Many people think a dental implant is a false tooth but, in actual fact, an implant is a small titanium screw that is attached into the jawbone in place of the missing root. A colour-matched porcelain tooth (crown) is then fitted on top of it to close any gaps from missing teeth, thus restoring your natural-looking smile with a tooth that is sturdy, reliable and looks and feels almost as good as the original.

Dental implants are a great solution if you would like an alternative to bridges or dentures as they improve the clinical issues caused by missing teeth, such as difficulty chewing or biting food, loss of jawbone density or the surrounding teeth moving because of the gap. They also help to stabilise a moving lower denture. Implants can boost your confidence by giving you back your beautiful smile and, essentially, making you feel like you again. Further to this, as they last for 10 years or more with the correct care and attention, they really are the most permanent and reliable solution available.
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Before you undergo any dental implant treatments, you’ll first have an initial consultation with your dentist to find out your goals and discuss your options. Your dentist will then carry out a clinical assessment of your teeth and undertake some x-rays to ensure your medical suitability for the procedure. A digital model of your existing teeth will be built to help guide the placement of your implants. Depending on your specific needs, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift - this is where lost bone is restored in your jawbone to ensure there is enough space and bone strength for an implant to be fitted.
In some cases your new tooth, or teeth, will be fitted onto your implant on the same day as the implant is inserted. It’s more common, however, that you’ll need some time for your gum and jaw to recover and for your dental implant to fuse to the bone before your abutment and crown can be attached. It usually takes approximately 3-4 months for your implant to fully fuse to your jaw and for everything to heal ready for your new tooth. If you’d rather not have a gap in your mouth during this period, your dentist may be able to provide you with a temporary tooth while waiting for your crown to be fitted.

With 0% finance options* available, dental implants are more affordable than you might think. You can expect to pay £105 per month for up to 24 months for an individual implant - costing approx. £2500 in total per tooth. This price includes x-rays and assessments, as well as the cost of the implant (£1400), crown (£600) and bone graft (£450). There are also discounts available against multiple implants. Initial consultations cost £80, which will be deducted from the cost of your treatment should you decide to go ahead.

Enhancing your smile makeover with dental cosmetic treatments such as composite bonding, teeth whitening or a dental plan.
Keeping your mouth healthy is vital as this will ensure your investment keeps working for you. Doing this is straightforward. Simply:
A dental plan at Essex Family Dental is a great way of keeping up your ongoing maintenance and caring for your implant.
Dental implants are the absolute best solution for missing teeth and are suitable for all ages. This means that, if you have a missing tooth, an implant will probably be suitable for you! But to know this for sure, book in a consultation now with your dentist for some personalised advice.
No - even if this is the case, you’ll most likely still be suitable for a dental implant. That being said, as bone loss does occur over time, you may require a bone graft before the implant can be fitted. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you don’t delay and have your implant installed as soon as possible after suffering tooth loss.
For the vast majority of patients, yes. Whilst they do cost more than alternative treatment options, dental implants are the gold standard in replacing missing teeth. Not only are they much better to live with day to day, but they also last much longer than dentures and bridges and they support the bone structure in your face. Dental implants are very much an investment into your oral health and long term confidence.
Our team at Essex Family Dental have been providing implants for decades. For the best advice on your specific circumstances, book an implant consultation with one of our dental implant specialists. If you’re not ready to book a face-to-face appointment, why not try a free virtual consultation instead? Click here to contact our team.