Dental Implants

Dental implants are placed into the jaw bone in order to hold single or multiple spans of teeth. They consist of a titanium screw which has special surface features that allow it to become accepted by the body, and grow in union with the surrounding bone. If the implant placement is successful, it cannot be easily removed. The planning involved in implant treatment therefore needs to be comprehensive and is the cornerstone of successful implant dentistry.

Dentists in general practice will often require further qualifications from their basic BDS degree in order to place implants, but not to restore them. As well as placing crown and bridges onto implants, they can also be used to retain complete and partial dentures and other maxillofacial prostheses.

Implants are not routinely available on the NHS in general practice, and there are strict criteria and guidelines for their use within hospital environments. Whether you are eligible for an implant or not will depend on a thorough assessment by an NHS consultant. Implants are placed through private courses of treatment in numerous practices across the country.