Frequently Asked Questions.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed directly into the jawbone. They can be used to replace a single tooth or several teeth. They can also be used to secure loose dentures.

Am I suitable for dental implants?

Provided you are in good general health and have sufficient bone to accommodate the implant then you should be a good candidate. Age is not a factor. Some patients who are in their 70s and 80s have had dental implants.

What is the cost of a dental implant?

At Aesthetique dental care a single implant restored with a crown will cost £1800. If you require multiple implants the cost can be reduced. Each case varies but after your free initial consultation with your implant dentist you will be given an accurate idea of the costs involved. We also offer 0% finance which helps you spread the cost of your treatment.

What are the advantages of having dental implants?

Dental implants are fixed and do not require removal. They are often the ideal replacement for missing teeth. They are a more conservative alternative for replacing missing teeth as your adjacent teeth do not require filing as would be the case with a bridge.

Since they are anchored to your bone (as a natural tooth would be) they provide a robust means for replacing a missing tooth. Patients with dental implants enjoy improved speech and appearance. Dental implants will also boost your self confidence and self esteem.

I have loose dentures. Can dental implants help me?

Absolutely. Dentures have the tendency to move and can cause discomfort and embarrassment as they are not secured to the jawbone the way dental implants are.

Most denture wearers complain that their lower dentures are loose. This problem can be easily solved with the placement of 2 implants in the lower jaw. These 2 implants would act to secure a lower denture and stop a loose denture rubbing. The more implants you have to secure your lower denture the more firmer it will be.

Dentures that are stabilised with dental implants will allow you to eat foods that in the past you shied away from. Fancy being able to bite into an apple again? Well you should be able to with dental implants.

Is the procedure painful?

It is understandable to be nervous about the procedure. But don’t be, most patients rarely complain of pain during the procedure or even afterwards. Your dental implants are placed using local anaesthetic so you won’t feel a thing. You may have discomfort for the next day or so afterwards which is often controlled with regular painkillers. The majority of patients are back to work the next day with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

How long does the procedure take?

This is largely dependant on the number of implants required. On average allow at least 1-2 hours for the placement of the implant.

What is involved in the procedure?

Your dental implant is placed precisely and gently into healthy bone under local anaesthetic and the gum is then stitched over the top. The stitches dissolve away over the next few weeks so you don’t have to worry about having them removed. The implant is then usually left for a period of 3-6 months where it is allowed to fuse to the bone. A process known as osseo-integration. This allows the bone to grow around the implant and locks it securely in place. Once integrated the implant can be used to secure crowns/bridges and even dentures.

I need a tooth out. Can my dental implant be placed immediately?

We often remove teeth and place the implant at the same visit. But again this is case dependant. Your implant dentist will discuss what will be the best option for you.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

The success rate of dental implants is greater than 90% depending on certain circumstance. However, on occasions implants can fail. This is more likely in the first year. If this is the case then the implant is often replaced after the bone has healed. On occasions additional procedures are required.

Cases