Why have an implant

Below are a few reasons to choose an implant over a bridge, denture or crown. 

1.  An implant is a long lasting, secure and relatively low-maintenance solution. As long as you look after it, it’ll stay fixed and should last for many years.

2.  An implant won’t affect your other teeth. Crowns or bridge dentistry requires preparation of healthy teeth, leaving them at greater risk of tooth failure.

3.  An implant won’t become uncomfortable, unstable and cause eating or speech problems as your jawbone shrinks over time. Dentures might.

4.  An implant doesn’t rely on the teeth at either side of your gap being secure and healthy. Bridges do.

5.  An implant - like natural teeth - will stimulate the jawbone and prevent the bone loss that can change the shape of your mouth, making you look prematurely-aged. While crowns, bridges and dentures will address short-term cosmetic problems, they do nothing to stop the jawbone loss that can occur after you lose a tooth.

Having an implant at Affinity Dental Care means you’ll enjoy our dedicated treatment plan every step of the way. Take a look below to find out more and if you’ve got any questions or you’d like to book an appointment, get in touch.

1. Book a consultation with an Dr Lucy Stock

Your consultation will involve taking any relevant X-rays or scans, as well as identifying if you might need any additional treatments (see below). Once we’re happy, we’ll be able to confirm your individual treatment plan and give you a personalised cost that covers every aspect of your implant.  The cost of this treatment is £65 and will last for 30 minutes.

Additional treatments

Some people might require additional treatments as part of their implant procedure such as a bone expansion, bone graft or sinus lift.

Bone expansion

If your jaw bone is too narrow for a dental implant to be fitted, your dentist may recommend a bone expansion. This involves drilling a small hole into your jaw bone where your implant will eventually sit, then increasing the size of the hole. Bone graft material is then used in this newly created space, and if required, the bone will be left to heal before a dental implant can be successfully fitted.

Bone Graft

Bone grafting is a treatment that's used to strengthen the area of bone your dental implant will be inserted into. It involves taking bone from elsewhere in the mouth and placing it in the area to be strengthened. After a number of months, this will fuse together, creating a stronger base for your implant.

Sinus lift

If you need a dental implant in your upper jaw, but there isn't enough space to fit one, your dentist may recommend a sinus lift. It involves moving the sinus membrane upwards to create space in your bone for your new tooth. Once the membrane has been moved, a bone graft will fill the space that's been created to make a suitable space for your dental implant.

2. Fitting your implant

Once your dentist is happy you're ready for the treatment, they’ll start by inserting a dental implant into your jaw to replace the root of your lost tooth. You’ll normally need to wait between four and eight months for your implant to bond to your jaw, before we can fix your permanent replacement teeth to it.

3. Taking impressions for your new tooth

When your jawbone has healed and your implant is successfully in place, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth to pinpoint the size and shape of the tooth we’ll be fitting to it. We will also ensure the shade of your new tooth matches correctly. While this is being made, your dentist may fit you with a temporary tooth.

4. Fitting your new tooth

Time for your final appointment, at which we’ll fit your brand new tooth. Most teeth attached to implants are fixed permanently and can only be removed by your dentist - although if you have removable dentures attached to your implants, you’ll be able to take them out for cleaning

The cost of dental implants varies depending on your needs.  Whether you need to replace one tooth or multiple teeth, your treatment will be tailored to you specific needs.  Additional treatments such as bone grafts will impact the overall cost. 

The cost of dental implants start from £2,100 which does not include the costs of any addition treatments.

We have a variety of payment options (see below), subject to status, to help you spread the cost of your treatment. 

Payments may be made by cash, cheque, debit card, credit card, standing order and or post-dated cheques.

To find out more please contact us.