Dental Implants

Dental implants have been used for over 20 years to reliably replace missing teeth. They may be used if one, several or all of the teeth are absent and can avoid the need for conventional removable dentures or bridgework.

We accept referrals from over 30 practices and 60 individual dentists for dental implants. Patients are seen initially for a consultation with Mark Edmondson, a registered specialist oral surgeon in conjunction with one of our restorative dentists - either Steven Schofield or Ralph Pickup.

Our practice uses the AstraTech implant system. Detailed information may be found by following this link:
astratechuk website

Since 2001, Mark Edmondson has placed over 1000 dental implants. He is keen to monitor how our implant restorations perform in the long term and has built up an impressive database which records detailed information about each implant placed.

This means that we can provide our patients with our own evidence based information about how successful our implant treatment is likely to be.

To date, 95% of all dental implants placed have integrated successfully. This includes those patients who smoke or with medical conditions which may compromise treatment and implants placed in the back of the mouth in the upper jaw (where treatment is less predictable).

For dental implants placed in the lower jaw in otherwise healthy non-smokers, the success rate is 98% .

If you have been referred for treatment with dental implants or are interested in knowing more, we have provided some answers to frequently asked questions here.

Where is the clinic?
We are situated in Clitheroe. Please follow this link to download a map and information about parking.

How long will the consultation last?
An initial consultation will take about 45 minutes. This usually affords enough time to make a treatment plan. Where treatment is more complex, additional time or visits may be needed to assist with planning. We do not normally charge for second consultations.

How much will treatment cost?
The initial consultation costs £125. This includes an x-ray assessment and making study models of your teeth. Sometimes additional tests are required before formulating a treatment plan such as a diagnostic wax-up, CT scan or specialist periodontal examination. You will be advised of additional fees before this is arranged.

A single tooth implant costs approximately £1950. An additional charge is made for the consultation fee, surgical guides and bone grafting if this is necessary. You will be given a written treatment plan and estimate before treatment is arranged. Once surgery has been agreed and a date arranged, we normally request a deposit of £350 for each implant to be placed.

Will it hurt?
Implant treatment is normally provided with local anaesthesia. Intra-venous sedation is available to manage anxiety where individuals are nervous and useful when treatment is prolonged. The procedure itself is painless but   a degree of post-operative pain and swelling is expected with any surgical procedure including implant placement and will be discussed at the consultation. Any necessary medication including painkillers and antibiotics is provided by the practice.

When can I have my treatment?
Our senior dental nurse, Stefanie Procter will contact you upon receipt of a referral letter from your dentist. Normally, treatment will take place within a few weeks of the referral although we can manage urgent treatment as well.

When is the best time to place a dental implant?
Implants can often be placed even if the teeth have been missing for years. However, the bone that supports a natural tooth gradually disappears following its loss. This can make placing the implant technically more difficult, compromise the final appearance or require the use of a bone graft.

For this reason, if you have recently lost a tooth and are considering implant treatment, let us know as soon as possible. If an implant is planned to replace a tooth which is still present, we advise that the extraction is done by our oral surgeon. This is so that the tooth may be removed in such a way to preserve as much of the bone as possible and to allow inspection of the tooth socket. The implant can then be placed as a planned procedure at the optimal time.

Dental implants are especially useful in helping to stabilise loose dentures. Again, bone loss following loss of the natural teeth can complicate treatment and implant treatment is generally more successful if fixtures are placed early on.