Dental implants are a very popular dental treatment to replace missing teeth. They are effective and affordable, and much more comfortable and easier to manage than dentures. Dental implants are also very long lasting if maintained correctly. As Principal Dentist at tooth dental in London, so many people ask me and the tooth team if dental implants are affordable or ‘should I get dental implants’ and our answer is always a resounding yes to both - as long as it’s clinically viable and a good solution for the patient. This blog gives more information about dental implants.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants consist of two main elements - the dental implant itself (which is like a tiny screw that allows another screw inside of it) and the dental implant crown. In simple terms the dental implant crown is the replacement tooth, and the dental implant itself is the ‘holder’ for the new tooth.
The dental implant process starts with an Implant Consultation with one of our experienced and qualified Implantologists, where they will review the patients mouth, discuss all options and assess and discuss viability for dental implants. They will take X Rays as required, and an OPG (panoramic x ray) and/or a CBCT (3D scan) as required. At tooth in Waterloo, we have full dental scanning machines at our dental practice, so although this is very specialist equipment, it is all done in house for maximum patient convenience.
Assuming all is good to go ahead, then the next stage is the dental implant placement. This is the appointment where the small implant is placed within the bone, in advance of ‘holding’ the new tooth. A screw cap or healing abutment is placed on this, then the area and new implant are left for approximately three months so the implant crown can be placed.
The next visit is for the dental implant impressions, where the Implantologist will do the preparation for the implant crown itself, then this all gets sent off to the lab and around two weeks later is the implant crown fit!
This is where the new ‘tooth’ is placed into your mouth. The implant crown itself will be made and shaped to fit your mouth and blend with the rest of your teeth. Then, there you are, all done - with the gap and missing tooth a thing of the past!
You definitely won’t regret getting an implant - our patients always tell us how much more confident they feel and how happy they are with their new smile!
What are dental implants made from?
Dental implants tend to be made from titanium and are produced to exacting conditions. Titanium is chosen as it is strong, light and is a material that adapts well to the body and bone.
How long do dental implants last?
It’s difficult to say how long dental implants last as just like with any dental treatment it can vary between patients, and the results may vary on a case by case basis, dependent on a variety of factors. But, if correctly maintained with the recommended oral hygiene guidance followed, along with regular dental checks and dental hygiene, they can last many years - in fact, technically a lifetime! The dental crown (the new tooth) is similar to any crown so should also last a long time but naturally can get damaged, but this can always be replaced if this was the case.
How much do dental implants cost?
Prices for dental implants in London are a lot less than most people think. The concept of affordable dental implants is real, and at tooth dental care in Waterloo we also offer 0% interest (subject to acceptance from our partner finance company) on dental implant treatments in London.
Our dental implant prices are as follows - and these prices include the crown!
Premium Implants (Snucone Brand) £2375
Super-Premium Implants (Straumann Brand) £2875
Prices include implant crown
A word of advice, please be careful if choosing another supplier as sometimes they quote only for the implant and the crown is additional - but at tooth dental it’s one clear price from the beginning. Also, you don’t have to pay all in one go - payment for our dental implants is done at each stage rather than all up front. We do this as we know that it helps our lovely patients to manage their budgets!
Can anyone have dental implants?
Whilst clinically we can’t say if everyone can have dental implants, as there could be health factors or anatomical reasons as to why some patients cannot proceed with implants, but in the main, yes - anyone can have dental implants (as long as they are adult). Some patients may need additional treatments, such as a bone graft, but our expert team will advise at the Implant Consultation.
What Dentists do dental implants in London?
At tooth we have two very well experienced and qualified Special Interest Dentists who provide implants and associated treatments at tooth.
Dr. Eleftherios Martinis (Dentist with a Special Interest in Implantology)
Dr. Martinis has been teaching, researching and placing implants since 2006, and has been with tooth dental care in Waterloo since 2014. He has a Masters Degree in Dental Implantology.
Dr. Ana Krstevska (Dentist with a Special Interest in Oral Surgery and Implantology)
Dr. Ana K has been at tooth dental care in London since 2015 and works as resident oral surgeon and implantologist. She has worked as a Specialty Doctor in Oral Surgery and an Honorary Clinical Teacher at King's College Hospital in London, and has a PG Cert in Dental Implantology.
How do I book for dental implants?
If you are thinking of having dental implants then just get in touch with us via WhatsApp, phone or email or click the book now button at the end of this page, and we’ll get you book you in for an implant consultation - it’s only £75 and will allow our Implantologists to assess your case, discuss your needs and plan the treatment - and of course, they’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Next step…. no more gaps, and the chance to smile with confidence.
Dr. Anna x