All 14 Clinics that provide Dental Implants in Reading

Dental Implants are a tremendously successful mechanism for replacing missing or badly damaged teeth. They are however costly, and also require a specialist dentist called an implantologist or prosthodontist. Particularly because of the costs involved, implants are one of the most commonly sought treatments by Dental Tourists. 

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is normally a titanium screw that is implanted into the jaw bone to replace the old root. A natural looking crown is then attached to perfectly replicate the missing tooth. Unlike bridgework, implants do not affect the surrounding teeth. Integrated into the jaw, they avoid gum problems and bone loss that can accompany a bridge or dentures.

You might need dental implants if you are missing one or several teeth. Things to watch out for are:

• Your jaw may not be suited to implants and a bone graft may be required
• The implantation procedure requires unique skills and there are dramatically different levels of training, everything from a weekend to 3 years. Check to see that your dentist has the necessary qualifications
• Implants should not be used if your bone growth is not complete
• If you are smoker or are taking immune-suppressants the success rate for implants decreases

Ask your dentist what there 5 year success rate is – it should be about 95% for the lower jaw and 90% for the upper jaw.

What is the procedure like?

Implants can be placed either at the time of removal of the old tooth or at any time afterwards: the process is quicker if they are placed immediately after removal. Typically this is performed under a local anaesthetic.

The gum and jaw are prepared, creating an opening for the titanium screw. The screw is secured in place and then the gum is stitched over allowing the area to heal. Titanium has unique properties that allow it to integrate naturally with bone.

Over a period of three to six months the titanium and bone merge to form a very strong bed on which a crown or cap can be placed. This period before a final crown is placed can be shortened dramatically if the implant is placed at the time of extraction, to the extent that sometimes a crown can be fitted at the same time as the titanium screw is attached.

What different types exist?

There are about 50 different types of implants and the particular type or brand chosen by your dentist will depend on a variety of factors, including their training, their equipment, their stock, your bone density and the width of your jaw.

There is one other major category of implant, called blade or narrow. These are typically used when the patient’s jaw will not support normal screw-type implants.

There is also an alternative use of the implanted screws that allows dentures to be secured permanently to the jaw, thus preventing any accidental movement and improving their overall function.

The newest technologies also allow for what are called implants in a day or immediate load implants. This technique is very new though, and not very widespread. It is normally recommended to leave between 3 and 6 months between having an implant fitted and placing a crown on it.

What affects the price?

One very important factor in pricing dental implants is that an implant is simply the titanium screw that attaches to the jaw bone. In order for a tooth to be replaced this implant needs a crown. When pricing dental implants, make sure the price includes the price of the required crowns. Things to look out for are:

• The Dentist selected to perform the procedure
• The type of implant being used
• The location of the implant
• The number of implants
• The type of crown required

Price Comparison

Price lists should always be viewed with caution as many factors can increase or decrease the resulting price. Here is a rough price comparison based on the average prices for implants around the world:

Dental implants offer a strong and lasting solution to damaged or missing teeth, and are often the most aesthetically pleasing option too.

Dentistry in the UK

The UK has some of the world's longest established medical and dental organizations. It has played a central role in shaping the ethical and scientific face of modern dental practice. Dentists are monitored by the Dental Practice Board. The board carrys out checks on the standard of dentistry through patient questionaires and clinic visits. Record keeping and the correct charging of fees are also monitored. Dentists opperating within entirely private practices (about 5% of dentists) are not subject to these monitoring processes. Dental practices offering general anaesthesia or using laser treatments are monitored by the HealthCare Commission, which produces extremely detailed reports on all aspects of the dental clinic's operations.

While NHS dental treatment is great for the continuing health of your teeth, it does not concentrate on the cosmetic aspects of dental care. If you want your teeth to look good as well as being healthy you may need specialist treatments which are unavailable on the NHS. The UK has nine recognised specialties and each specialty will have additional specialization in specific procedures such as implantology (implant's for the replacement of missing teeth). A large number of continuing training options are available in the UK providing professional development and postgraduate dental courses at the highest levels.

Information about Reading

Reading has a population of over 143,000 people. It was a Danish encampment way back AD 871. King Henry III in 1253 is the one who gave it a town charter. That charter was confirmed by succeeding sovereigns. The Reading School was founded in 1125, and is the tenth oldest school in England. It is based in Victorian buildings designed by Alfred Waterhouse on Erleigh Road. The University of Reading was established in 1892 as an affiliate of Oxford University, and moved to its London Road Campus in 1904. It was chartered as an independent university in 1926 and moved onto its new Whiteknights Campus in 1947.
The principal National Health Service (NHS) hospital in Reading is the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust runs a NHS hospital, Prospect Park Hospital, that specialises in the provision of care for people with mental health and learning disabilities. The city also served by two private hospitals, the Berkshire Independent Hospital in Coley Park and the Dunedin Hospital situated on the main A4 Bath Road.

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The biggest choice of dental implants clinics in Reading with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best dental implants for you in Reading.