Types of Dental Implants

All-on-4 Implants

All-on-4 implants provide a full-arch restoration using only four strategically placed implants. This technique supports a complete set of teeth, offering a stable and efficient solution for those missing multiple teeth. The implants are angled to maximize the use of available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting.

Who is most suitable for All-on-4 Implants?

All-on-4 implants are ideal for patients who are missing most or all teeth in one or both jaws. This solution is particularly beneficial for individuals with sufficient bone structure to support the implants and those seeking a quicker, more cost-effective full-arch restoration.

Advantages: The main advantage of All-on-4 implants is the reduced need for bone grafting due to the strategic placement of the implants. This technique allows for immediate function, providing patients with improved aesthetics and functionality in a shorter time compared to traditional implants. The procedure also tends to be less invasive overall, with fewer surgeries required.

Disadvantages: One potential disadvantage is that All-on-4 implants are not suitable for patients with severe bone loss throughout the entire jaw. Additionally, the initial cost may be higher than other options due to the advanced nature of the procedure and materials used.

Procedure Process:

1. Initial Consultation: During your first visit, we conduct a comprehensive dental examination, including X-rays and 3D imaging, to assess your oral health and bone structure. This helps us create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
2. Treatment Planning: Based on the examination results, a customized treatment plan is developed, outlining the implant placement strategy and the type of prosthesis that will be used.
3. Implant Placement: During the surgery, four implants are strategically placed into the jawbone. These implants are angled to maximize bone contact and stability, reducing the need for additional bone grafting.
4. Provisional Prosthesis: Immediately after the implants are placed, a temporary set of teeth is attached. This provisional prosthesis allows you to leave the clinic with functional and aesthetic teeth on the same day.
5. Final Prosthesis: After a healing period of several months, during which the implants integrate with the jawbone, the final prosthesis is placed. This permanent set of teeth is custom-made to match your natural teeth in appearance and function.

Cost: The cost of All-on-4 implants typically ranges from £14,000 to £20,000 per arch.

Immediate Implants

Immediate implants involve placing a dental implant immediately after tooth extraction. This method reduces the number of surgical procedures and shortens the overall treatment time, allowing for quicker restoration of the tooth.

Who Is Most Suitable for Immediate Implants?

Immediate implants are suitable for patients who need a single tooth replacement and have healthy gums and sufficient bone structure. They are ideal for individuals looking for a quick restoration process and those who can maintain good oral hygiene during the healing period.

Advantages: The primary advantage of immediate implants is the faster treatment time, as they eliminate the waiting period between tooth extraction and implant placement. This method also helps preserve bone and gum structure, providing a more natural look and feel.

Disadvantages: However, immediate implants are not suitable for patients with active infections or severe bone loss at the implant site. There is also a higher risk of implant failure if initial stability is not achieved, making careful assessment and planning crucial.

Procedure Process:

1. Initial Consultation: A comprehensive dental exam is conducted to assess your suitability for immediate implants. This includes X-rays and possibly 3D imaging to evaluate bone density and oral health.
2. Tooth Extraction: The damaged tooth is carefully extracted while preserving as much bone as possible.
3. Implant Placement: Immediately after extraction, the dental implant is placed into the extraction site. This immediate placement helps preserve bone and gum tissue.
4. Healing Period: A temporary crown or bridge may be placed to protect the implant and provide aesthetics during the healing period. Osseointegration, the process of bone growing around the implant, occurs over several months.
5. Final Restoration: Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, a permanent crown is attached. This crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size.

Cost: The cost of immediate implants ranges from £2,500 to £4,000 per implant.

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone, making them suitable for patients with severe upper jawbone loss. These implants provide a secure foundation for dental restorations when traditional implants are not feasible.

Who Is Most Suitable for Zygomatic Implants?

Patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw, who cannot undergo traditional bone grafting, are ideal candidates for zygomatic implants. This option is also suitable for those seeking an alternative to extensive grafting procedures.

Advantages: The main advantage of zygomatic implants is that they provide a solution for patients with insufficient bone in the upper jaw without the need for bone grafting. They offer immediate load capability, allowing for quicker restoration and improved function.

Disadvantages: The procedure for placing zygomatic implants is more complex and may result in higher discomfort and a longer recovery time compared to traditional implants. The surgery requires specialized skills and experience, which can also affect the overall cost.

Procedure Process:

1. Initial Consultation: A detailed assessment and planning process is undertaken to evaluate your suitability for zygomatic implants. This includes comprehensive imaging and possibly 3D scans to assess bone structure and oral health.
2. Treatment Planning: A customized treatment plan is developed, outlining the placement strategy and the type of prosthesis to be used.
3. Implant Placement: During the surgery, zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone. This procedure is more complex and requires precision and expertise.
4. Provisional Prosthesis: Immediately after the implant placement, a temporary set of teeth may be attached to ensure functionality and aesthetics.
5. Healing Period: The healing period involves osseointegration, where the bone integrates with the implants. This process can take several months, during which the temporary prosthesis provides functional and aesthetic support.
6. Final Prosthesis: Once the implants have fully integrated, the final prosthesis is attached. This permanent set of teeth is custom-made to match your natural teeth in appearance and function.

Cost: The cost of zygomatic implants typically ranges from £10,000 to £25,000 depending on the complexity and the number of implants required.

Navigated Implants

Navigated implants utilize computer-navigated surgery and advanced 3D imaging for precise implant placement. This method enhances the accuracy and predictability of the procedure, resulting in a less invasive and more comfortable experience for patients.

Who Is Most Suitable for Navigated Implants?

Navigated implants are most suitable for patients requiring highly precise implant placement, individuals with complex dental conditions, and those looking for a minimally invasive procedure.

Advantages: The enhanced accuracy and predictability of navigated implants are major advantages, as they result in better outcomes, especially for complex cases. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure reduces recovery time and improves patient comfort.

Disadvantages: However, navigated implants require specialized equipment and expertise, which can increase the overall cost of the procedure. The technology and precision involved may also make the process more time-consuming initially, although it can lead to better long-term results.

Procedure Process:

1. Initial Consultation: A comprehensive assessment and 3D imaging are conducted to evaluate your dental condition and create a detailed treatment plan.
2. Treatment Planning: Using advanced computer software, a precise plan is developed for the placement of the implants. This plan ensures optimal positioning and angulation of the implants.
3. Implant Placement: During the surgery, computer-navigated technology guides the precise placement of the implants. This process enhances accuracy and minimizes the invasiveness of the procedure.
4. Healing Period: The implants undergo osseointegration, where the bone integrates with the implants. This period can take several months, during which temporary restorations may be used.
5. Final Restoration: After successful osseointegration, the final crowns or prostheses are attached. These permanent restorations are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Cost: The cost of navigated implants ranges from £3,000 to £5,000 per implant, depending on the complexity and technology used.

Choosing the Right Implant for You

Selecting the right type of dental implant depends on various factors, including your dental condition, bone structure, and personal preferences. Our experienced team at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic will guide you through the options and help you make an informed decision for the best possible outcome.