Aldercross

Treatments

Single tooth implants

One implant, one crown, without touching the teeth either side of the gap.

A bridge takes its support from the healthy teeth on either side of a gap, which means preparing two sound teeth to replace one missing one. An implant does not. It is the reason we suggest one for a single gap in most cases, and the reason a bridge is still sometimes the better answer when the neighbouring teeth already need crowns.

01

Consultation and scan

About 45 minutes. We take a CBCT scan, which shows the bone in three dimensions rather than the flat picture an ordinary x-ray gives. It is the difference between planning and guessing.

02

The plan, in writing

What is possible, what it involves, how long it takes and what it costs, on paper before you decide anything. Including the option of not having treatment, where that is reasonable.

03

Placement

Usually under local anaesthetic, usually an hour or two. Most people work the next day, and we will say so plainly rather than overstate the recovery.

04

Healing

Three to six months while the implant integrates with the bone. You are not without a tooth during this time; a temporary is fitted where the site allows one.

05

The permanent crown

Made to match the teeth either side, fitted, then reviewed. After that it is an ordinary check-up and hygiene appointment like any other tooth.

Asked often

Does it hurt?
Placement is done under local anaesthetic and is usually less uncomfortable than an extraction. Afterwards most people describe an ache for two or three days managed with ordinary painkillers. A small number find it harder than that, and we would rather you heard both halves of that sentence from us.
How long does the whole thing take?
Three to six months from placement to the permanent crown, because the implant has to integrate with the bone and that cannot be hurried. If grafting is needed first, add several months to that. Anyone offering you a finished result in a fortnight is describing something other than what we do.
How long do implants last?
Published long-term studies report success rates around 95 to 98 per cent at ten years. That is a population figure rather than a promise about you, and it depends heavily on cleaning, smoking and whether gum disease is under control. We will be specific about your own risk factors at the consultation.
Am I too old for this?
Age itself is rarely the deciding factor. General health, medication, smoking and bone volume matter far more, and we assess all four before recommending anything. We do decline treatment where the risk is not justified, and we will explain why rather than simply saying no.

Multiple implants and bridges

Several teeth replaced on fewer implants than teeth, where the bone allows.

Full arch treatment

A fixed full arch on four to six implants, for patients with failing or absent teeth.

Bone grafting and sinus lifts

Rebuilding the site first, when the scan says there is not enough to work with.
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