A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant is stable, it can support a crown, bridge or denture, allowing dental implants to replace a single tooth, several missing teeth or support a more extensive tooth replacement.
Dental implant treatment is carefully planned and usually takes place over several stages. The exact process and timescale will depend on your oral health, the number of teeth being replaced and whether any additional treatment is needed.
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Your journey starts with a detailed assessment with our implant dentist, Surith. We’ll talk about what you would like to achieve, examine your teeth and gums and assess whether dental implants are likely to be a suitable option for you.
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X-rays and digital imaging may be used to assess the available bone and surrounding structures. We’ll then explain the treatment options available, likely timescales, costs and any additional procedures that may be required before you decide whether to proceed.
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The dental implant is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. Your individual treatment plan will determine how many implants are needed and whether temporary teeth are required during the healing period.
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The implant is normally allowed time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone before the final restoration is fitted. The length of this stage varies between patients and will be discussed as part of your treatment plan.
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Once the implant is ready, it can be restored with a crown, bridge or implant-supported denture depending on what is being replaced. We’ll check the appearance, fit and function carefully before completing treatment.
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Dental implants still require excellent daily cleaning and regular dental and hygiene care. We’ll show you how to look after your implant and continue to monitor the health of the implant, gums and surrounding tissues.
A single dental implant can support an individual crown to replace one missing tooth without relying on the neighbouring teeth for support.
Two or more implants can be used to support a fixed bridge, allowing several missing teeth to be replaced without needing an implant for every tooth.
Dental implants can be used to help retain and stabilise a removable denture, improving its security during eating and speaking.
Implant-supported teeth can help restore function where missing teeth are affecting eating and chewing, with the aim of providing a stable replacement that feels more like natural teeth.
With appropriate case selection, good oral hygiene and regular maintenance, dental implants can provide a durable replacement for missing teeth. The crown, bridge or denture attached to the implant may still need maintenance or replacement over time.
Most adults with missing teeth can be considered for dental implants, but suitability depends on your individual oral and general health.
During your consultation, Surith will assess your teeth and gums, review your medical history and use appropriate X-rays or 3D imaging to understand the available bone and surrounding structures.
Healthy gums, adequate bone and the ability to maintain good oral hygiene are particularly important. Factors such as smoking, active gum disease, certain medical conditions and some medications can also affect implant treatment and healing.
If there is not enough bone for straightforward implant placement, this does not necessarily mean implants are unsuitable. Depending on your individual situation, additional procedures such as bone grafting may sometimes be considered.
We’ll explain what we find, the options available and any additional treatment that may be needed before you decide whether you would like to proceed.
Surith provides your implant treatment with support from our trained dental and treatment coordination team.
Your treatment plan is based on your oral health, available bone and what you would like to achieve.
We use digital imaging and 3D scans where appropriate to help plan implant treatment carefully.
Our team guides you through each stage, from consultation and planning to treatment and review.
Regular dental and hygiene care helps us monitor your implants and support their long-term health.
Careful planning is an important part of dental implant treatment. At North Lakeland Dental we use digital scans and 3D CBCT imaging where appropriate to assess your teeth, jawbone and surrounding structures before treatment.
This information helps Surith plan the position and number of implants required, assess the available bone and identify important anatomical structures before treatment begins.
We’ll explain the relevant findings and how they affect your treatment options, so you understand why a particular approach has been recommended.
Hear how Elaine found the implant treatment process at North Lakeland Dental, from the initial consultation and planning through to their completed treatment.
Dental implant treatment at North Lakeland Dental starts from £4,250. The final cost depends on how many teeth are being replaced, the number of implants required and whether any additional procedures are needed.
After your assessment and treatment planning, we’ll provide you with a clear written estimate so you understand the costs before deciding whether to proceed.
We also offer payment options to help make treatment more manageable. Our team can explain the finance options available to you during your consultation.
Dental implants are usually placed under local anaesthetic, so the area being treated is numb during the procedure. Some discomfort, swelling or bruising afterwards is normal and varies from person to person.
Treatment time varies depending on the number of implants, healing and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting are required. The implant is commonly allowed several months to integrate with the jawbone before the final crown, bridge or denture is completed.
Dental implants are intended as a long-term tooth replacement, but no implant can be guaranteed to last for life. Their long-term success depends on factors including oral health, bone and gum health, smoking, cleaning and regular maintenance. The crown, bridge or denture attached to an implant may also require maintenance or replacement over time.
Not everyone needs bone grafting. We assess the amount and position of available bone during treatment planning and, if there is insufficient bone for an implant, a bone graft may sometimes be recommended to create a suitable foundation.
Smoking does not automatically rule out implant treatment, but it increases the risk of complications and implant failure and can affect healing. We’ll discuss this with you as part of your individual assessment and advise you about reducing these risks before treatment.
Yes. In suitable cases, implants can be used to help retain and stabilise a removable denture, providing additional support and security when eating and speaking.
Implants are not the only way to replace missing teeth. Depending on your individual situation, alternatives can include a dental bridge, removable denture or sometimes leaving the space untreated. We’ll explain the appropriate options and their advantages and disadvantages before you decide.
Dental implants need daily cleaning and ongoing professional care, just like natural teeth. Regular dental reviews and hygiene appointments allow us to monitor the gums, surrounding bone and implant-supported teeth and identify any problems early.
North Lakeland Dental is based in Wigton, Cumbria, and we welcome patients seeking dental implant treatment from Carlisle, Cockermouth, Penrith, and communities across North Cumbria.
If you’re considering replacing a missing tooth, several teeth or improving the stability of a denture, your first step is a free implant consultation. You can meet the team, talk through what is concerning you and find out what treatment options may be suitable before deciding whether you would like to proceed.
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