The process
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Dental implants, planned in 3D
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with three parts: a titanium post that acts as the root, an abutment that connects to it and a fixed crown on top. It suits adults with healthy gums and enough bone. We plan each case in 3D with CBCT. The implant usually needs a few months to heal before the final crown. Implant from £1,500; implant crown from £2,000.
Guide fee
Implant from £1,500
Consultation
From £150
Healing time
Usually a few months
With
Dr Shivan Dave
Who it is for
Who dental implants suit
One missing tooth
A single implant fills the gap without involving the teeth either side. It stands on its own, so healthy neighbouring teeth do not need to be cut down to support it.
Several missing teeth
Two or more implants can carry a fixed bridge that replaces several teeth in a row. It is an alternative to a removable partial denture for people who want something that stays in place.
Healthy gums and enough bone
An implant needs sound foundations. We check your gums and measure the bone in 3D. Where bone is thin, grafting may be an option, and we will tell you clearly if it is.
Risks we assess with you
Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and gum disease all raise the risk of an implant failing, and non-smokers tend to do better. None of these rules treatment out automatically. We assess each person individually.
The difference
What changes the result
CBCT 3D planning
A CBCT scan taken on site shows the height, width and shape of the bone, and where nerves and sinuses lie. The implant's position is decided on screen, well before the day it is placed.
A digital scan of your teeth
An intra-oral scan records your teeth and bite without impression putty. Combined with the CBCT, it lets us plan backwards from the final crown, so the finished tooth sits where it should.
Guided placement
Where appropriate, a surgical guide made from the digital plan directs the implant to the planned position, depth and angle. What was decided on screen is what happens in the mouth.
A surgical background
Dr Shivan Dave holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry and has a background in hospital oral surgery at King's College Hospital. He is Clinical Director of Widegate House and leads our implant work.
01
Consultation and scans
We examine your mouth, discuss what you want and take a CBCT scan and a digital scan. You receive a written plan setting out the stages, the timescale and the fees. Consultation from £150; CBCT from £195.
02
Placement
The implant is placed under local anaesthetic. You should feel pressure but not pain. Depending on the site, you may leave with a healing cap or a temporary tooth while the area settles.
03
Healing
Over a few months the bone grows onto the surface of the implant and holds it firm. This is called integration, and it cannot be hurried. The time varies with the site, the bone and any grafting.
04
Abutment and crown
Once the implant is secure, we scan it and attach the abutment, the connector between implant and crown. The crown is then made to match your neighbouring teeth and fixed in place.
05
Maintenance
Implants need looking after as carefully as natural teeth. Regular reviews and hygienist visits keep the gum and bone around the implant healthy, and let us catch any problem while it is small.
Afterwards
Aftercare
Expect some swelling and tenderness for a few days after placement. Follow the written instructions we give you, keep the area clean and avoid smoking, which slows healing. In the long term an implant cannot decay, but the gum around it can become inflamed. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth and see the hygienist regularly.
Guide fees
Implant consultationfrom £150
CBCT 3D X-rayfrom £195
Dental implantfrom £1,500
Implant crownfrom £2,000
Bone graftingon application
Guide fees. You receive a written plan with exact costs before treatment starts. See all fees
Common questions
Questions, answered
How much does a dental implant cost?+
Guide fees are from £1,500 for the implant and from £2,000 for the implant crown. The consultation is from £150 and a CBCT scan from £195, with bone grafting priced on application. You receive a written plan with exact fees before treatment starts.
Does having a dental implant hurt?+
The implant is placed under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Soreness and some swelling afterwards are normal for a few days and are usually managed with ordinary painkillers.
How long does dental implant treatment take?+
Usually several months from start to finish. The implant needs a few months to integrate with the bone before the final crown is fitted. Grafting, or waiting for an extraction site to heal, adds time. Your written plan sets out the schedule.
Am I suitable for dental implants?+
Most adults with healthy gums and enough bone are. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and gum disease raise the risk of problems, so we assess these first. A consultation and a CBCT scan give a clear answer.
What are the alternatives to a dental implant?+
A bridge fixes a replacement tooth to the teeth beside the gap, which usually means preparing them. A denture is removable and costs less, though some people find it less stable. Leaving a gap is sometimes reasonable, particularly at the back of the mouth. We explain each option and what it involves.
How long do dental implants last?+
With good care, an implant can be expected to last many years. The crown on top may need replacing sooner through normal wear. Much depends on your oral hygiene, whether you smoke, your bite and regular maintenance.
Can an implant be placed on the day a tooth is removed?+
Sometimes. It depends on the amount of bone and whether there is infection at the site. In many cases it is safer to let the area heal first, and we will explain which approach applies to you.