stage, such as a bone graft.
Your titanium implant is placed carefully into your jaw, using local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. It takes around 3-6 months for your implant to heal and fuse to your bone, so we fit a temporary tooth to protect your gum and maintain your smile.
When your implant has healed, we fit your final crown. It’s always an exciting moment when we see your completed smile for the first time!
Before & Afters
FAQs
Do dental implants hurt?
No. We always use local anaesthetic for any oral surgery, implants included. The area is completely numb during the treatment. If you are nervous about the procedure, we can arrange for sedation so you feel completely at ease.
After the treatment, there can be some discomfort as the gum and bone heal. Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can relieve any discomfort, which should fade after a few days.
How long does dental implant treatment take?
Having an implant takes several weeks and possibly months from the initial appointment to having the new tooth fitted. The time between appointments is essential for giving your bone enough time to heal and fuse to the implant. Treatment can take longer if we need to replenish the bone using grafting.
The implant placement procedure itself takes around an hour to 90 minutes. It can take longer if multiple implants are needed.
Immediate implants can be considered. These take less time as these are placed at the same time as the tooth is removed, but have negatives. Our dentists can discuss this with you.
What happens if I don’t have enough bone for an implant?
There are options that can make it possible to have an implant even if you don’t have sufficient bone for an implant to be placed right away. Bone loss is particularly common for patients who have worn dentures for a long period of time and the bone has naturally been dissolved from the absence of teeth in the jaw. We can replenish the lost bone using bone grafting procedures. Bone can be rebuilt using a number of different grafting methods.
Do I still have to see my dentist while my implant heals?
Yes. It’s important to keep up with your routine dental care during the treatment. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the faster you’ll recover without any issues. It’s crucial to keep your healing implant safe from bacteria so it has the best chance of being strong and successful.
How long will implants last?
If looked after with care and diligence, implants can last as long as natural teeth. Implants tend to last longer than any other dental work as they form strong bonds to the jaw bone. However they are still vulnerable to gum disease, just as your natural teeth are.
Am I too old for implants?
No one is too old for implants. The only thing that may hold you back is your bone density and we can restore bone with grafting techniques. It is never too late to enjoy life with a secure and functional set of teeth. Many elderly patients choose to change their dentures for implants.
Why should I have implants?
Implants are the best method for replacing teeth as they combat the gradual bone loss that occurs with removable dentures. As the bone degrades over time, you will need to adjust your dentures to avoid them from becoming loose and sore.
If you only have a single missing tooth, it’s essential to replace it as soon as you can to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of position. A gap in your smile can cause bite issues, which results in tooth wear and potential jaw issues.