Dental Implants FAQs

Browse some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about dental implants, with answers from our specialist dentist, Rob Pittack.

• What is a dental implant?

  An implant is way of replacing missing teeth with something long term that looks natural, is comfortable and doesn’t affect any other teeth. Implants can be placed for one or more teeth, indeed a whole set of teeth can be replaced with implants.

  Denture patients can also benefit from implants as they can be used to fully secure dentures in place so that eating and talking no longer hold any fears.

• How painful is getting a dental implant?

  Most patients report that having the implant placed is not painful and those who have had a crown prepared say that the implant appointment is much easier.

• How much does a dental implant treatment cost?

  The fee for an initial consultation is £150 for a single implant and £225 for multiple implants. The fee for one implant including the crown on top is from £3,602.

  Dental implant treatment costs can vary due to the amount of bone available, how many implants are needed and the type of restoration placed. It is hard to give exact prices as there may be different reasons why the costs may vary, for example bone augmentation. I use very experienced technicians to ensure that your implant is restored as perfectly as I can.

• How long does a dental implant last?

  The first dental implants were placed in 1965 and are still functioning, so the long term prognosis is good. The restoration on top may need modification or replacement over such a long period of time.

• Do you do 'Teeth in a day'?

  Yes. I like to see each patient to assess the implant sites and I will then recommend what I believe will give the most effective and long lasting treatment.

• What are the advantages of an implant retained denture?

  The denture will be better retained and more stable. This improves confidence, comfort and chewing ability. It is even possible to reduce the size of the denture (especially the upper one) so it covers less of the palate, improving taste and the sensation of eating.

• What dental implants do you use?

  I prefer to use Straumann or Nobel Biocare implants. They are both well established companies and have been involved in making the implants for over 40 years. Both companies have evidence based research and both use the highest grade titanium.

• What will my dental implant look like?

  The implant will look just like one of your own teeth. The colour and shape should fit in with your other teeth so no-one will be able to spot it.

• Do you give general anaesthetics?

  No, as we have never found it necessary to do so. However there are sedation techniques available. My nurse and I are SAAD qualified to give oral sedation and we use fully qualified anaesthetists to give a slightly deeper type of sedation.

• How long will the dental implant procedure take?

  Anything from one hour for a single implant. I will discuss this with you. Learn more about your dental implant treatment from start to finish.

• Why do I need an dental implant?

  For many patients a missing tooth represents more than just a small gap in their mouth. Patients can experience a loss of self-confidence when there is a gap, family photos become much more of an ordeal, chewing can sometimes be difficult and speech can be affected.

• What age is suitable for a dental implant procedure?

  Once children have stopped growing, people of all ages are suitable for implant treatment. Successfully treated patients include, a young man of 19 who fell off a bike and broke his front tooth, a teacher who wanted to be able to smile in school photographs, a gentleman of 79 who was fed up with his dentures and a young woman who had been missing a tooth from birth.

• Why should I come to you when there are cheaper implant alternatives abroad?

  No matter where you go, the pre care, planning and the aftercare are very important. If you are considering going abroad, please ask what dental implant system they are planning to use and on-going maintenance they provide, especially if you have a problem.

  I have seen many patients who have had the implants placed abroad and when there is a problem getting details of the treatment and components of lesser used implants can be difficult.

• What happens if something goes wrong and the dental implant doesn’t take?

  This rarely happens but if it does I will examine you and discuss what appears to be happening and from there try to resolve the problem even if this means having to remove the implant, wait for bone growth and then redo it. If this happens during the integration period you are not charged for removing and replacing the implant.

• What if I have been told that I don’t have enough bone for an implant?

  There are many techniques available for building bone up that were not available even 3 years ago and I can place implants now where it was not thought to be possible.

  The first thing I will do is look and ask you to go for a 3D CT scan that will assess the height, depth and density of your bone. If you are unable to have implants I will let you know and provide an alternative treatment plan.