All There Is to Know About Dental Implants : A patient guide

In modern dentistry, dental implants have become the treatment of option for missing teeth.

What exactly is an implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is typically composed of titanium. When applied with skill, they provide a highly reliable treatment. The primary objective of implant placement is to obtain immediate, intimate contact with the surrounding bone. Over time, additional bone growth on the implant surface improves the implant's stability.

In order to support replacement teeth, dental implants typically feature an internal screw thread or post space that permits the attachment of a variety of components. Once in place, these components provide long-lasting support for crowns, bridges, or removable dentures.

Who can receive dental implants?

Dental implants are appropriate for the majority of healthy adults. They can only be used once the jawbone has ceased growing, so they are typically not used on children. Habits such as excessive drinking or smoking can increase the number of complications associated with initial healing and may be detrimental to the gum and bone surrounding each implant in the long term. Smoking should be reduced or best still given up altogether. However, each case is unique, and if you have any medical issues, you should consult with one of our implant specialists prior to beginning treatment; in only a few instances do health issues completely preclude the use of dental implants.

Dental implants are appropriate for the majority of healthy adults.

How will you determine if you are a candidate for implants?

During your initial consultation, one of our specialist will determine whether implant treatment is feasible. We discuss your options and conduct an examination of your mouth and remaining teeth to determine the nature and extent of any existing dental issues. Typically, x-rays will be obtained and dental models will be fabricated so that these can be examined after your appointment. These x-rays and models will be used to determine the optimal position for an implant, the number of implants required to fill the gap, and the available bone grade and volume.

Establishing excellent oral hygiene is a crucial step in any treatment plan. At this initial consultation, you will be informed of which problems are essential and what treatment is necessary to stabilise any gum or tooth issues.

Must you maintain a wholesome mouth?

When you inquire about dental implants for the first time, it is frequently in response to ongoing dental issues or the recent loss of teeth. Before implant treatment, it will often be necessary to understand and treat the underlying cause of these issues.

If you have poor breath, loose teeth, or excessive bleeding, especially when your teeth are professionally cleaned, you may have gum disease.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a leading cause of bone loss, making dental implant treatment more difficult, but not impossible.

How lengthy is the treatment?

For routine cases, the duration between implant placement and the placement of the first tooth/teeth can range from three to six months. The availability of higher-quality bone can be used to reduce treatment time, whereas inferior bone requires more time and care, which can extend treatment times beyond six months.

What should you understand before beginning treatment?

You will receive a written summary of your discussion regarding treatment planning, emphasising your current dental condition and any alternatives to dental implants. This summary also provides an overview of the anticipated treatment stages and provides an estimate of the expected duration, number of implants, and cost. There may be additional issues unique to your case, and they will be addressed accordingly.

How long do implants typically last?

Once the implants and surrounding soft tissues are deemed to be healthy and the new teeth are deemed to be comfortable and properly aligned, the quality of your oral hygiene and willingness to attend regular maintenance reviews will have the greatest impact on their longevity.

Similar to neglected natural teeth, implants will develop a layer of hard and porous deposits (calculus and plaque) if they are not properly cared for. These deposits, if left untreated, can cause gingival infection, bleeding, soreness, and general discomfort. Implants could be said to have the same longevity as natural teeth. Implants that are well-maintained and placed in sufficient bone can potentially last a lifetime if cared for properly. However, just as you would anticipate traditional crowns, bridges, and fillings to require occasional restorations or replacements, implant-supported teeth may also require similar maintenance over time.

How many teeth can dental implants support?

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or an entire arch of teeth. Dental implants can support all prevalent forms of tooth replacement, such as bridges and dentures.

If you are missing a single natural tooth, one implant will typically suffice to provide a replacement. However, larger spaces created by two, three, or more missing teeth may not require one implant per tooth; the precise number of implants will depend on the grade and quantity of bone at each potential implant site.

Patients with a propensity of clenching or grinding their teeth (bruxism) may be at risk of implant overload. Bruxism occurs during sleep for most individuals, so they are typically unaware of it. The most common clinical indications of bruxism are excessively worn or flattened teeth, chipped enamel edges, and/or the frequent breakage of filling fragments. During treatment planning, the effects of bruxism must be considered, and they can be compensated for by placing additional implants, selecting appropriate restorative materials, and providing a nighttime bite guard to secure the new teeth. This will be covered in your initial consultation and treatment plan.

Implant retained prostheses

What is the therapy?

Using dental implants to anchor removable prostheses is a significantly more effective method than using adhesives, pastes, or powders. With only two implants or four mini implants in each jaw, dentures can be clipped into position and held securely, but are simple to remove for cleaning and sleeping. Implants also provide a number of aesthetic advantages, including the preservation of bone in the jaw and the maintenance of facial structure, as well as the restoration of lost lip support to reduce wrinkles around the mouth. Approximately 15 minutes of the 90-minute procedure are devoted to actual surgery. It is a quick and economical alternative to a complete arch of dental implants.

What alternative treatments are available?

Implant-retained dentures are a significant improvement over traditional removable dentures, which are inconvenient, sometimes uncomfortable, and restrict your diet. Full arch dental implants are an even better alternative to removable dentures; we are one of the few practises in East Anglia with the expertise to conduct this procedure. It's a life-altering, permanent solution.

Is it essential to replace an entire set of lacking teeth?

Multiple tooth loss can have a profound effect on one's quality of life. In addition to having a significant influence on your ability to speak and eat, it can also alter your appearance. Without teeth to support the lips and cheekbones, wrinkles develop more quickly and the cheeks become hollow. Many individuals with this type of tooth loss believe they appear older than they are, which can be detrimental to their self-esteem.

A summary of the implant procedure

Typically, implant treatment consists of several phases that occur over a period of three to nine months. Although there are numerous implant treatment methods, a typical procedure typically involves the following:

Assessment and planning for treatment:

At the initial consultation, after a thorough discussion of all potential alternatives, we will determine whether implant treatment is feasible. If necessary, x-rays will be obtained and models of the teeth will be created. Then, a written treatment plan detailing the treatment sequence and associated costs will be created.

Implant placement:

Implant implantation is a relatively straightforward minor surgical procedure that can be performed in a dental office under sterile conditions.The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and, if necessary, sedation. If, during evaluation, it is determined that the underlying bone is deficient, there are several options for bone regeneration. Depending on the needs, bone regeneration is typically performed at the same time as implant placement.

Transition period:

It can take between six weeks and six months for implants to integrate with a patient's bone. During this period of integration, temporary dentures or bridgework may be worn as needed. In certain instances, temporary teeth can be affixed to the implants in a procedure known as "immediate loading" while the implants integrate.

The Recuperative stage:

Once implants are incorporated, they can be restored with a variety of new teeth (definitive restorations) including a single crown, small or large bridge, or removable overdenture. We collaborate closely with a laboratory that creates these permanent restorations.

Maintenance:

Following conclusion of implant treatment, the patient must clean the new teeth (restorations) according to the instructions. A dental hygienist may also provide guidance on the care and upkeep of restorations and natural teeth. Regular visits to the dentist are required so that the health of the soft tissues, bone levels, and restoration can be evaluated.

How can you determine if you have sufficient bone for dental implants? Normal dental x-rays display a great deal of detail, but only in two dimensions. From these views, it is typically possible to determine the height of available bone for implant placement; however, sometimes more advanced imaging techniques are required to determine the equally crucial bone breadth.

Dental CBCT Scans – there are now a number of sophisticated x-ray techniques that enable a three-dimensional examination of the jawbone. CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scans are the most precise and widely available. Images obtained by CBCT scanning will typically display all of the necessary bone information, including quantity and quality, but most importantly the presence of structures that must be avoided.

What may result in bone loss?

When a tooth is lost or extracted, a significant portion of the bone that once encompassed the remaining root may be lost. This loss is referred to as "bone resorption" and can be especially rapid during the first few months. Despite the fact that the rate and quantity of bone resorption is highly variable between individuals, it will always occur to some degree unless special precautions are taken to mitigate its effects.

Many patients report that their dentures gradually become looser and no longer fit as well as they once did. Initially, the observed worsening of denture fit is a result of the increased rate of bone loss following tooth extractions.It is the direct effect of gnawing forces that causes the gradual deterioration of supporting bone over time. Therefore, the longer prostheses are worn, the less available bone there is for dental implants.

What anatomical structures must be avoided during dental implant placement?

As long as the implants remain within the bone that once supported your natural teeth, there are no significant risk areas in the upper mandible. If you are missing upper back teeth, you can be shown the contour and location of the area above the roots (maxillary sinuses). Since the maxillary sinuses are visible on the majority of x-rays, they are generally avoided.

The 'inferior dental nerve' is the most vital anatomical structure to avoid in the lower mandible. This nerve begins behind the wisdom teeth, travels under the back teeth (molars), and emerges on the epidermis of the face where the middle teeth (premolars) are or were. This is the reason why a normal dental anaesthetic numbs the lip even when the needle is inserted in the very back of the mouth. If this nerve is irritated or damaged during dental implant implantation, it can result in temporary or permanent numbness or altered sensation. This is an uncommon but significant complication.CBCT scans are typically the most accurate method for pinpointing the location of this nerve, allowing implants to be implanted with confidence. CBCT scans are more expensive than standard dental x-rays, but the information they provide is often invaluable for complex treatment planning and determining the location of vital anatomical structures. If a tooth is inadvertently damaged by the implantation of a nearby implant, any resulting issues can typically be treated with root canal therapy, in which the tooth's nerve is removed.

Can dental implants preserve bone?

This is one of the most essential characteristics of dental implants. Once in place and supporting teeth, daily functional forces (eating, smiling, speaking) stimulate the adjacent bone, causing it to become denser and stronger. As with all things, there are limitations to the amount of labour an implant can perform. We will discuss this in greater depth as it pertains to your specific situation.

Can replacement teeth be worn while undergoing implant treatment?

If the teeth being replaced by dental implants are in a highly visible area of the mouth, it is probable that you will need to have some teeth present during the procedure. This can be accomplished in a variety of methods, ranging from simple plastic dentures to removable bridges. If replacement teeth are used during treatment phases, it is vital that they do not exert uncontrolled pressure on the implants. You should anticipate a number of visits for minor adjustments to any temporary teeth after the implants are inserted and before they are activated. They might not be as visually appealing as your final restoration.

Are dental implants compatible with natural teeth?

Dental implants are routinely inserted adjacent to natural teeth, and this procedure is generally very safe. The only exception to this rule would be if the natural root was extremely curved or inclined in the proposed implant path. This could cause the implant to damage the root, but this is typically avoidable through meticulous pre-operative planning.

Are the replacement molars fused together?

When numerous implants are inserted, they are typically connected in the same manner as a bridge supported by natural teeth. When teeth supported by implants are joined together, they are mechanically sturdier than the sum of their parts.

If sufficient implants are available, it is frequently simpler and just as effective to construct several smaller bridge sections, each supporting a few teeth. The overall effect in the mouth is identical, and if you ever need to repair one of the minor sections, this can be accomplished much more easily. Again, the quality of the bone, as well as the number and placement of the implants, will determine which option is most suitable for you.

Is it unpleasant when implants are inserted?

The majority of patients will be familiar with the anaesthetics used in routine dentistry and will be aware of their efficacy. The same anaesthesia is used to insert implants. Depending on the complexity of your case, the procedure could last anywhere from 30 minutes for a single implant to several hours for complex bone augmentation and implantation of multiple implants. Expect some minor swelling and occasional discoloration after surgery. For the majority of patients, fundamental over-the-counter pain relievers will suffice for several days. If you continue to experience discomfort, contact your healthcare provider, who can prescribe a stronger medication.

Generally, healing is uncomplicated, and sutures are removed within a week to ten days. During the initial few days, you should disclose any unanticipated pain or swelling so that it can be evaluated. Always seek advice when in doubt, as early detection of a problem often leads to a simplified solution. You may also be prescribed antibiotics and asked to perform some basic procedures, such as rinsing your mouth with salt water or an antiseptic mouth rinse. It is essential that you follow these directions.

If the implant surgery will require a long time, is sedation an option?

Although it is relatively simple to provide effective pain management during surgery, the majority of patients will be apprehensive. There is no need to suffer in silence, as there are numerous highly effective ways to attain a state of relaxation.

Conscious sedation – For more complex procedures, it may be recommended that you have a more regulated method of relaxation and comfort during the surgical phases. This is known as 'conscious sedation' and is distinct from a anaesthetic because you are awake enough to respond to simple instructions that may be helpful to the surgeon; however, you will recall almost nothing of the treatment phase. It is especially advantageous for procedures lasting more than an hour that do not require hospitalisation; this is likely the case for the majority of dental implant treatments.For routine "conscious sedation," a sedative is administered via an arm or hand vein for the duration of the procedure. An anesthesiologist continuously monitors your pulse rate and oxygen levels during this extremely safe procedure. A standard dental local anaesthetic is injected around the proposed implant sites under conscious anaesthesia. By the time the dental anaesthetic is administered, the anaesthesia has already taken effect, so most patients do not recall this phase. For procedures requiring oral or conscious anaesthetic, you may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for at least four hours prior to surgery, and you will be required to make arrangements for an adult to drive you home. Additionally, you will be instructed not to operate any apparatus for at least 24 to 36 hours.

What can be done if there are insufficient bones?

Up to this point, we have covered the fundamentals of routine implant placement. This has included the initial examination and diagnosis, special x-rays such as CBCT scans, anaesthetic during surgery, and what to expect following the placement of implants. However, for some individuals, bone loss following tooth extraction or loss prevents the placement of an implant. There are actions that can be taken if this occurs:

It is possible to increase the height of available bone in the upper jaw above the back molars by creating new bone in the sinus.This process is known as a "sinus augmentation." Without the widespread success of this technique, numerous patients would be unable to receive dental implants in a region of the mouth where tooth loss is so prevalent.

There are numerous methods for adding bone, but one of the simplest is to remove a piece of bone from another location and attach it as a "onlay graft" to a deficient area. The new piece of bone will gradually fuse with the underlying bone, and an implant can be implanted in a more favourable position once it has healed and matured.

Where can additional bone be obtained?

Bone can be harvested from a variety of locations, but most commonly from the back of the lower mandible or the chin. Occasionally, it is extracted from the hip or tibia. When using your own bone to create new bone in another area of the mandible, you will experience discomfort at both the donor site and the surgical site. As your own bone is typically regarded as the 'gold standard,' many people feel that the additional discomfort is well worth it.

Alternatives to your own bone for augmentation There are other sources of bone, such as bovine (derived from cows), porcine (derived from pigs), and synthetic materials that have been specially processed to make them acceptable for use in humans, for those who prefer an easier but slightly slower solution. All of these materials, including your own bone, are merely scaffolds into which new bone will grow in a few months in preparation for dental implant placement.

It can take anywhere from three to twelve months for new bone to be suitable for dental implants. Do not rush to advance to the next stage. A larger quantity of bone will take longer to mature than a smaller quantity. Each surgeon will have a preferred technique for producing new bone. Many of them will additionally employ a technique known as "guided tissue regeneration." By placing a barrier material between slow-moving bone cells and the fast-moving cells of the soft tissues lining the mouth, this technique allows slower-moving bone cells time to occupy a space. This is a "resorbable barrier" that will dissolve spontaneously after a few months of performing its function.

Does bone augmentation impact treatment duration?

If you require bone augmentation, it may lengthen the duration of your treatment; however, when performed successfully, it will significantly enhance the outcome of the implant(s) placed. When used in the front of the mouth, it can also enable the construction of much more aesthetically pleasing results.

Regardless of the method selected to increase bone density, the time, effort, and expense are generally worthwhile.

How do you care for your implants?

To increase the longevity of your implants, it is imperative that you maintain excellent oral hygiene. Cleaning your implants is straightforward. For the majority of implant-supported teeth, you will be able to brush and floss around each supporting implant just as you would around natural teeth and tooth-supported bridges. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene may require special floss, interdental toothbrushes, and other cleaning aids in some areas.

If you wish to maintain optimal implant health, it is reasonable to anticipate that some daily maintenance procedures will be more complex than those performed around your natural teeth, and that you will need to devote more time than in the past.

During the first few months following implant placement, your dentist may request that you visit them more frequently; however, once they are satisfied that your treatment is proceeding according to plan, your ongoing dental care will be comparable to that of a patient with natural teeth.

What options exist if an implant fails?

The average success rate for dental implants is approximately 96%; you should discuss how the loss of an implant could affect your treatment plan. A dental implant can fail for a variety of reasons, including smoking, poor oral hygiene, and systemic disease. In these particular high-risk groups, one would anticipate a much higher failure rate. If an implant does not integrate well with the surrounding bone, it will ultimately lose its ability to support replacement teeth and become loose. Commonly, a failing implant does not cause discomfort, and if there are sufficient residual implants, it may not be necessary to replace it.

It is essential to discuss the potential complications that may arise.

Various implant procedures

One-stage implant – The implant is inserted into a fresh, healing, or healed extraction site where the original tooth was extracted, and is immediately visible above the gum. This technique has the advantage of not requiring a second surgical stage to expose the implant. Typically, the implant will not be able to sustain a tooth for several weeks or months.

This is the first stage of a two-stage implant, in which the implant is inserted into a fresh, healing, or healed extraction site and then concealed by a layer of gum tissue. At the second stage, weeks or months later, the implant is uncovered and components are added, bringing it to the surface of the gum so that a new tooth can be attached.

Same-day implants necessitate meticulous planning prior to the actual day of surgery. A few hours after the placement of multiple implants, a full arch of temporary or permanent teeth can be affixed. If temporary dentures are used, they are typically replaced with a permanent bridge after a sufficient period of healing. Not all patients are appropriate candidates for this method of treatment.

In this procedure, a tooth is extracted and an implant is placed promptly into the extraction site. Depending on the local bone and soft tissue conditions, implant surgery may be performed in one or two stages. Not all patients are candidates for this treatment.

Immediate implant placement and early loading – This is dissimilar to immediate implant placement. It is essentially a one-step procedure in which the implant is inserted into a fresh, healing, or healed extraction site and a replacement tooth is attached at the same appointment. This first tooth will typically be kept out of direct contact with opposing teeth for more than three months, following which it will be restored. This procedure is more prevalent in areas of the mouth where aesthetics play an essential role. Again, this approach is not suitable for all patients.

Frequently asked questions:

Will I be able to consume my favourite foods afterwards?

Patients should be able to consume a normal, nutritious diet with little to no difficulty upon completion.

What are the costs associated with implant treatments?

The price can vary based on the required level and extent of treatment. A written treatment plan therefore explains and confirms the total cost.

How much time will it take?

Implant treatment typically requires multiple appointments over the course of several months. In certain instances, implant procedure can be completed much more quickly.

How lengthy is its duration?

Regular dental hygiene and regular checkups should ensure that implants last for many years after treatment is complete.

Am I too elderly to receive implants?

There is no upper age limit for patients undergoing implant treatment, so long as they remain in reasonable health.

Is the procedure painful?

Patients are frequently astonished by the lack of pain they experience during and after implant procedures.

Glossary:

-Abutment

Abutment is the component that connects the implant to the permanent tooth restoration.

-Barrier membrane

A membrane that is draped over a bone defect or bone implant to prevent the infiltration of soft tissue, which could compromise the healing process.

-Bone augmentation

This is the insertion of natural or synthetic bone material in a deficient area of natural bone. This procedure may be performed concurrently with implant implantation, or as a separate procedure prior to implant placement.

-Bone resorption

Resorption of bone is the loss of bone height and/or width in the upper or lower mandible. This process continues throughout life, but is accelerated in areas where teeth have been lost.

-Bridge

A bridge is a method for replacing one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth that are bonded to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges may be glued in position (adhesive bridges) or supported by crown preparations (conventional bridges) and constructed from a number of different materials.

-Bruxism

The act of clenching or grinding one's teeth when not chewing.

-Calculus

Sometimes referred to as tartar, tartar is a hard deposit that forms on teeth. Calculus is the result of the calcification of debris around the teeth, and it can be avoided by practising meticulous oral hygiene. Once calculus has formed, it is difficult to eradicate, and requires the services of a dental therapist or hygienist in most cases.

-Absolute arch

A complete arch refers to the teeth of the upper or lower mandible in their entirety.

-Consultation

A dental consultation to evaluate potential treatment options. Appointments may include an examination, x-rays, and photographs, as well as a frank discussion and explanation, if necessary.

-Crown

Crowns can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and gold. The majority of crowns that are not visible in the mouth are white in pigmentation.

-CBCT scan

Cone Beam Computed Tomography is a sophisticated x-ray technique that generates three-dimensional images of the mandible. Due to their three-dimensional nature, these images can only be observed on a computer screen.

-Definitive refurbishments

The definitive restoration refers to the ultimate implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture fabricated during the treatment process. The restoration will require routine maintenance and may require replacement.

-The administration of dental anaesthetics

Anaesthesia (Greek: ) means without sensation, which includes pain. The majority of dental anaesthetics are administered via injection into the affected area. Rarely, procedures may be performed while you are unconscious; this is known as a general anaesthetic.

-Dental implant

An implant is an artificial "tooth root." The majority of implants are composed of metal, with titanium or titanium alloys being the most prevalent. Implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone in order to support crowns and bridges or to stabilise dentures.

-Dentures

Dentures are removable, custom-made replacement teeth. Typically, they are composed of acrylic or acrylic and cobalt chromium.

-Extraction

Extraction of teeth is the removal of teeth.

-Extraction position

The space left after tooth extraction.

Effective implantation

A functioning implant is one or more implants that are capable of supporting a dental restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, and biting.

-Therapeutic tissue regeneration

A procedure that promotes the regeneration of soft tissue (gums) and may be used to improve the aesthetics around teeth or crowns.

-Gum disease

Soft tissue disease surrounding teeth. Gingivitis is the common name for gingival inflammation; it is a response to the deposition of plaque and, in most cases, can be treated with rigorous oral hygiene.

-Periodontal disease

Gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease, if left untreated. Periodontitis causes bone loss and can threaten the survival of a tooth or teeth.

-Immediate loading

Providing a temporary crown or bridge concurrently with implant implantation. Not all patients are appropriate candidates for this treatment.

-Inferior dental nerve

This nerve, sometimes known as the inferior alveolar nerve, travels through a bony canal in the lower jaw and provides sensation to the lower teeth, before emerging from bone as the mental nerve, which provides sensation to the lower lip.

-Combination toothbrushes

A small interdental brush with typically a single tuft of filaments. This can be used as an alternative to dental floss for cleansing between teeth and around implants.

-Maximum sinus

A hollow, air-filled space located just above the upper premolars. This varies in size from person to person and grows throughout one's lifetime.

-Molars

The upper and lower third molars on both sides of the mandible.

-Onlay anastomosis

When bone is taken from another area of the body, such as the hip (rarely), jaw, or behind the molars, and grafted to a deficient area.

-Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the bonding or fusion of an implant and bone, which typically takes several weeks to months.

-Plaque

Plaque is a soft, sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms continuously on teeth and gums and can harden into calculus if not removed daily by practising good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, etc.).

-Premolars

The two teeth located on both sides of the mandible in front of the molars.

-Reline procedure

During a relining procedure, a soft or firm material is used to correct the fitting surface of a denture following an extraction or surgery.

-Removable overdenture

A removable denture that is supported by implants but can be removed by the patient for cleansing.

-Restorations

The restoration may consist of a filling, a crown, a bridge, or a denture. It restores the tooth or teeth to full functionality.

-Rejuvenating phase or appointment

This phase follows the surgical phase of the treatment plan, typically a few weeks to a few months after a sufficient degree of recuperation. In the majority of instances, this will involve obtaining impressions so that the technician(s) can fabricate the definitive restoration.

-Sinus augmentation

A surgical procedure in which bone regenerative material is inserted into the sinus to stimulate the formation of new bone in order to enhance the available bone height for implant placement.

-Sterile conditions

In this context, sterility refers to the absence of bacterial contamination. We can never achieve absolute sterility, but we must always strive to achieve as near as possible to a sterile working environment. This includes the use of autoclaves to sterilise all nondisposable instruments as well as drapes and robes to isolate working surfaces and personnel.

-Titanium

This biocompatible metal is used to manufacture implants. Titanium has been utilised for decades in medical procedures, including hip replacements.

-Treatment scheme

A report outlining the patient's dental implant procedure, including the proposed treatment timeline and expenditures. The purpose of this guide is to provide an overview of standard dental implant treatment. Each individual's treatment plan for dental implants will be customised by Norfolk Dental Specialists in terms of cost, duration, and method of care delivery.