Home

John G. Plummer & Associates

Implants

A missing lateral incisor was replaced with an implant and an Integrated Abutment Crown™.

The Sensible Answer
More and more dentists are recommending dental implants to their patients as they are the superior treatment choice for replacing missing teeth or adding grip to loose fitting dentures. Clinical studies have proved that there success has progressed significantly over the last 10 years and can now offer excellent reliability, comfort aesthetics and confidence to patients who demand the best.

What is an implant?
The Bicon dental implant is machined surgical grade titanium which is placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to bond with the bone and serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants are a proven restorative option with a long clinical history, and they preserve the integrity of the facial structure and reduce the inconvenience associated with tooth loss.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Anyone missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. If one, a few or all teeth are missing, dental implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace those teeth. Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits that dental implants offer. However, health is more of a more determining factor than age. If you are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you are probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical history. At this time all your questions can be answered.

How will I benefit from a dental implant?
The benefits of implant treatment include appearance, the enhanced ability to chew and enjoy your food, and often protection of your remaining teeth and jawbone. Dental implants offer many benefits never before available for the treatment of missing teeth. In short, dental implants will look, feel and function like your real teeth.

The restoration of compromised or missing teeth with a implant can often be less costly, more reliable and require less chair-time than restoring teeth with root canal treatments or fixed dental prosthetics. Unlike teeth implants will not decay.

Is it important to take care of the implants after the treatment is completed?
Yes! Maintaining care of the implants will help to assure the long-term success of your treatment. You will be responsible for daily plaque removal, which can be accomplished through brushing and flossing around your restoration. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to care properly for you implants. You should visit your dentist at least once a year for maintenance appointments.

The Bicon dental implant is machined surgical grade titanium, which is placed into the jaw bone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Its placement is usually done in less than an hour in the dental chair, with only local anaesthesia.

After a period of two to six months of healing, the temporary healing post is removed and a final abutment post is tapped into the implant. A crown is secured to the abutment as the final restoration.

Increase denture effectiveness and comfort
Partial or full removable dentures can be secured with implants allowing the palatal coverage to be removed for greater comfort. This is a chair side treatment with no laboratory involvement needed.

How much will it cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth to be replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. It is important for you to know that you do not necessarily need an implant for each missing root. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure their long-term effectiveness and your oral heal.

Consultation with dental surgeon £150 (payable before appointment)
Cost per implant £1700 (including crown/denture)

There may be additional charges if not enough natural bone is available in patients jaw but this will be explained at consultation by the oral surgeon.
50% deposit required.

Initial examination by your dentist
A short examination will take place with your dentist and, if early indications are favourable, x-rays, impressions for study models will be arranged in the practice to assess the jaws for implants. At this stage an indication for your jaw’s suitability for implants will be given, together with an approximate idea of the likely cost. You will also need to complete a medical history form before referral to the oral surgeon.

Detailed examination by the dental surgeon
If the initial examination is favourable and the patient wishes to be considered for treatment, a detailed examination will take place and an appointment will be arranged with our consultant oral surgeon who will actually place the implant. A detailed written treatment plan will be provided by the oral surgeon.

Implant appointment
Implants are inserted by the dental surgeon. This is allowed to heal. Your dentist will construct your crown/bridge or denture. Appointments required for a crown/bridge (2 visits) or set of dentures (5-6 visits).

We use Bicon dental implants.

Courtesy of Bicon Dental Implants and Imtec Corporation