Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental implants?
Implants are Titanium inserts that integrate with the bone and act as false roots. We can then use them to support crowns, bridges or dentures.
How can they help me?
By supporting an individual crown they can replace a lost tooth without having to damage or compromise the adjacent teeth. Where several teeth are lost they can support bridges to restore function and aesthetics without putting stress on the remaining natural teeth. If all the teeth are lost multiple implants can support full arch bridge or special denture work. They can even be used with simple anchor attachments to stop a troublesome denture from sliding about or dropping down. Back to top.
How long do they last?
Modern implants have a very high success rate to the extent that we are having to rethink our approach to compromised teeth. If teeth are heavily filled with failing root fillings or are becoming mobile because of gum disease it is often better to replace them with implants which have a much better long term prognosis. Current research shows a 98% 5 year survival for modern implants from the 1990s. The implant surface is constantly being improved and changed and this is the reason for the lack of long term results with the most up-to-date implants. Back to top.
Can anyone have implants?
It is better to wait until growth is completely finished ie about 19 years old, but there is no upper limit to the benefits of implants. The main restrictions are whether there is adequate bone to accommodate the implant and if there is enough room between the teeth and jaws to place the crowns/bridgework/denture. It is generally possible to overcome these difficulties either by augmenting, grafting or creating space with simple orthodontics. Back to top.
How can I find out if I can have implants?
Implant assessments are carried out by John Moorhouse who will carry out a thorough examination of the proposed site. He will discuss all treatment options using implants as well as conventional treatments to ensure that you can decide which treatment is right for you. He currently charges £85 for a 60 minute assessment (excluding x-rays). We can manipulate images from our full face digital x-ray (£30) machine to help determine the best implant sites. You will then be given a written report detailing the findings, alternative treatment options and stages of treatment.Back to top.
Do implants hurt?
Placing implants is a normally a minor surgical procedure. It is usually (over 95% of cases) carried out under simple local anaesthesia although sedation or general anaesthesia can be arranged where indicated. The placement is always painless but there can be some discomfort in the days following surgery.
If you have good ridges there is very little post-placement pain or swelling. Such patients will usually limit analgesia to taking one or two paracetamol or brufen immediately afterwards. Sinus grafts are often associated with painless bruising in the cheek. Bone graft patients are a little swollen and sore for 2-3 days after surgery. Back to top.
Are implants expensive? Can I have them on the NHS?
Implants are not considered to be necessary to achieve oral health and are therefore not available on the NHS except in rare occasions such as after cancer resections or congentital abnormalities. Our practice offers a competitive price of £1,950 per implant and crown replacement. This price can vary if it is necessary to augment the bone. For more complex cases it is better to have an assessment and you will be provided with different treatment options with different costs. Back to top.