Dental Implants
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Procedure time
30 minutes
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Sensitivity
Est. 2 hours
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Full Recovery
Est. 24 hours
What is the treatment?
A dental implant is a fixed solution for one or more missing teeth. An implant is made up of an artificial titanium root that is fixed to the jawbone. The implant can then support a crown or bridge. A denture may also be secured using implants.
Immediate implants are implants placed at the same time as extraction of a tooth . Alternatively, implant placement can be delayed until the socket has healed.
They may also be restored with a tooth or bridge, immediately if appropriate, or after the implant has healed.
Arrange a Complimentary Implant Consultation with a treatment Co Ordinator below:
How long does it take?
An initial consultation appointment lasting approximately 20 – 30 minutes will be required. Dental implant treatment time is likely to be approximately 60 minutes but this will vary on the number of implants and each individual patient’s needs.
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How much does it cost?
The following prices are a guide only and exclude any additional fees for consultation, xrays and CT scanning, sedation (if required). View our full price list.
Single Implant +Crown
from £2200
Block Bone Graft
from £950
Augmentation/Bovine Bone
from £350
Prior to surgery
- Rinse three times daily with chlorohexidine digluconate (Corsodyl Mouthwash) to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
- For your own well being and to optimise the efficacy of anaesthetic drugs, it is advisable for you to have had something light to eat and that you wear comfortable clothing on the day of the surgery.
On the day of surgery
- Have facial skin cleansed and please do not wear make up.
- In order to maintain a sterile field you will receive a gown to put over your clothing. We will also place a covering over your head with a slit that you can see through.
- It is necessary to drill (and/or tap) during the implant placement which you can notice as vibration or noise.
- It is advisable to visit the toilet before the surgery.
- In clinic before the surgery, you will receive and antibiotic (e.g. amoxicillin or clindamycin) and pain medication (e.g. Ibuprofen or paracetamol). If you have had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, PLEASE INFORM YOUR DENTIST. The antibiotic you will take can effect and reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
- In addition, you will receive analgesic (pain) medication (e.g. Ibuprofen or paracetamol) and medication to help with any post operative swelling or bruising (dexamethasone). These should be taken at 6 hour intervals and after the second day only if required.
- Smoking can severely reduce the healing process. Nicotine use 1 week prior and 8 weeks after surgery is NOT advised.
Normally we find that implant placement is followed by only minor discomfort.
Any discomfort can be minimised by the following regime:
- Ask your dentist about pain relief
- Complete any course of prescribed antibiotics.
- Minor oozing may discolour saliva for some hours after leaving the surgery. However, if bleeding continues try to identify where it is coming from and pack with gauze or a clean cloth handkerchief for 15-20 minutes. Remove carefully and check that the bleeding has stopped. Sit upright whilst doing this. This may be repeated 3-4 times. If bleeding continues after this, contact the Practice.
- Sleep with an extra pillow for the first 2-3 nights to raise your head.
- Ice packs can be held over the area operated on for 10-15 minutes at a time. This will help reduce the amount of swelling.
- It is advisable to avoid smoking at all as it can increase the risk of failure of implants generally. If this is impossible, do not smoke for at least two weeks after the operation as this can seriously affect the success of the implant placement.
- Avoid alcohol for two weeks after the operation as this can impair healing.
- For the first 24 hours, take no hot liquids e.g. tea, coffee and soup.
- Brush your teeth normally with a soft tooth brush. The surgical areas can be swabbed carefully with cotton wool soaked in Corsodyl mouth wash that has been prescribed for you.
- The day after surgery (not less than 24 hours) commence warm salt-water rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water). Rinse well for a few minutes after each time you eat. The Corsodyl mouth wash can be used in the morning and at night.
- For the first week, any food can be eaten provided it is soft. Boiled fish, scrambled eggs, pasta, rice etc are suitable, though any meal may be mashed or passed through a blender to render it soft.
- Do not try to explore the area with your tongue – this may interfere with the healing.
- The stitches should dissolve in 10-14 days, but we will take them out at your review if they have not disappeared by themselves.
Contact the practice if:
- If numbness persists for more than six hours after the operation.
- The stitches become loose or fall out.
- There is excessive pain.
- There is excessive bleeding.
- The implant becomes loose.
There is a wide range of normal healing responses.
Most people find that the area is sore for a couple of days but is controllable with the painkillers. Swelling is often worse by the 2nd and 3rd day and may persist for a few days.
Bruising occurs occasionally and can take some time (10-14 days) to disappear completely in individuals who bruise easily.