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Patients Guide to Dental Implants
We understand that dental care is an important investment in your health and confidence, and you may have many questions about our treatments and services. On this page, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients to help address common concerns and provide useful information. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us — our team will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
We understand that dental care is an important investment in your health and confidence, and you may have many questions about our treatments and services. On this page, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients to help address common concerns and provide useful information. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us — our team will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
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Norfolk Dental Specialists provides expert care in periodontal treatment, dental implants, hygiene, and prosthodontics. Our specialist-registered dentists focus on their fields of expertise to deliver predictable, high-quality treatment. We are trusted by local dentists to care for their referred patients with professionalism and excellence.
At your assessment you will be assessed by a dental specialist or dental expert in the field you have been referred for. You may as part of your treatment also see the dental hygienist or other dental specialists within our practice.
All our dentists at Norfolk Dental Specialists are registered with the General Dental Council. All have additional qualifications in their field of expertise. Many of our dentists are registered specialists with the General Dental Council.
We usually like to have referral from your general dentists, but are also happy to see you directly.
Once we have received your referral, or if you have self-referred, our administration team will contact you to arrange your consultation appointment.
Prior to your initial consultation you will be sent a medical history form, and a dental questionnaire. We ask patients to fill these in prior to your initial consultation. If you have x-rays that your dentist has taken then having these with you will be useful.
At Norfolk Dental Specialists, initial assessments last around 45 minutes and include a discussion of concerns, a full dental examination, and any necessary x-rays or tests. We then explain our findings, provide a fee estimate, and, where needed, arrange further assessments. Patients receive a written report with a tailored treatment plan, costs, and timescales.
*Fees are listed on our Dental Fees page under Clinical Assessment.
Radiographs form an essential part of the assessment process. This allows us to visualise the teeth, roots, and bone around teeth. Some patients ask their dentists to forward previous radiographs for us, and in certain cases these are sufficient for the initial assessment.
Part of our assessment includes a conversation with our patients, asking them what their expectations are, what they wish to achieve. Based on these and following our assessments a discussion takes place with the patient (and sometimes their partner) to decide on which treatment option would suit them best.
A CBCT is a specialised dental scan that produces 3D images of your teeth and jaws. It is quick, painless, and uses a lower radiation dose than a standard CT scan. The detailed images provide information not available from regular X-rays, such as jawbone shape and structure, which helps us assess suitability for treatments like dental implants.
Children and teenagers make up a small proportion of our patients. Dental implants are generally unsuitable for this age group, but our Prosthodontists can offer alternative tooth replacement options. We also treat young patients with gum disease and provide minor gum procedures, such as frenectomies and canine exposure, to support orthodontic treatment.
The cost of dental implant treatment varies depending on the complexity and number of teeth being replaced. A straight forward tooth replacement incurs a fee of £2985.
Single tooth replacement (straightforward): £2,985. This is an inclusive fee covering the pre-operative CBCT scan, the dental implant, and the final implant crown.
Two teeth replacement:
With a single implant: £3,985. With two implants: £4,985 to £5,335.
Three teeth replacement: With two implants: £5,685.
Four teeth replacement: With two implants: £6,485.
In cases requiring additional implants (e.g., due to a strong bite): up to £8,485.
Full arch replacement: Complete set of lower teeth: £14,085. Complete set of upper teeth: £18,485.
Single-tooth cases can be completed in around four months. Most implant treatments take four to six months with at least four or five appointments. More complex cases involving multiple teeth may take nine to twelve months.
To ensure a smooth and efficient treatment journey with minimal waiting times, we block book all your necessary appointments once you commence treatment. This allows us to schedule your appointments within a two-to-three-week period. If you have flexibility with your availability, it is often possible to commence treatment within one to two weeks.
Initial Assessment: A clinical exam and basic X-rays provide a preliminary view of available bone.
Detailed Planning: A CBCT scan offers precise 3D measurements essential for surgical planning.
Minimal Bone Situations: Our specialist team uses advanced techniques to place implants successfully even when bone volume is limited.
We offer several flexible payment options to suit your needs. Treatment costs can be staggered over four to twelve months, including an interest-free payment plan, or paid as you go using credit cards or online payment systems, providing convenience and ease throughout your care.
To ensure a smooth treatment journey, we reserve dedicated diary blocks for patients starting treatment, with all appointments scheduled in advance for continuity of care. For urgent needs, we can arrange appointments sooner or outside normal hours.
Most implant appointments are similar to routine dental visits. Post-operative discomfort may occur only after implant placement, which is performed under local anaesthesia. We provide pre-operative pain relief and recommend its use for a few days afterwards to manage any swelling or bruising, which usually resolves within three to seven days.
For a single tooth, the placement procedure generally takes between 45 and 75 minutes. This is performed in a sterile environment and includes the time required to ensure you are completely comfortable before, during, and after the appointment.
You can usually eat straight away following the procedure. However, we recommend a soft diet for the first week to support healing. For all other appointments during your implant treatment, you can maintain your normal diet.
As part of implant treatment, temporary teeth are always provided, usually as a denture, temporary bridge, or occasionally an implant-supported bridge. You will not be left without teeth, although after implant placement you may be asked to leave dentures out for a short period.
Dental implants are highly durable, with studies showing around 90% remain successful after 10–15 years. A small proportion may require maintenance or repair. Long-term success depends on good oral hygiene, effective cleaning, regular hygienist visits, and the health of your remaining teeth.
Dental implants can be placed at any age for adults. However, they are not recommended for children and young adults whose jaws are still growing. We prefer to wait until growth is complete before considering implant treatment.
The primary risks are surgical and include infection, bruising, swelling, discomfort, or, rarely, implant failure. These risks can be minimised through meticulous planning and by choosing a specialist surgeon who is experienced in both placing and restoring dental implants.
The number of implants needed depends on missing teeth, remaining teeth, and how the teeth bite together. A single missing tooth usually requires one implant, while multiple teeth can often be replaced with fewer implants—for example, three or four teeth may only need two. In the lower jaw, up to ten teeth can sometimes be supported by four implants, and two implants can stabilise a lower denture effectively.
No. Implant treatment is usually performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area. For particularly anxious patients, we offer conscious sedation provided by a qualified anaesthetist. This induces deep relaxation while allowing the patient to respond to the dentist, often with little or no memory of the procedure, ensuring both comfort and safety.
In most cases, patients can begin eating with their implant-supported crown or bridge immediately after fitting. As temporary replacements or dentures are often worn beforehand, it may take 2–4 weeks for the mouth to adjust fully and for the new teeth to feel completely natural.
Active gum disease is a risk factor for dental implants. If you have gum disease we will initially treat your gum disease first. This ensures that you have a healthy mouth and foundation upon which your dental implants can be placed. Once your gum disease is treated, and your mouth is healthy you can have dental implants.
Single Implant: A single implant requires minimal maintenance beyond excellent home care (brushing and flossing) and regular visits to the hygienist. Complex Cases: More extensive treatments, such as full-arch restorations, require more frequent hygienist visits, typically every three to four months. A protective night guard and annual reviews are also often recommended to ensure the longevity of the restorations.
Long-term studies show dental implants are highly successful, with around 90% still functioning after ten years. Success depends on implant quality, clinical expertise, and careful restoration. Good oral hygiene, regular hygienist visits, healthy remaining teeth, and a night guard for grinding or clenching help reduce the risk of problems.
Dental bone grafting increases jawbone volume where it is insufficient, often to support dental implants or, occasionally, to treat gum disease. Minor grafts are usually done at the same time as implant placement using a small amount of bone and a substitute, with 5–7 days of mild recovery. Extensive grafts are performed in a separate procedure, may use bone from inside the mouth plus substitutes, and require 4–6 months of healing before implants can be placed.
After a tooth extraction, the supporting bone naturally shrinks, which can affect future implant placement and the appearance of a replacement tooth. Socket preservation fills the socket with a bone substitute, often with a collagen membrane, to maintain bone volume and support better long-term outcomes.
Periodontitis is severe gum inflammation that can cause swelling, bleeding, and loss of bone around the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque and influenced by factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and family history. About 10% of the population develop the more severe form, which carries the highest risk of tooth loss.
*Further information is available on our gum disease page.
Bleeding gums when you brush, swollen gums, bad breath, teeth that have started to move or drift, bad taste in your mouth, or bad breath are all signs and symptoms of gum disease. However, some people can have active gum disease and not have any signs or symptoms, so the best way to tell if you have gum disease is to visit your dentist or dental hygienist.
Gum disease and periodontitis are caused by plaque. The body’s susceptibility to the plaque can be influenced by family history. However, even in patients with a high susceptibility to periodontitis and gum disease, this condition can be controlled and managed resulting in a healthy oral environment.
The predictability of gum treatment depends on various factors, including the person's standard of oral hygiene which we will help patients achieve. The damage already caused by gum disease cannot be reversed, but following successful gum treatment, the gum, and the bone around the teeth are maintained and won’t be lost further.
Gum disease (periodontitis) can have local and systemic effects. Locally, it may cause tooth loss, bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, and tooth movement, affecting appearance and function. Systemically, bacteria from the gums can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, complicating diabetes, and, in some populations, raising the risk of premature birth.
Bacteria beneath the gums can enter the bloodstream and, directly or via systemic inflammation, affect other parts of the body. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, complicate diabetes, and, in some populations, raise the risk of premature birth.
Effective thorough tooth brushing, the use of interdental brushes, visiting the dentist and hygienist regularly will help prevent or reduce the risk of having gum disease. If you are a smoker you are advised to stop smoking. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, improving your diabetic control will reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
The initial phase of gum treatment focuses on improving daily home care and removing plaque from tooth surfaces and roots to reduce inflammation and protect bone support. This non-surgical periodontal treatment, known as professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR), targets plaque above and below the gum line.
Non-surgical periodontal treatment is the gold standard for gum disease and has been extensively studied over decades. Nearly all patients are initially treated non-surgically, with most responding well. However, in some cases, further periodontal (gum) surgery may be needed to fully resolve inflammation.
The main side effects of non-surgical and surgical gum disease treatment, is that the gums can shrink, the spaces between teeth can become bigger, and sensitivity to hot and cold can increase. The shrinkage of the gums is likely permanent. Sensitivity is usually temporary and can last as little as a few weeks to as long as many months.
This depends on the extend of disease on initial presentation for the patient. Most patients respond well to a course of non-surgical treatment, and this costs between £700-£1500 for the entire course of treatment.
If gum disease does not respond to non-surgical treatment, periodontal surgery may be performed to remove bacteria and reshape gums for easier cleaning. The gum tissue is lifted, bacteria removed, and tissue replaced, with damaged bone sometimes smoothed to allow better reattachment to healthy bone.
Exposed tooth roots from gum recession can be treated with gum graft surgery, covering the root to prevent further recession and bone loss. Tissue is taken from the palate or another donor site and applied to one or multiple teeth, reducing sensitivity and improving aesthetics. Gum grafts may also thicken gum tissue around dental implants.
A regenerative procedure may be recommended when bone supporting your teeth has been lost due to periodontal disease. The gum tissue is lifted, bacteria removed, and membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins are used to encourage natural regeneration of bone and tissue.
If you have had periodontitis, after your treatment your gums can shrink. This gum will not grow back again as it was damaged because of the inflammation. However, once your gums are healthy, they will not shrink any more. Effective hygiene methods will prevent you losing more gum tissue.
The best way to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis is by removing plaque through correct brushing and interdental cleaning. Your dental team will advise on techniques and brush sizes. Brushing should be done twice daily—before breakfast and before bed, waiting about 30 minutes after eating. Healthy gums need around two minutes, but gum disease may require longer.
This depends on the person's susceptibility to gum disease, their extent of disease on initial presentation, and the results of their treatment. In our practice, following successful gum treatment we usually review patients 12- 24 months after the initial phase of therapy to make sure that the gums have remained healthy, and there has been no relapse.
A hygienist is a specifically trained clinician who supports home care and removes plaque to improve dental and gum health. Successful implant and gum treatment relies on good oral hygiene, and in some cases cannot proceed without hygienist care. Long-term studies show implants last longest in healthy, plaque-free mouths with regular hygienist visits.
Both manual and power (electric) toothbrushes are effective, though rechargeable power brushes are slightly better than battery-powered ones. Your dental team can advise which to use. Small-headed brushes with medium bristles are generally recommended, though no design has been shown to be clearly superior.
The success of gum and implant treatment depends on effective brushing and the use of tailored cleaning tools. Seeing a dental hygienist at Norfolk Dental Specialists is essential during and after treatment to ensure high-quality oral care, maintain dental health, and monitor for early signs of disease, referring to the periodontist if needed.
Interdental brushes are designed to clean in between your teeth without causing any damage to your gums. The hygienist will check to make sure you are using the correct sized brushes and you are using the correct technique to ensure effective cleaning without any trauma.
You must clean your dental implant teeth in the same way as your natural teeth. Ensuring that you thoroughly brush around the teeth, and use the correct size inter dental brushes. Vigorous and correct brushing technique will ensure that your dental implants remain healthy.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for in our FAQs? We’re here to help. You can get in touch with us by phone, email, or simply use our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your dental queries.
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