Transformation in a day. Crafted for life.

On the 16th of July 2022, the BBC documentary titled: “Turkey teeth: Bargain smiles or big mistake?” exposed the overseas dental implant industry. While travelling overseas for cheap dental treatment can seem like a good deal, the reality is that Turkey Teeth come with some significant risks.

• 58% of clinics offered unnecessary treatment
• Clinics advertised a different treatment to the one performed
• In most cases, UK dentists will not treat patients who have had Turkey Teeth abroad

Dental implants are a Band 3 NHS treatment costing £319.10 and have an average waiting time of 18 weeks. Not everyone is eligible for NHS dental implants as treatment is limited to where there is a medical need. As a result, most patients must seek a private dentist to carry out the procedure. With private treatments there is no waiting list and treatments can be started quickly.

How much are private dental implants?

Spread the cost of treatment with flexible 60 months 9.9% and 12 months 0% finance plans.

There are no free or government grants available for dental implant patients in the UK. A small number of patients are eligible for NHS implants costing £319.10. For the majority, All-on-4 implants cost from £11,995, while full mouth implants cost from £19,995.

Strauman is a Swiss manufacturer of dental implants and related technology.

Dairy contains bacteria, which can increase the risk of infection.

Yes. Front tooth implants are available from £2,800. They use a grade 5 titanium post capped with a porcelain or zirconia crown. These are designed to look and perform like a natural front tooth.

Molar tooth implants are available from £2,800. They use a grade 5 titanium post capped with a porcelain or zirconia crown. These are designed to look and perform like a natural molar tooth.

Implant treatments where a PPMA or zirconia bridge is fit the same day as extraction increases the risk of failure. As implants fuse to the jawbone they can move out of alignment, causing failure.

Yorkshire Dental Suite fits a temporary acrylic bridge instead, allowing healing and movement to naturally occur. Once osseointegration is complete, scans of each implant's final position are taken. A custom-made, hand-painted bridge is then fit, resulting in a long-lasting smile.

Local anaesthetic makes the initial procedure a pain-free experience. There can be some discomfort, swelling and bruising across the days following a surgery, which decreases over time. For specific concerns about pain or medical phobias, discuss your sedation options with a dentist.

• Consultations take 45 minutes
• If required, remedial work can take days to months
• Implant procedures take up to 7 hours with breaks
• Healing (osseointegration) takes between 3 and 4 months
• Final fit of your finished crowns or bridges take a few hours

Many patients need implants due to the lack of care of natural teeth. To prevent implant failure (peri-implantitis), patients must adopt a daily routine to ensure the treatment lasts the full expected lifetime.

Immediately after implantation

In the hours following the fitting of your implants and temporary tooth or bridge, patients will be under the influence of anaesthetic or sedation. As a result, dentists recommend booking a taxi or having a friend or family member drive you home.

Most patients will be able to return to work the next day but should avoid strenuous activities and exercise.

Expect some bleeding over the days following your treatment. Gently bite onto a sterile gauze to alleviate this symptom. If bleeding continues beyond the third day contact your dentist to discuss your options.

In the first 72 hours

Many patients report pain peaking on the second or third day as natural swelling occurs. Take your choice of over-the-counter pain medication to address any symptoms. Placing a cloth-covered ice pack on the affected area can also be effective, but avoid putting ice directly on your skin or in your mouth.

To help the healing process and to keep your mouth clean, the dentist will recommend rinsing with salt water 3-4 times each day. Gently swill the solution around your mouth before spitting the remnants out.

Remember to take any antibiotics provided to help minimise infection.

Next 10 days

The mouth naturally heals very quickly. In 7-10 days you should have an appointment to remove any stitches.

In 3-4 months

In the next few months patients should attend regular check-ups to monitor the healing process (osseointegration).

Full healing takes around 3-4 months but can take longer. During this time the implants fuse with the jawbone, providing a secure anchor for your crown or bridge.

The dental lab will create a wax prototype of your new teeth which is fit to ensure the perfect result.

Warning signs

Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Throbbing sensation the same day as your extraction
• Numbness around the implant within 12 hours of your extraction
• Pain or swelling after 10 days
• If bleeding continues after 30 minutes
• If the implant feels loose

Long-term maintenance

Once your implants have healed they can last a lifetime with care and consideration. This daily care regime will help to maintain your smile:

1. For 2-3 minutes at least twice a day clean your teeth using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush. Brush every surface and along the line between your bridge and gum.
2. Dentists recommend a water flosser and super-floss to clean between your teeth and where your bridge or crown meets the gumline
3. Ideally you should stop smoking or switch to nicotine replacement treatments before having dental implants. If you wish to continue smoking or vaping stop for at least 2 weeks before your surgery and for a further 8 weeks after your final implants have been fit. This dramatically reduces the risk of implant failure.
4. Change your toothbrush every month to maintain effective cleaning.
5. Avoid eating or drinking foods known to stain teeth to keep your implants white. If eating staining foods rinse with water throughout the meal.
6. Attend regular hygienist appointments to maintain your smile.

What influences the longevity and success of implants

Bridges and crowns will naturally darken over time as food and drink stains the teeth. Smoking and vaping may accelerate discolouration. They cannot be whitened using standard teeth whitening treatments.

While implants are stronger and do not decay like natural teeth, they are not indestructible. Avoid biting down on hard, crunchy and sticky foods or objects to avoid damage to your crowns or bridges, especially while healing and wearing temporary ones.

Follow the maintenance recommendations above and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning.