Dental implants are a long term and highly effective support for a replacement tooth. They can help you regain your confidence by restoring your smile, whether you have lost a single tooth or multiple teeth through accident, decay or gum disease. At Docklands Dental House, we are proud to be able to give your smile a second chance with secure implants.
Dental implants can be used to replace anything from a single tooth to a full smile. A titanium post is surgically inserted into your jawbone, providing a strong foundation for a replacement tooth on top. The implant takes around 3-6 months to fuse with your jawbone and become established in place just like a natural tooth.
Implants are generally suitable for most patients, but we will assess each individual case in detail to ensure treatment success.
Comfortable, strong and secure.
Help preserve your facial structure by preventing your jawbone from shrinking.
Minimise the risk of remaining teeth moving out of position due to the gap left by a missing tooth.
Can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.
Improved ability to eat whatever you choose without worrying about dentures slipping.
Gives a huge boost to your confidence.
You can view your dental implant in a very similar way to your existing natural teeth. An excellent oral hygiene routine at home, including twice-daily brushing, combined with regular dental examinations will keep your implant in great shape for the long term.
The entire process, from consultation to final fixed replacement teeth can take several months. While the implant surgery itself is a fairly quick procedure, it does require around 3-6 months to fully heal and fuse before the final permanent teeth can be placed. This treatment process may take longer if you require a bone graft or any other procedure prior to your implant, but the final result will be worth the wait!
If placed by a professional, dental implants are known to have an extremely high success rate, with upwards of 95% lasting more than 10 years. With appropriate care your implants should last you a lifetime.
In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo routine oral surgery can be considered for dental implants. Healthy gums and bones are essential to support implants, and patients will be encouraged to commit to a good oral hygiene routine and regular dentist visits.
In most cases younger patients are not encouraged to receive dental implants as they have still-developing jaws. However, each patient is assessed on an individual basis to ensure their suitability for the procedure, but it’s likely you’ll be suitable!
The cost of the treatment varies, depending upon the number of implants and the complexity of the procedure. Discussing your treatment with your dentist will give you a fair idea of the cost involved.
The cost of a single implant is usually around £2000-£2500. This cost includes all three components of the implant root replacement surgery, the abutment, and the crown tooth.
When carried out by a professional, most dental implants are easy to place, and the procedure can be completed within 10 – 15 minutes under local anaesthetic. With the anaesthetic in place, you shouldn’t feel a thing throughout the procedure!
Following the treatment, its common to experience some discomfort, which can be effectively managed with pain relief advised by your dentist. Implant treatment is usually less painful than tooth extraction, and most will return to their daily routines the following day.
The recovery time for dental implants is dependant on the individual case. If you simply have one or two implants, you may be able to recover in a few days. However, if you required a bone graft or any other procedure prior then your recovery could take a week or two.
The estimated healing time for placing dental implants is complex and will vary for each patient. Your tolerances and lifestyle choices will greatly impact your own recovery period.
While we firmly believe that the benefits of dental implants far outweigh any risks and complications, it is always good to be well informed prior to your procedure.
Your dentist will be able to fully inform you of any risks or possible complications at your initial consultation and answer any concerns you may have. However, the most common complications are due to the local anaesthetic used, these include allergic reactions and paraesthesia (when the anaesthetic effect lasts longer than expected. Our dentists are well trained in spotting and dealing with any potential issues.
With appropriate care, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. This means maintaining an excellent brushing and flossing routine, attending regular dental and hygienist appointments, and looking after your general health.
It’s important to note that while the dental implant itself is designed for long-term durability, the crown or bridge it supports may require replacement over time due to the natural wear and tear that occurs. We recommend annual reviews with x-rays to check the bone levels around the implants.