What to expect from dental implant treatment

Step 1 - Your free initial consultation

So you are considering dental implants? Well, the good news is that you have come to the right place and our talented team can definitely help you. We offer the latest, world leading technology and materials enabling you to achieve the very best long-term result, which you deserve. 

In the first instance you are welcome to visit us for a free initial consultation with Emma or Nicole, our very knowledgeable treatment co-ordinators.

Emma and Nicole are experienced dental implant nurses and they will be able to give you a good idea about the treatment, fees and payment options we have available. This informal chat usually takes about 30-40 minutes and is completely complimentary, with no obligations or strings attached.

Step 2 - Assessment with Dr Vikram Kavi

If you decide to go ahead with treatment, the next step is a thorough appointment with our highly experienced implantologist Vikram Kavi.

Whether you have been referred by your own dentist, have self-referred or are already a registered patient with us, we would like you to come in for an assessment appointment so we can ascertain what treatment you need. 

This will also give you an opportunity to get to know us and we can assess what type of treatment would be best suited for your particular requirements.  

We can run through all the options at your disposal, answer any questions you may have and formulate an initial treatment plan. At this appointment we will give you a rough estimate of the cost and length of your implant treatment.

We follow up this appointment with a review, where we take any necessary x-rays and digital impressions. If you need sedation, we can also carry out an assessment to check your suitability. We will give you a written treatment plan at this appointment and a consent pack will follow shortly.

If required we would make any necessary appointments with our in-house dental technician, who would be more than happy to discuss your various options to help you perfect the result you want. If you have a photo of how your smile used to look, or how you would like it to look, bring it along so we can tailor your new smile accordingly.

Step 3 - Begin your treatment

Once we have answered all of your questions and you are happy to go ahead, we can then make an appointment for you and carry out your treatment in our new, state-of-the-art implant centre.

Step 4 - Smile with confidence once more and enjoy the finished result!

FAQs

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a substitute tooth root, made from ultra-pure titanium, which is placed into the jaw, where it becomes integrated into the jawbone. This is then used to support a bridge, dentures or crowns that become a long-lasting fixture. 

Why should I consider implants?

Implants have many advantages over dentures and bridges. These range from: 

• A reduction in bone loss normally associated with tooth loss – this is why dentures need to be adjusted or remade.
• Better dental hygiene – you treat them as natural teeth, flossing and brushing daily.
• Function as normal teeth – once the implant has been fully healed you can eat foods with the same confidence as you did with your natural teeth. You don’t need to worry about your new teeth falling out.
• Supporting teeth do not need to be prepared, as they would with a bridge
• They look natural!

When can teeth implants be used?

Tooth implants can be used for a wide range of treatment from one implant to replace one missing tooth, two implants to secure a loose denture, through to multiple implants to replace all the teeth in the mouth. 

Can anyone have oral implants?

Yes, if you are over 18 and in reasonably good health. Our thorough assessment will determine whether dental implants are the right option for you. At your implant assessment consultation, your mouth would first be examined and then appropriate x-rays, models and photographs taken. If implants are appropriate, a full treatment plan would be developed together with an estimate of the costs of providing the treatment. 

Why should I have implant treatment at Thistle Dental?

With more than 10 years placing dental implants following advanced training with the Faculty of General Dental Practice, Dr Kavi is highly experienced in all aspects of implant dentistry from single tooth to high aesthetic full arch cases.

He is regarded as one of the top dental surgeons in the country and his experience and skill are well recognised throughout the UK and beyond. Dr Kavi has a 99.8% success rate for implants and is named in the top 1% of implantologists in Europe based on his success and the number of implant placements he has carried out. 

How many dental Implants will I need?

This depends on how many teeth you have missing. As a general rule we can 'bridge' between implants, so if you have four teeth missing in a row we could place two implants at each end and suspend two teeth between them. If you have no teeth at all, then it is possible to provide a new full set of teeth with just four dental implants.

How long does treatment take?

Advances in implant technology means that you can now have new teeth in a day. The technique is called immediate loading and you can have your implants placed and temporary crowns fitted. If you are not suitable for the immediate loading technique, then treatment from beginning to end usually takes around a year. Once your new implant has been placed we normally wait around three to six months to allow full healing, then we can add your perfectly crafted and colour-matched new tooth.

Will the treatment hurt?

Placing a dental implant is surprisingly quick and painless. A small incision is made in the gum where the implant is to be placed. This is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, however we can provide intravenous sedation if you prefer. Once a small area of bone has been made visible the implant site is prepared. The implant is placed into the newly prepared bone and the gum is then closed over and secured with stitches.

What do I need to do before my implant treatment?

We have written some instructions for patients undergoing implant treatment. Please click here to download them.

How should I care for my mouth after treatment?

Firstly, congratulations on having your implants placed at Thistle Dental. The most important phase of your treatment starts now, which is why we have created an information sheet to help you to full recovery. Please click here to download it.