What you should know about Dental Implants
DENTAL IMPLANTS
AT P O RT M O R E
At Portmore we have been placing and restoring dental
implants for 20 years. Dr Johann Styger is a leading
authority in the field of implantology and his expertise
saw him obtain a degree in Implantology after studying
at Lille University and subsequently honoured at the
American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). He is
also an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of
Implant Dentistry.
Johann believes firmly in a whole mouth approach to
dental care, so that he can tailor treatment from his
extensive knowledge of implants, smile makeovers,
crowns, bridges and cosmetic dentures to create
beautiful, life changing smiles. In particular, it is Johann’s
passion and skill in implant dentistry that has enabled
him to literally change the lives of many patients at
Portmore by rebuilding their whole mouths with implants
or by securing dentures firmly in place.
Implant dentistry can be viewed as a long-term solution,
whereby traditional restorative dentistry is classed as
a short-medium term treatment, therefore implant
dentistry is an excellent life-time investment in your
overall health and well-being. We have found that for
most patients undergoing this type of treatment, it really
can be life-changing as dental implants can restore both
the appearance and function of your smile, potentially
for a lifetime.
Dental implants are small, titanium cylinders, almost
the size of your baby fingernail. We carry out a minor
surgical procedure to place them into your jawbone,
once they have successfully fused (a process known as
osseo-integration), they act as an anchor or a foundation
to secure crowns, bridges or dentures in place.
For people who have no remaining teeth
the alternatives are:
Patients receive platinum standard care and 24 -hour
support as a minimum when embarking on treatment
at Portmore. But what makes us special is our warmth,
kindness, our ability to listen, our ability to give you time,
the understanding that our patients are embarking on a
potentially life-changing journey, one that we will share
with you.
Implants are not a new technique in dentistry, they have in
fact been around for many years and have now become
the treatment of choice for missing teeth as they can be
used to restore and repair the dentition independently of
your surrounding natural teeth.
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Complete dentures
Implants which secure their dentures in place
Implants which support crowns and bridges
For people who have some of their own
teeth the alternatives are:
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Crowns and bridges supported by implants
Crowns or dentures secured by implants
Bridges supported by teeth
Crowns or dentures supported by teeth
01932 855011 | www.portmoredental.co.uk | [email protected]
AM I SUITABLE?
Dental implants are suitable for most people with a missing tooth or a number of missing teeth. In terms of health,
generally speaking, if a person is well enough to undergo the treatment necessary for fixed bridgework or routine
tooth extractions, the same person can undergo dental implant procedures.
The best form of implant treatment for each patient is determined after a thorough consultation & discussion with
Johann and the nursing team. Each patient and case is assessed individually, the treatment planning process is indepth and forms a fundamental part of your experience.
We are careful to ensure that all patients undergoing this type of treatment are fully informed & aware of risks &
benefits which enables us to provide treatment with a very high success rate. If you are not a suitable candidate for
treatment – for example, if you have a low bone density in your jaw – we will discuss various options with you, such as
bone grafts or alternative treatment.
However, we usually find that we are able to provide some kind of implant based treatment for most patients.
If you answer ‘Yes’ to the following questions you may be a suitable candidate for implant treatment:
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Do you have one or more missing teeth?
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Are you unhappy with having gaps in your smile?
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Do you dislike wearing dentures or find dentures uncomfortable?
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Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile as a result of missing teeth?
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Are your teeth coming loose or severely decayed or damaged?
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Are your dentures causing you problems such as pain and irritation?
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Do you feel uncomfortable wearing dentures in public?
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Do you suffer from a lack of confidence as a result of wearing dentures?
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Are you looking for a long-term solution to missing teeth?
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Has your speech been affected by having missing teeth?
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Are you unable to taste food properly due to wearing dentures?
01932 855011 | www.portmoredental.co.uk | [email protected]
THE PLANNING
P R O C E S S
Implants survive best in a healthy environment, any tooth decay or gum problems need to be treated before implants
are placed to give them the best chance of success.
Time spent on diagnosis and assessment is crucial to the design of your bespoke treatment plan and is the most
important part of the implant process. We talk about your lifestyle and agree on your desired result before designing
a plan that will take you from where you are, to where you want to be. We will present to you all the options before
agreeing on a plan of action.
The initial consultation will include an assessment of:
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Your general health & medical status
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The way you smile and how much of your teeth &
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Your teeth & existing restorations
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Your gum health & oral hygiene awareness
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The health & function of your jaw joints
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Assessment of the health and function of the
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The form and profile of your face
muscles that operate your jaws
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CT 3D scan to assess bone volume and density
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The quality & quantity of your jaw bone
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Routine dental radiography or dental photography
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The biological type & quantity of your gum tissue
gums you show when smiling
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The dynamic relation of your teeth and jaws when
your mouth is in function
where required
Removal of diseased teeth
Despite advances in modern dentistry some teeth may have reached a stage where no treatment can save them.
It is often best to remove them at an early stage, particularly if you are thinking of having implants so as to prevent
further bone loss.
We would need to treat or remove all pre-existing oral infection wherever possible. The success of implant therapy
can be seriously affected by infections resulting from failed gum or root canal treatments, untreated gum disease or
nerve problems in sites adjacent to implants. Long-standing infections of the soft-tissues beneath dentures can also
adversely affect healing at the various surgical stages. Sometimes, treatment may be delayed whilst these issues are
resolved.
01932 855011 | www.portmoredental.co.uk | [email protected]
THE PLANNING
P R O C E S S
CT scans
We have state of the art diagnostic imaging systems here at Portmore which enables us to
take CT scans for patients whilst they wait.
The CT scan can provide life - sized 3 - dimensional information of all regions of the upper and/or lower jaw from
which precise measurements can be taken for pre-operative treatment planning. In some cases, the CT scan may also
be used to evaluate the results of bone grafting procedures prior to placing implants.
How many implants?
As a general principle, as many implants as possible should be used. This allows the stresses of biting to be spread
over the maximum number of implants, thus diminishing the load on each particular one. However, it is sometimes
possible to have two or three implants placed, use them for a while and some time later, add more implants to
improve the treatment plan. This is not an approach which is feasible in all situations and is probably most suited for
treatment of the lower jaw where no teeth are present.
Changes to your Treatment
Despite the thoroughness of the planning, extra procedures are sometimes required during treatment to produce the
best results. It is important that in this event you accept that appropriate alternative treatment is performed at the time
of treatment although it may be different to that already planned.
If for some reason it is not possible to proceed with the planned procedure at the treatment appointment, the time
spent will be charged at the normal hourly rate. An alternative treatment may be performed if considered appropriate.
01932 855011 | www.portmoredental.co.uk | [email protected]
THE PLANNING
P R O C E S S
After treatment
Unlike teeth, implants cannot get tooth decay. However, like teeth, they can suffer from gum problems. Teeth with
untreated gum problems can become loose and lost. This is also true of implants. Thorough daily cleaning is as
important as it is with teeth. To ensure that any problems are detected early, regular maintenance examinations
are advisable. In the unlikely event that problems occur, the are more easily treated if detected early. Oral Health
Examinations may be recommended three, four or six monthly.
After the treatment/surgery itself – you will leave the practice armed with everything that you need to stay comfortable
at home until we see you again for your next visit. In some cases, this will be analgesics, antibiotics, home care advice
sheets, mouthwashes and contact information for the practice and support staff.
Home Care & Maintenance
Good oral hygiene must take place before, during, and after placement of dental implants to ensure the health of the
implant. Patients are concerned about what kind of maintenance their implants will require. Do they brush and floss
their implants like regular teeth? Does food get underneath the fixed implant bridge or prosthesis? All implant patients
at Portmore look to our hygienists to address these concerns and help them with a personalised home-care routine.
Just as you clean your teeth to maintain them so the same care must be expected of dental implants. Peri-implantitis
is usually the result of failure to follow the recommended maintenance regimes, which every patient undergoing
implant treatment is advised. By cleaning dental implants through brushing and flossing you can reduce the risks of
problems occurring. Failure is uncommon but long-term maintenance is essential to ensure your investment remains
healthy and part of your new mouth. Regular sessions with our Hygienist will ensure that you are maintaining the
implants, crowns and bridges in the healthiest possible way to ensure long-term success. We will advise you of the
most effective maintenance both before and after implant treatment.
01932 855011 | www.portmoredental.co.uk | [email protected]
F R E Q U E N T LY
ASKED QUESTIONS
How long will implants last?
Do I need more bone?
Present studies show that implants can last a lifetime
with the correct care and maintenance. With implants,
we aim to mimic your natural teeth and so patients are
required to spend the same time and maintenance
with dental implants as you would your own natural
teeth. This means regular (3 monthly) visits to our
Hygiene Spa to ensure that your oral health is in optimal
condition and that we use our professional equipment
to clean your teeth and gums by getting to areas that
you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to reach at home. So,
the answer to this question really is that no one knows
how long each individual implant will last... the success
can be influenced by your lifestyle and your ongoing
commitment to maintenance and care... these things
can tip the scales in your favour.
Patients who are in need of dental implant treatment
may sometimes require bone grafting to strengthen and
build up the jawbone. This is because once you start
losing teeth, your own jawbone can start shrinking away
quite rapidly as it is only present to hold your natural
teeth in place. A bone graft may be necessary to ensure
that there is enough height and width of bone for the
dental implants to fuse into place, a bit like building
good foundations for a house once the foundations are
strong and secure we can ensure that the implants on
top will last a long time. Jawbone loss can result from
ageing, gum disease, missing teeth, lengthy denture
wear or injury.
What is involved in bone grafting?
How long will the treatment take?
Planning your Implant treatment is the most crucial
stage to ensure that we create the smile that you are
looking for. Planning stages take around two to three
weeks, and includes a ‘case presentation’ where we
discuss every aspect of your treatment at length before
we begin. You are welcome to bring a family member or
friend along should you wish. Implant treatment can vary
from four to six months up to about two years for more
comprehensive cases – but remember, the benefits of
Implants can last for decades
Bone grafting is a common technique that we carry
out routinely at Portmore to create additional height or
width of bone into which to place dental implants. Bone
is placed via a minor surgical procedure and forms a
matrix whereby the grafted bone and your own bone
fuse together to provide a very strong platform into
which implants can be placed. Often we can carry out
bone grafting at the same time as implant placement
which negates the need for an additional procedure. We
use different types of bone at Portmore - human (your
own donor bone), synthetic or irradiated bovine bone.
The type of bone we use depends on each case and we
will discuss this with you prior to treatment
01932 855011 | www.portmoredental.co.uk | [email protected]
F R E Q U E N T LY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a sinus graft?
It is very common to find that the softer bone in the area
above the upper back teeth (molars and sometimes
premolars) is very shallow and not suitable for normal
implant procedures. To solve this problem a procedure
known as a ‘sinus augmentation’ or ‘sinus lift’ was
developed. Bone may be successfully grown in the sinus
spaces above your upper back teeth allowing implants
to be placed. Specially treated donor bone from a ‘Bone
Bank’, synthetic bone substitutes, or bone from other
areas of the mouth or body is placed into these empty
areas. Over a period of time this is replaced by new bone
thus providing a bed into which implants can be fixed.
Will it hurt?
Implant placement is a minor surgical procedure and
some patients can expect minor bruising or swelling
following treatment, but this is not the case for every
patient. Most patients have likened the after effects of
implant placement to tooth extraction, in that you will
experience soreness or mild discomfort in the 24-36
hours following surgery, but it would not be described
as ‘pain’. During the procedure we use local anaesthetic
to numb the area to ensure that the procedure is
comfortable throughout.
What is PRGF?
(Plasma Rich in Growth Factors)
PRGF is a breakthrough treatment in the field of healing
that can be applied to dentistry, which is proven to
greatly accelerate the healing process, leaving patients
comfortable much more quickly following a procedure.
The benefit of the PRGF system means that treatment
can be undertaken with minimal disruption to the patient’s
normal routine, making it more convenient, simpler to
undertake, and much more comfortable straight after
the treatment has been completed.
The treatment works by taking a small amount of blood
from the patient before treatment begins and using the
proteins found in naturally in the blood to help tissue to
regenerate and wounds to repair. By applying this protein
to the area where treatment has been undertaken,
the patients are able to benefit from their own natural
process for healing. The procedure has already been
used to great effect across Europe, supporting people to
heal quickly and effortlessly.
There are numerous advantages to undergoing PRGF
treatment at Portmore. Some of these include:
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Decreased inflammation and discomfort
Reduced recovery period, with some patients
returning to work the next day
A trusted and proven technique
Totally safe and biocompatible
The only treatment of its kind that hold European
(CE) and American (FDA) approval
Leading edge technology backed by a wealth of
experience and clinical testing
01932 855011 | www.portmoredental.co.uk | [email protected]
F R E Q U E N T LY
ASKED QUESTIONS
I’m very nervous – do you offer sedation?
For our patients who are nervous or who are more
comprehensive courses of treatment we offer conscious
sedation. Conscious sedation is a sedative administered
into the back of your hand or your arm and will induce
a state of deep relaxation. Patients feel sleepy and
extremely calm whilst retaining the ability to respond
during your treatment but with no recollection of the
treatment after the effect has worn off. The sedative we
use is called Midazolam, it is a very safe drug, with no
nasty side effects, you will just be very sleepy.
With that in mind, you will need an escort to take you
home and stay with you whilst you recover.
Conscious sedation requires a qualified anesthetist
and our preferred partner are Sedation Solutions. An
anesthetist will meet at our surgery to sedate our patients
for the duration of their treatment and when booking your
treatment, we will arrange this for you.
How can you secure my
dentures in place?
Dental implants are also a great solution for keeping
dentures in place, to give denture wearers the stability
they need, preventing the dentures from moving around
in the mouth.
Dental implants function as replacement tooth roots, that
anchor your dentures securely to your jaw giving a rock
solid fit preventing them from slipping or moving. Keeping
dentures secure helps the patient smile and speak more
clearly and confidently, knowing that their dentures are
firmly in place and won’t slip out unexpectedly. We usually
place from 2-6 implants per jaw depending on the case,
once the implants have healed and fused to the jawbone
we fit a series of ‘press-stud’ type attachments which
allow your denture to click and lock firmly into place. The
procedure is very simple, with minimal downtime in most
cases, and the after effects are amazing. Patients are
delighted that such a simple procedure can have such a
dramatic effect on their lifestyle as denture stabilization
allows patients to eat foods they love with ease.
Can I have ‘Same Day Teeth’?
At Portmore, we are delighted to be able to offer our
patients ‘Same-Day Teeth’ using the All-on-4 concept.
This means that we are able to provide patients who
currently have removable dentures with permanent,
fixed teeth in just one day!
This technique is life-changing for patients who may
have previously been advised they have insufficient bone
into which to place dental implants, or for those patients
who are simply unhappy with their current dentures
or worn-out bridgework. By placing a minimum of 4
dental implants in strategic (sometimes tilted) positions
in your upper and lower jaw we are able to provide
fixed replacement teeth in just one session, utilising all
available bone.
What are the advantages of the All-on-Four method?
• Once the implants are fitted it is possible to start eating after a short amount of time
• The replacement teeth are permanently fixed in
place on the same day as surgery!
• There is far less need for a bone graft
• The implants are easily maintained
• It is a much more cost efficient method
• A whole set of teeth can be fixed in place by just four
implants
• Short surgery period (depending on the complexity
of each case)
• High success rates
01932 855011 | www.portmoredental.co.uk | [email protected]
Y O U R
INVESTMENT
Below is an approximate guide to our implant fees. Each case will be assessed individually and a bespoke Treatment
Plan and Estimate created prior to treatment.
Fees can be subject to change depending on each case and how treatment progresses, you will always be made
fully aware of changes or additions to treatment.
Implant Consultation
(to include CT scan, all radiographs and a bespoke
treatment plan and estimate)
£275
Single tooth Implant with replacement crown from £2700
Multiple Implants
(Fees in multiple cases follow consultation and vary
depending on the complexity of the case and the
implant system we use.)
POA
Sinus Augmentation from
£1850
Bone Augmentation from
£850
Implant retained dentures from
£5999
PRGF Advanced Healing from £250
All-on-4 – ‘Same Day Teeth’ from per arch
(or as little as £170 per month)
£9999
We offer 0% and interest bearing finance at the practice for patients who wish to spread
the cost of their treatment with comfortable monthly payments.
01932 855011 | www.portmoredental.co.uk | [email protected]
01932 855011
[email protected]
w w w. p o r t m o r e d e n t a l . c o . u k
ROADWAY HOUSE | 35 MONUMENT HILL | WEYBRIDGE | SURREY KT13 8RN
01932 855011 | www.portmoredental.co.uk | [email protected]