Dental Implants

Dental implants are usually fitted in two main procedures; the first being to fit the implant itself into your jawbone, and then the second a few months later to fit the new tooth onto the implant.

You’ll usually be able to have the procedure in your dentist’s surgery, under local anaesthesia.

Dental implants are suitable for most adults who are in good general health and have healthy gums. They aren’t suitable for children and young people under 18 because the underlying bones are still growing.

The cost of treatment will vary (start from £2,500 for a single tooth), depending on how many implants you’re having and the complexity of the treatment. Your dentist will be able to give you a good indication of the cost once you’ve discussed your individual treatment plan.

Don’t forget, implants are a long-term solution, so although they tend to cost more than other options for replacing teeth, the benefits are likely to last a lot longer.

Before you decide to have dental implants, try to find out as much as possible about them. Don’t rush into a decision. Talk to your dentist about the alternatives and what might be best in your particular circumstance.

One of the reasons people choose implants is that they’re a more permanent option than dentures. So long as you care for your implant properly, they can last as long as natural teeth. Dentures tend to last for around five years. and can become less comfortable as your mouth changes shape over time.

Implants may also be a preferred option if you want to avoid causing any damage to your existing teeth. This can happen if you have a conventional bridge, as it means cutting your natural teeth to fit them.

We know people feel self-conscious if they have missing teeth. With an implant, hopefully you can get your confidence back – whether it’s in your smile, how you eat or when you talk.

An implant isn’t the only way to replace missing teeth – there are several other solutions. These include:

• Full or partial dentures– false teeth attached to a removable metal or plastic framework
• Bridges– false teeth that are fixed onto the existing teeth either side of your missing tooth or teeth

People might choose to have bridges because, in some circumstances, it’s a less complicated procedure than implants. They might also be needed if your dentist doesn’t think you have enough bone to fit an implant and you don’t want to have a bone graft.

Your dentist may not recommend dental implants if you:

• Are a smoker
• Have had radiotherapy to your jaw area
• Have diabetes which isn’t well-controlled
• Suffer from gum (periodontal) disease