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Dental implants Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about dental implants.

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants varies depending on the amount and the extent of the treatment you require.

The cost of the treatment will differ from dentist to dentist, and clinic to clinic. It will also depend on the amount of work that is required during treatment, and the number of implants used. Some additional costs are listed below.

  • CT scan or an X-ray. You may need to have one or both of these so that your dentist can check the thickness of your jawbone.
  • Bone grafting. This is a surgical procedure to increase the amount of bone in your jaw. You need it if you don't have enough bone to support the implant.
  • Bridges or dentures. You may require a temporary bridge or partial denture fitted while you are waiting for the implant to be fitted.

It's important that you consider the quality of the clinic you use and the surgical skills of your dentist. He or she will provide you with a treatment plan and a detailed estimate of the cost after your initial consultation.

Further information

Sources

  • Dental Implants. Association of Dental Implantology UK, 2006. www.adi.org.uk
  • Dental Implants. Dental Wisdom. www.dentalwisdom.com, accessed 26 June 2008

  • Dental implant information. Association of Dental Implantology UK, 2003. www.adi.org.uk, accessed 1 January 2008

  • Wray D and Wray A, Understanding your teeth and mouth. Poole: Family Doctor Publications, 2000

  • Implants. British Dental Health Foundation. www.dentalhealth.org.uk, accessed 26 June 2008
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What is bone grafting and when can it be used?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to increase the amount of bone in your jaw. It helps to support the dental implant.

Explanation

For dental implants to be successful there needs to be enough bone to hold the implant. If you don't have enough bone in your jaw because of injury, loss of teeth, or a developmental problem, you will need to have a graft to increase the amount of bone. This can be carried out either before the implant surgery or at the same time.

Bone grafting involves re-building the jaw bone by taking bone from somewhere else in your body and adding it to the area where the implant will be placed. If the area is small, then the bone will be taken from another part of your mouth. If the area is large, then the bone will be taken from another area of your body such as your hip or shin bone. Your dentist may want to avoid taking bone from another part of your body to reduce the amount of surgery you need. In this case, he or she can use synthetic bone, or materials made from the bone of animals. However, your own bone is considered the 'gold standard' as it fuses with your jaw more quickly.

Once the jaw has been re-built it takes between three and 12 months before an implant can be fitted.

Your dentist will tell you if you need a graft. He or she will organise for you to have an X-ray and/or dental CT scan to see if you have enough bone to support the implants.

Further information

Sources

  • Dental implant information. Association of Dental Implantology UK, 2003 www.adi.org.uk, accessed 1 January 2008
  • Esposito M, Grusovin M, Kwan S, et al., Interventions for replacing missing teeth: bone augmentation techniques for dental implant treatment (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003607. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003607.pub3., www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com, accessed 1 January 2008
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I grind my teeth at night. Can I have dental implants?

Yes, you can still have dental implants if you grind your teeth. But it's important that you discuss this with your dentist so that he or she can plan your treatment accordingly.

Explanation

Grinding your teeth will put extra pressure on the implant. Your dentist may place extra implants to help support the artificial tooth. He or she will also make sure that the material used in the implant is strong enough to withstand the extra pressure.

Your dentist may also suggest you wear a removable tooth guard at night. These fit over your teeth like a gum shield. They protect your teeth and implants from any damage caused from grinding your teeth.

Further information

Sources

  • Dental implant information. Association of Dental Implantology UK, 2003 www.adi.org.uk, accessed 1 January 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

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