FAQs

A dental implant is essentially a substitute for a natural root and is a titanium screw or cylinder. Each implant is placed into the precise location of the future tooth.

Dental implants form a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like your natural teeth. Dental implants also preserve the remaining bone by providing the stimulation previously provided by the natural tooth roots. This helps retain the shape of the face, reducing the sunken appearance seen when the bone diminishes after tooth loss.

If you have just one natural tooth missing, then one implant is normally all that would be needed to provide a replacement. Larger gaps, where there are two, three or more missing teeth, do not necessarily need one implant per tooth; however the exact number of implants will depend on the individual.

In cases where there are no teeth in either the lower or the upper arch or both arches, it is possible to restore a full arch on fixed bridgework supported totally by implants. It is also possible to secure a denture in place using retentive studs on which an overdenture is fixed. This can be done with a number of implants from two upwards, depending on the individual. The placement of the implants preserves the remaining bone, preventing shrinking of the gum and the resultant overdenture is very firmly retained with little or no movement.

It is better to wait until someone has stopped growing before implants are placed. The minimum age is therefore about 19 years old, but there is no upper limit to the benefits of implants. If you have good general health, dental implants will almost certainly work for you. If you have a slightly more complicated medical condition, we can discuss this at the consultation stage. It is rare to have health problems that prevent you having dental implants.

Placing implants is a relatively straight-forward and minor procedure. It is usually carried out under simple local anaesthesia, although sedation can be arranged where indicated. If you have had routine dental treatment in the past, you will be familiar with local anaesthetics and how effective they are. Implants are placed using the same anaesthesia. The procedure is painless and usually takes around 60 minutes for a single implant. Obviously the time will vary depending upon the specific treatment required. Patients are able to drive themselves home after implant placement.

For most patients, a course of simple analgesics is sufficient to control any discomfort experienced afterwards.

It is the policy of the practice that you are provided with a written summary of your treatment planning discussions, highlighting your current dental situation and any alternative options that you may have. The summary will also include an overview of the anticipated treatment stages, the timescale, how many implants are required and what the likely fees are expected to be.

If the missing teeth are in a clearly visible part of the mouth, we can provide simple plastic dentures or removable bridges as a stop gap.

Appointments can usually be fitted around your work commitments. It is not usually necessary to take time off work after the actual implant placement, but strenuous activities should be avoided for the first couple of days.