Dental implants
Long term replacements for missing teeth.
- Dr Anni Seaborne (she/her) , Head of General Dentistry at Bupa Dental Care
A dental implant is a small metal screw placed in your jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Over time, it joins with your bone and acts like a natural tooth root. A replacement tooth – such as a crown, bridge, or denture – is then securely fixed to the top of your implant.
Teeth implants can last many years if you look after them. They look and feel like your own teeth, help you eat and speak comfortably, and can prevent bone loss in your jaw.
What should I do if I'm interested in dental implants?
You can call us on 01454 771490 for a free consultation, or book online by finding your nearest Bupa Dental Care practice offering implants.
*Lines are open Mon to Fri, from 9am to 5pm. We may record or monitor calls.
When a dental implant is placed into your jawbone, your bone heals to the implant itself.
And we can use that dental implant to either place a crown on top of it, or we can use multiple dental implants to create a bridge, and sometimes we can even use dental implants to retain a denture.
The process for having a dental implant placed is actually fairly simple in most cases.
You have an injection to make the gum and the jaw numb just as you would for a filling and then there is a very minor surgical procedure for most dental implants which might take half an hour.
A dental implant is a surgical procedure, and like all surgery, the outcome cannot be guaranteed.
Whilst failure of an implant is a rare event, there are other things that can happen, which is why planning is very important.
But if it's planned properly, it's very safe.
So during implant surgery, everything is done under local anaesthesia, which means that you don't actually feel anything at all.
You may feel a little bit of pulling and pushing and your surgeon's hands in your mouth, but beyond that, it is a fairly comfortable procedure to go through.
Following implant treatment and following the surgical procedure, you will most likely have a little bit of discomfort, a little bit of pain, swelling and bruising, but it's normally something you can manage by using usual painkillers that you would have.
Dental implants can last for a very long time.
Studies show that over 90% of implants can last more than 10 years.
However, it is really important that they are done properly and well looked after.
So the costs of dental implants vary from practice to practice and from clinician to clinician.
And there's lots of different factors that are at play when we're deciding the cost of an implant, depending on the complexity of the work is required.
When people lose a tooth for whatever reason, there are different things that are available for them to replace that tooth, such as a denture or a bridge.
However, not everybody wants to wear a denture.
And often having a bridge means preparing healthy teeth for a crown.
How much do dental implants cost?
Dental implants are only available on the NHS if there’s a medical need for them. For example, you have mouth cancer or were born with a condition that affects your mouth. Most people need to pay for dental implants privately.
Spread the cost of your treatment
Patient finance is available for treatments that cost between £250 and £50,000 at 0% APR** when you choose a repayment term of between 3 months and 36 months (subject to the amount of credit), this means that you can spread your treatment cost over a term that suits you, and you don’t pay back any more than you would pay otherwise.
Once you have agreed your treatment plan with your dentist, you’ll have the option to apply.
Terms and conditions apply. Explore patient finance.
Types of dental implants
If you’re considering dental implants, there are a few different options . The best choice for you will depend on how many teeth you need to replace, your oral health and budget. Your dentist will recommend the best teeth implants for you, which might include:
This is a same-day treatment where your implants and temporary teeth are fitted in one visit. You leave with a complete smile while your implants heal, and later return for your permanent teeth.
A single implant can replace one missing tooth with a crown. Multiple implants can replace several teeth, each with its own crown. A crown is an artificial tooth-shaped cap that fits over your implant. It’s designed to look and function like a real tooth, matching the size, shape, and colour of your other teeth.
This can be used when you have a gap of several missing teeth. Two or more implants support a row of false teeth. So, you don’t need an implant for every single tooth, and your healthy teeth won’t be affected.
A denture is a removable set of false teeth on an acrylic plate. Implant-retained dentures clip onto your implants for extra stability. They feel more secure than traditional dentures and can still be removed for cleaning.
Worried about dental implants?
If you're nervous or anxious about getting treatment, or have questions about what to expect, you can speak to our implant enquiry coordinators on 01454 771490.
Lines are open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. We may record or monitor calls.
You can also get in touch by filling in our contact form. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
What happens when you get a dental implant?
The dental implants procedure usually takes several months and involves a few stages. The exact time and cost will depend on things like how many implants you need and whether you need any extra procedures.
Step 1: Book a consultation
Start by arranging a consultation with your dentist. They’ll review your options, check if you’re a possible candidate for surgery and carry out a full dental examination. They’ll ask about your medical history and lifestyle factors, like smoking. They’ll also take a dental X-ray, 3D scan or moulds of your mouth. This is because your dentist needs to confirm whether you have enough healthy jawbone to support an implant.
If you don’t, your dentist might recommend you have another procedure, such as a bone graft or sinus lift, before you can have an implant.
If you decide to proceed, your dentist will give you a tailored treatment plan. This should include how long your treatment will take, any extra procedures you may need, and a full cost breakdown. You’ll be asked to give consent before treatment begins.
Step 2: Place your implant
Dental implant surgery is done at your local dental practice. Or your dentist might refer you to a specialist. The time it takes depends on how many implants you’re having, but one implant can take around 30 minutes.
Your dentist will usually inject a local anaesthetic into your gums to the numb the area, so you shouldn’t feel pain.
They’ll make a cut in your gum, drill a small hole into your jawbone and place the metal implant into your bone. They’ll usually close the hole in your gum with a few stitches.
Sometimes, your dentist might attach a small metal connection, called an abutment, to the top of your implant at the same time. This will act as a base for your new teeth to sit on top of.
Occasionally, your dentist will be able to attach your new tooth or teeth on the same day. But you’ll usually need to wait a few months for your gum and bone to heal first. Your dentist might give you a temporary tooth replacement to hide the gap in your mouth while it heals.
Step 3: Let your implant heal
After your implant is placed, your jaw needs time to heal. Over the next few months, the implant and your bone fuse together in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, stable foundation for your new tooth, just like a natural tooth root.
Step 4: Fit your new teeth
Once your dental implant and bone have fused together, your dentist will invite you back. They’ll attach a small metal attachment called an abutment to the top of your implant if they haven’t already. They might need to reopen your gum a little to do this, but they’ll use a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
Then, your dentist will take moulds or a digital scan of your mouth to capture the exact contours of your teeth. They’ll send these to a lab where your teeth are custom-made to match your natural smile.
When your new teeth are ready, your dentist will see you again to attach your false teeth to your abutment. Your final tooth may be attached directly to the abutment with a small screw or bonded with dental cement, depending on what’s best for your situation.
Depending on your needs, they might fit a single crown, several crowns, an implant-supported bridge, or removable dentures that clip onto your implants.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
There are lots of advantages to replacing damaged or missing teeth with dental implants, which may include the following.
Secure and long-lasting
Teeth implants are made from a titanium screw that fuses with your jawbone. Unlike other treatments such as dentures, they stay firmly in place, and you don’t have to take them out to eat or sleep. Implants can also last a long time if you take good care of them.Look and feel natural
Each implant is topped with a custom-made tooth that looks and feels like your own teeth. Replacing missing teeth can help you to feel more confident in your smile and improve your self-esteem. They also function just like natural teeth, helping you to eat and chew comfortably again.Prevent bone loss and teeth shifting
When you lose a tooth, your remaining teeth may start to move into the empty spaces left behind. The bone in your jaw may also shrink over time, because it doesn’t have the support it needs. But replacing missing teeth with a dental implant helps to preserve the bone in your jaw and keep your other teeth in the correct position.More cost effective than other treatments.
Dental implants are only available on the NHS under certain circumstances, so you usually have to pay for private treatment. They’re often slightly more expensive than other treatments for missing teeth such as crowns and bridges. But because dental implants are durable and long-lasting, they may be a more cost-effective investment over the long-term.Protect your existing teeth
Unlike some treatments for missing teeth, dental implants don’t require altering healthy teeth. For example, a dental bridge often involves filing down the teeth on either side of the gap and placing crowns to hold the bridge in place. With implants, your replacement tooth is supported by its own root, so your natural teeth remain untouched.
Siobhan's implant journey
Siobhan had the smile in a day treatment. Her dentist, Peter Sanders, fitted her full upper arch of teeth in a single appointment.
Speaking about her treatment, Siobhan said:
“I would often hide my smile with closed lips or laugh with my hand in front of my face. Suddenly I didn’t need to, and so this was a massive confidence boost for me.”
Before
After
What should I do if I'm interested in dental implants?
You can call us on 01454 771490 for a free consultation, or book online by finding your nearest Bupa Dental Care practice offering implants.
*Lines are open Mon to Fri, from 9am to 5pm. We may record or monitor calls.
Who is suitable for dental implants?
Most adults can have dental implants. But you’ll need to be in good health and have plenty of healthy gum and bone tissue first. This reduces your risk of infection after surgery, and gives you the best chance of your implant successfully healing and joining with your jawbone. Your dentist can let you know if you might be suitable for dental implants.
Teeth implants might not work if you
- smoke, drink alcohol heavily or take drugs
- have gum disease
- have diabetes that isn’t under control
- have had radiotherapy to your jaw
- grind your teeth (Bruxism)
- take medication that slows down bone loss, called biphosphonates
- are under 18, because your jaw is still growing
What should I do after a tooth implant surgery?
After dental implant surgery, you might notice some discomfort, swelling, or bleeding for a few days. Your dental team will give you advice on recovering after surgery and how to take care of your implant. They might recommend the following.
- Taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Taking any antibiotics your dentist has prescribed, to reduce the chance of infection.
- Eating soft foods such as soup while the area heals.
- Rinsing your mouth with the mouthwash your dentist recommends or warm saltwater three to four times a day.
- Holding an ice pack on your jaw for 10 minutes every hour to reduce any swelling. But remember to never put ice directly on your skin.
- Gently biting down on a clean damp cloth or piece of gauze to apply pressure to the area for 10 minutes if you experience any bleeding at home.
What are the complications of dental implants?
Teeth implants are usually successful. But like any surgery, there’s a small chance of complications. You’re more likely to develop problems from dental implant surgery if you smoke, have diabetes, gum disease or, don’t clean your teeth properly. Possible complications can include the below.
- Bleeding, swelling or an infection around the implant area.
- Numbness or tingling sensation on your tongue, teeth, lip, or chin, if a nerve is bruised or damaged during the procedure.
- Implant failure, if your implant and bone don’t fuse together properly after surgery. If this happens, your dentist will remove your implant, and you might be able to try again later.
What are the alternatives to dental implants?
If dental implants aren’t the right option for you, here are other ways your dentist may suggest replacing missing teeth.
- A dental bridge. This is a false tooth that fills the space in your mouth left by missing teeth. It’s fixed in place by the teeth on either side, so you can’t take it out.
- Dentures. These are sets of false teeth that you can take out and put back in. Dentures can replace some or all of the teeth in your top or bottom jaw.
What should I do if I'm interested in dental implants?
You can call us on 01454 771490 for a free consultation, or book online by finding your nearest Bupa Dental Care practice offering implants.
*Lines are open Mon to Fri, from 9am to 5pm. We may record or monitor calls.
Benefits of dental implants
Find out what the benefits of dental implants are.
What to expect
What to expect before having implants placed.
Cost of implants
What are the costs of dental implants?
Types of implants
What are the different types of implant treatment available?
Supporting treatment
Why you might need supporting treatment before having an implant fitted and what to expect.
Why choose Bupa Dental Care for your implants
More about our implant services at Bupa Dental Care.
Other helpful websites
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This information was published by Bupa's Dental Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition.
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- Michelle Harrison, Freelance Health Editor
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† 1. £2,400 price point includes the cost of a single implant, abutment and screw retained porcelain crown. 2. Prices and options may vary depending on location and suitability. 3. Starting prices available on request at your local practice. 4. Patients must be aged 18 or over.
*1. Free initial consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. Subsequent clinical examinations and diagnostic tests required, and any associated costs will be discussed prior to treatment commencing. 2. Consultations subject to availability.
**Finance applicant must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans are subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply. Finance is available on private dental treatments only.
The minimum spend for finance is £250 and the maximum is £50,000. 0% APR representative is available on repayment terms of up to 36 months subject to the amount of credit. Finance taken at repayment terms of 48 or 60 months is subject to 7.9% APR representative.
Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited, Vantage Office Park, Bristol, BS16 1GW, whose company registered number is 00478127. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA registration number 710559. Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.
Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Registered Office: Novuna House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP. Registered in Cardiff under company no. 1630491. The register can be accessed through www.fca.org.uk.
1. LaingBuisson, Dentistry UK Market Report, 5th ed. If you require verification, please email [email protected]
2 Source: LaingBuisson, Dentistry UK Market Report, 5th ed.
Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England and Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
Oasis Dental Care Limited has a number of trading names including Bupa Dental Care. For a list of all our different trading names please follow this link.
