Clinical review: Dr. Samreen Ejaz, BDS, RDS ·
Two parts: the implant and the tooth
An implant is a small post placed in the jawbone. Once it has healed, it holds the tooth you’ll actually see and chew with, usually a crown for a single gap. The implant and the crown are separate stages of treatment, so make sure your estimate covers both, along with the connecting part between them.
Checks before any surgery
Dr. Samreen looks at the gap, your bite, gums, other teeth and medical history, and we’ll need an X-ray or other imaging of the site. The amount of bone and gum there decides whether an implant suits you and whether extra procedures or a referral are needed. A gap that looks simple from the front can be quite different underneath.
How long it takes
Placing the implant, letting it heal and fitting the crown happen in stages over a period of time. Some people need extra steps or a longer wait between stages. If you’re worried about showing a gap meanwhile, ask what temporary tooth we can offer and whether it’s included. Don’t expect the final crown on the day the implant goes in.
Other ways to fill the gap
A bridge or a removable denture can also replace missing teeth. Each one affects the neighbouring teeth, cleaning, the number of visits and the cost differently. Leaving the gap is sometimes reasonable too. Pick the option you’ll realistically be able to clean, look after and come back for check-ups with.
Looking after an implant
Follow the aftercare for the surgery, then clean around the crown as we show you. Implants can still get gum problems, so regular checks matter. Tell us about bleeding, swelling, pain or a crown that feels loose. The crown and its parts may need maintenance over the years, and nobody can promise that an implant will last forever.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Questions about dental implants
Is the crown included in the implant price?
Ask us for an itemised plan. It should list the implant, the connecting part, the crown, X-rays and any extra procedures.
Can the implant go in the same day my tooth comes out?
Sometimes, but it depends on infection, damage and how much bone there is. We can’t tell from the gap alone.
What if I don’t have enough bone?
Then we’ll talk about extra procedures, a different kind of replacement or a referral. Any extra treatment is discussed and priced separately.
This is general information. What’s right for your tooth depends on what Dr. Samreen finds when she examines it.
Background reading: NHS: dental treatments. These are overseas sources, so their prices and rules don’t apply here.