Implant consultation

At an implant consultation a full assessment is made. This includes a full medical history to identify any conditions of significance, a thorough dental examination, radiographs and study models and photographs as appropriate. From this a written treatment plan and estimate is produced. A further appointment is then arranged to discuss the proposed treatment and answer any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed with the treatment then further planning would be carried out. There is of course no obligation to have any treatment. The cost of a full examination and treatment plan to include study models and routine radiographs is £95.00.

General health

If you have good general health then dental implants will almost certainly work for you. However, habits such as heavy drinking or smoking can increase the number of problems associated with initial healing and thereafter may negatively influence the long-term health of gum and bone surrounding each implant. Smoking is a particular problem. Failure rates are double in smokers and therefore we would advise patients to give up smoking permanently.

Dental health

When you first enquire about dental implants it is often in response to an awareness of ongoing dental problems or the recent loss of teeth. Each of these problems will need to be diagnosed and treated in a logical manner. Basic dental health, which includes the treatment of gum disease, repair of decay and the elimination of abscesses is essential for the long-term success of your treatment.

Bone

By a combination of examination and x-rays there will be an assessment of the amount of bone present. Routine dental x-rays show large amounts of detail, but in only two dimensions. From these views it is generally possible to judge the height of bone available for implant placement, however, more advanced imaging techniques are sometimes needed to determine the equally important bone width, which can otherwise only be estimated from clinical examination.

CT scans

There are now a number of advanced x-ray techniques which allow your jaw bone to be looked at in all three-dimensions. The most accurate and widely available is known as the CT (computed tomography) scan. Images obtained by CT scanning will normally be able to show all of the information required about your bone, including quantity and quality, but most importantly the presence of anatomical structures that must be avoided. They also allow implants to be placed onto the computer image and produce a guide for implant placement. Where a CT scan is indicated the costs would be fully discussed as part of the treatment plan.