What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a missing tooth.
Generally, dental implants are made from titanium due to its biocompatibility with the environment within the mouth.
The titanium implant essentially acts as the root of the tooth which is surgically placed into bone and then is restored typically with a porcelain crown or bridge.
An implant is fixed therefore eliminating the need for a denture. It is placed without compromising any adjacent teeth. Implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth for both functional and
cosmetic reasons. Dental implants have a high surgical success rate and with adequate care can last for many years.

Am I suitable for implant treatment?

Firstly it is important that issues likely to effect a possible implant placement are addressed and dealt with, including poor gum health or outstanding dental treatment.
To know if you as a patient are suitable for implant treatment a couple of consultation appointments maybe required.
An examination of your mouth will be carried out to ensure that your oral condition is stable and to assess the intended area for implant placement. X-rays may also be taken at this stage alongside extra and intraoral dental photographs. We will then carry out a specialised scan in practice known as a C.B.C.T of your
jaw bone, this is to assess the quality and volume of the bone, map out anatomical structures and ensure accurate surgical planning.
If the scan reveals that you have insufficient bone where an implant is to be placed a bone graft may be recommended. This is a standard procedure and usually involves the use of either synthetic, animal derived or cadaver bone. A review appointment will be made for a discussion of the findings from the
C.B.C.T scan and a verbal quotation of prices will be given with a proposed treatment plan.
On completion of the consultation stage a written treatment plan and consent  form(s) will then be sent to your home address. Then the date of surgery will be booked.

What does implant treatment involve & how long does it take to complete?

Implant treatment is generally carried out in a few stages rather than in one go, this provides greater predictability for a successful outcome.
A small flap is raised from the soft tissues in the area of a missing tooth then the implant is placed into the bone and a cover screw is tightened onto the head of the implant. The flap is then sutured and reviewed approximately 2 weeks later where the stitches will be removed.
Over a time period of about 3 months, new bone grows around and onto the surface of the implant integrating with it. This stabilises the implant and is referred to as ‘osseointegration’.  At this point a minimal incision under local anaesthetic will be made, the cover screw from the  head of the implant will be replaced by a slightly larger component called a ‘healing abutment.’  The purpose of a healing abutment is to shape the soft tissues to act as a collar around the implant crown.
After having this healing abutment in place, impressions can then be taken and sent to the dental laboratory for the restorative phase, that being a crown or bridge work. Once the restoration is fitted an appointment will be booked to review it.
From start to finish the treatment can take from 9 to 12 months. Please bear in mind that each case is on an individual basis therefore these given timeframes are to be used as a guide only  and may vary.

Does the surgery hurt?

You should not feel pain during the surgery itself as you will have received local anaesthetic. By having the surgery carried out under local anaesthetic it is much safer and you can communicate easily throughout the process ensuring your comfort. Once the anaesthetic has worn off you may experience mild discomfort and swelling or
bruising therefore we advise you to take painkillers and use an icepack to help reduce any likely swelling.
It is recommended that after the surgical procedure you take time off to rest and recover, usually 2 days off work is sufficient but this varies amongst patients .

What is the success rate and can implants fail?

It has been reported that there is up to a 95% success rate across all of the studies published. Dental implants can last for many years. Habits such as heavy drinking, smoking and poor oral hygiene can compromise the healing stage, health and ultimately the success of an implant, therefore it is advisable to quit all such habits.  There are certain medical reasons that could be a contraindication to implant treatment such as chronic conditions making a patient much more susceptible to the risk of infections and have a decreased rate of healing.

What maintenance is involved?

Just as with natural teeth dental implants can have a long lifespan as long as they are well maintained at home firstly with excellent oral hygiene including the use of interdental cleaning aids such as floss and tepe brushes.
It is vital to attend regular dental exams and yearly implant assessments. It is also of paramount importance to attend specific hygiene appointments to clean around the implant and to maintain the general health of your gums to prevent gum disease which could cause an implant to fail.

What will it cost? 

The consultation fee is £200, this consultation includes the necessary CBCT scanner.
Dental implants start from £2500 for a single implant with a crown. Bone grafting is from £300.
Finance options are available.
When paying independently the cost of the surgical stage that of the implant placement is due 2 weeks
prior to the date of surgery then the remaining restorative fee is due at the stage of impressions for the crown/bridge/denture work.

Which professional will carry out the surgery & aftercare?

Dr Dario Sales Lloret qualified as a general dental surgeon in Madrid Spain in 2011 Lic Odont and is
registered with the GDC reg no 221371.
He has been working at the practice since 2014 caring for many a patient and is our lead clinician. Well respected amongst colleagues and patients alike Dario is focused on delivering a high standard of care for all.
He is passionate about oral and periodontal surgery and has undertaken further training in this
specialised field. Dario holds a Masters degree in both areas. Dario understands that undergoing dental treatment
in general can cause anxiety, however his calm but professional manner in addition to ensuring that you
are well informed and prepared for your treatment will give you founded confidence.

Maybe you are like me, the thought of going to the Dentist used to induce a certain amount of fear and anxiety. So I’d like to take the opportunity to reassure you, your not alone!

I was surprised to find out this fear is normal in fact 53% of the population in the UK have a Dental Phobia and 17% have such a bad fear of Denistry that they refuse to visit or get essential dental work done.

For me the biggest fear was the unknown, what to expect, and feeling anxious about what was going to happen at my appointment.

But here are 7 things I’ve learned and wanted to share with you that have helped me to have a very positive experience at my dental appointment, I hope it will help you too…

1. Know what you are going for– if you haven’t been in a while you can find out what is included in a checkup and the price by visiting the Eirlys Dental Practice Website or phoning the practice and asking our friendly team what to expect at your visit, if you prefer bring a friend or family member with you for moral support.
2. Brush your teeth, floss and use mouthwash before your visit, it might seem obvious but it’s important to eat a good meal before your visit and if my appointment is after lunch I like to make sure my mouth is clean and my breath is fresh, it boosts your confidence too.
3. Don’t be late- arriving to an appointment late is in itself a cause of stress and anxiety, so I like to arrive 10-15 minutes early, to check in with reception, then I’m not flustered, I can find a seat, compose myself and gather my thoughts, some people like to wear ear phones and listen to calming music or read a book.
4. At reception there may be some forms to fill in if for some reason they havnt already been completed online, prepare for this by bringing any relevant information, such as the name and phone number of your next of kin/emergency contact or if your exempt from paying for dental treatment, remember to bring the exemption certificates or benefit details. If your not sure if you are exempt from paying find out in advance of the appointment by contacting the benefits agency.
5. Medical histories are always updated at every appointment, so keep a list with you if you have any health conditions or take prescription medication as it is important to keep your record up to date incase any treatment is required.
6. Be honest! If you feel nervous let the Dental team know, if you need treatment and feel any discomfort let the Dentist know, no one will judge you, ask the Dentist questions and tell them how you feel, at Eirlys Dental Practice the team are trained to put you at ease, my Dentist explained how practicing breathing techniques helps reduce anxiety. They understand and realise that for some people the best option is sedation to help you feel calm, relaxed and at ease during a dental procedure…from working with these Pro’s I know the team are 100% committed to ensuring your visit is as pleasant and enjoyable as possible (if you don’t believe me that a Dental appointment is enjoyable check out what our other patients say on our Google Reviews!)

And Finally….

7. Pay close attention to the advice the Dentist gives, remember to stop at reception to book your next appointment before you leave, I always save my next Dental appointment on my phone, Eirlys Dental send text message and email reminders automatically too which is really helpful as we all have busy lives.

And there you have it, my 7 top tips for easing the fear of your next Dental appointment.
Take care of yourself and your smile, all the team at Eirlys Dental Practice and I look forward to meeting you soon!

At our dental practice, we understand that dental treatments can be a significant investment. That’s why we offer financing options to make dental care more accessible and affordable for our patients. We believe that everyone should have access to quality dental care without having to worry about the financial burden.

We offer a range of financing options, including 0% interest plans, to help our patients get the dental care they need without having to worry about the cost. Our financing options make it easy for you to spread the cost of your treatment over time, so you can make affordable monthly payments that fit your budget.

One of the main benefits of financing dental treatments is that it allows you to get the care you need without having to delay treatment. Delaying treatment can often lead to more extensive and costly procedures down the road, so it’s important to address dental issues as soon as possible. With our financing options, you can get the care you need when you need it, without having to worry about the financial burden.

In addition to making dental care more affordable, our financing options can also improve your overall dental health. By addressing dental issues early on, you can prevent more serious problems from developing, which can save you time and money in the long run.

If you’re interested in financing your dental treatment, please contact our dental practice today to learn more about our financing options. We will work with you to find a plan that fits your budget and helps you get the care you need to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.