What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of modern dentistry’s most impressive achievements, offering patients the ability to restore not just missing teeth, but also full function, confidence, and a natural-looking smile. At their core, implants are titanium or zirconia screws surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as artificial roots for replacement teeth. Through a biological process known as osseointegration, the bone fuses with the implant, creating a strong and permanent foundation for crowns, bridges, or full-arch prosthetics.

At FACEMED, our dental implant procedures are carried out using the latest technology and techniques. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or require a more complex full-mouth restoration, our team ensures every solution is bespoke, medically safe, and long-lasting.

FACEMED’s Dental Implant Journey

From the very first conversation, the FACEMED process is carefully designed to be thorough, supportive, and completely transparent. Located in Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex, our state-of-the-art facility houses everything under one roof, consultation, scanning, surgery, and aftercare.

• Consultation & 3D CT Scan: £150 (deducted from the final fee if treatment proceeds)
  
• In-house procedures: Your surgery is carried out on-site by experienced clinicians such as Dr Alex Hadley, ensuring consistency and clinical excellence from start to finish.
  
• Simple pricing: Payment is made in full on the day of treatment. No hidden costs, no confusion, just clarity and peace of mind.
  

Types of Dental Implants Available

Not all smiles are the same, and neither are the implants we use. FACEMED offers a range of implant types to suit the anatomical and clinical needs of each patient:

• Endosteal Implants – The most common type, placed directly into the jawbone.
  
• All-on-4 Implants – A full-arch solution using just four implants to support a complete set of upper or lower teeth. Ideal for those who have lost multiple teeth or are seeking a more permanent alternative to dentures.
  
• Zygomatic Implants – A solution for patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw, where longer implants anchor into the cheekbone.
  
• Root-Analogue Implants – Designed to mimic the natural shape of a tooth root for a more anatomical fit and often used in immediate placement scenarios.
  

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in the UK?

The investment in your oral health and appearance is one that lasts a lifetime. At FACEMED, the cost of a dental implant, including the surgical procedure, the crown, and any required bone grafting, starts from £2,800 per tooth.

For patients requiring more comprehensive restorations, such as full-mouth implants, prices can range significantly depending on the complexity and materials chosen. Nationally, full-mouth reconstructions often exceed £25,000, making it vital to choose a clinic that offers precision, predictability, and post-treatment support.

Dental Implant Recovery & Osseointegration

After your dental implant is placed, healing begins. The osseointegration phase, where the bone fuses with the implant, can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on your individual biology and whether bone grafting was involved.

During this period, good hygiene is essential. Patients are advised to follow a soft food diet initially, use antibacterial rinses, and refrain from smoking, which can significantly increase the risk of peri-implantitis and implant failure. At FACEMED, your healing is closely monitored with regular check-ups to ensure optimal results.

Risks, Complications & Success Rates

While the success rate of modern implants is impressively high, 93-98% over five years, no procedure is entirely without risk. Common complications include:

• Peri-implantitis: Infection and inflammation around the implant
  
• Bone loss: Particularly in patients with untreated gum disease or smokers
  
• Integration failure: Rare, but possible in patients with poor bone density or bruxism
  

FACEMED mitigates these risks with careful patient selection, high-resolution diagnostics, sterile surgical environments, and robust aftercare. Every implant placed is done with the future in mind.

Advanced Options & Complex Cases

For patients who have been told they are not suitable candidates due to bone loss or long-term denture wear, we offer advanced options such as:

• All-on-4 Implants: Fixed teeth on the same day with fewer implants required
  
• Zygomatic Implants: A graft-free solution for those with severe upper jaw bone deficiency
  

These cutting-edge solutions restore function and aesthetics where traditional implants may not be feasible, without the need for extended bone grafting procedures.

Alternatives & NHS/Coverage

While NHS dental implant coverage is typically reserved for cases involving trauma or complex medical need, most patients will need to pursue private options. At FACEMED, we can guide you through the available alternatives too:

• Dental bridges (non-surgical, but may affect adjacent teeth)
  
• Dentures (removable, but less stable and often less comfortable)
  

We also discuss potential financing routes and treatment phasing options to make the process manageable and transparent.

Patient Preparation & Aftercare Tips

Success begins before the procedure. Ideal candidates for implants should:

• Be in good general health
  
• Have adequate jawbone volume (or be open to grafting)
  
• Avoid smoking and maintain strong oral hygiene
  

Pre-treatment may involve CT planning, digital smile design, and occasionally soft-tissue grafting to ensure long-term stability and natural-looking results.

Long-Term Maintenance & Oral Hygiene

Dental implants, while resistant to decay, still require vigilant care. FACEMED recommends:

• Routine check-ups and hygiene visits
  
• Professional cleaning with implant-safe tools
  
• Daily flossing and proper brushing techniques
  
• Monitoring for signs of peri-implant mucositis, an early warning sign for implant complications
  

With the right maintenance, your dental implants can last decades, supporting not just your smile, but your overall quality of life.

Book Your Consultation with FACEMED

Whether you’re replacing a single missing tooth or exploring full-mouth rehabilitation, our expert team, led by Dr Alex Hadley, is here to guide you every step of the way. At our welcoming, purpose-built clinic in Crays Hill, Billericay, we combine clinical excellence with patient-centred care.Call: 01268 833680
FACEMED, Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2XP
Explore our dental implant treatments