Dental Implants in London – Cost, Procedure & All You Need To Know

People who have one or more missing teeth and are looking to restore their smile and enhance their oral health can use dental implant treatment. It is a long-lasting solution that can not only improve your speech but also eliminate the risks of jawbone loss.

Dental implant procedure has become quite popular in the last few years but still, there is a lot that most people don’t know about it. They are not aware of the types of this procedure, the steps involved in it, their costs, etc. Not knowing all this can lead to many misconceptions about this treatment and that can stand in the way of you getting dental implants to improve your oral health.

In this article, we are going to discuss all you need to know about dental implants so stay with us till the end.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are typically made from biocompatible materials like Titanium. The main purpose of a dental implant is to provide a permanent and fixed base that supports permanent or removable dental crowns.

After the installation of dental implants, a process called osseointegration occurs where the implant fuses with your bone and that leads to a firm foundation where you can place dental crowns.

While your bone heals, the dentist designs and fabricates your replacement tooth. Once that is done, the dentist will first place an abutment in the dental implant and then place the dental crown over it so that it stays fixed in its place.

The Average Cost of Dental Implants in London

It can cost you between £2,500 to £4,000 per implant in London. This is, however, a rough estimation and the cost can vary based on several factors like the number of implants, the type and complexity of the procedure, and the experience and qualification of the dentist.

Different Dental Implants and Their Costs

• Single Tooth Implant

For a single tooth implant, it can cost you somewhere between £1,500 to 2,500 excluding the costs of X-rays, and mouth and gum cleansing. 

• Implant Supported Bridge

You can get an implant-supported bridge for about £3,500 to £15,000. This includes the cost of two implants that support three to four teeth. The cost may vary based on the location and number of implants.

• Implant-Retained Denture

You can have this procedure for about £5,600 to £9,000. The use of multiple dental implants makes these dentures firm. It not only ensures a stable function but also makes the removal and cleaning easier. 

• All-On-4 Dental Implant

This trademark procedure uses about four to six implants to secure dentures to an entire arch. You can get both Snap-On and screw-retained implant dentures with this procedure. You can get full arch dental implants in the UK for about £13,000 to £16000 per arch.

• Full Mouth Dental Implant

For a full set of teeth implants, you will need to spend about £10,000 to £25,000. In this treatment, you typically get about 12 to 16 dental implants and the treatment can last about 15 years.

Types of Dental Implants

Following are the three main types of dental implants that your doctor might consider for you based on your individual medical condition.

1. Endosteum Implants

In this treatment, a small screw, cylinder, or blade-shaped object is inserted in your jaw bone which can hold one or more crowns. If you are to qualify for this procedure then you must have a healthy jawbone that can fuse with the implant.

2. Subperiosteal Implants

This implant is placed on or above your jawbone. This metal post is placed under your gum to hold it tightly in place. This treatment is suggested if wearing a regular denture is not an option for you or when your natural jawbone is not able to hold endosteal implants.

3. Zygoma Implants

This process is a little complicated since it involves the placement of the implant in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone. These implants are for people with severe jawbone loss. These implants are tilted and more lengthy than traditional ones which makes their placement on the Zygoma possible.

The Procedure of Dental Implants

• Before Surgery

Initially, your doctor will begin with a consultation and set a date for tooth extraction if necessary. During this time, they will also give you a diagnosis and a detailed treatment plan.

They might use an X-ray or a dental CT scan to examine the condition of your jawbone and gums. Then an impression of your teeth and gum will be taken. After that, you will be given the date and time of the procedure. At this point, you can ask them about the anesthesia options and they can tell you whether you need a bone graft or not.

• During Surgery

During the implant insertion, the surgeon will drill a hole in your jawbone and then place the implant. If you have a healthy jawbone, the insertion of the implant can be done on the same day as the extraction of the tooth. Otherwise, the doctor may schedule the implant insertion after 3 to 6 months of the extraction.

You will be put either under local anesthesia or given dental sedation or a combination of both for this procedure. After the implant, you can leave the clinic with a temporary crown which is then replaced with a healing cap in the next visit.

• After Surgery

After 2 to 6 months of the placement of the implant, you will visit the doctor again for abutment placement. The job of the abutment is to connect the titanium post of the implant to the dental crown.

First, the abutment is screwed into the crown and then a temporary crown, denture, or healing cap is placed over it. After two weeks, your gum should heal completely. Now your temporary dental crown is ready to be replaced with a permanent one.

Dental Implants: Aftercare tips

• If you notice swelling after the surgery, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. You can also place ice on the spots that show visible swelling in the first 24 hours.
• Only eat soft foods and avoid extra spicy or hard items.
• Carefully brush and floss your teeth and avoid rinsing immediately after the surgery.
• After one day following the procedure, you can start rinsing gently with a warm saltwater solution.
• If you suffer from bruxism, you can use a nightguard for protection.
• Avoid smoking and strenuous physical activities.
• Practice proper dental hygiene habits and visit your dentist on a regular basis to avoid potential problems.          

Conclusion

Dental implants are a viable solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile. It gives you better overall oral health and builds confidence. The cost of this procedure in London can vary based on a number of factors including the number of teeth you need, the type and complexity of the surgical procedure, and the qualification and experience of the doctor.

On average, you can get this treatment between £2,500 TO £4,500 per implant. It is advised that you do thorough research regarding this procedure and consult an expert dentist with years of experience and positive patient reviews before making your decision.     

Visit us at Special Dental Services to get consultation and treatment from the top dentists and oral health experts in London.