Dental Implants

The Maltings Dental Practice is one of the leading Implant centres in the area. We accept patients from within the practice as well as outside referrals from other practices.

The team is led by Mr Jason Wong, supported by Mr Peter Butcher and Mr Fawad Ashraf and is backed by specially trained hygienists and nursing support staff. All members of the team are active in attending postgraduate courses in this area.

Jason Wong, Peter Butcher and Fawad Ashraf are members of the International team for Implantology (ITI) and Mr Wong runs an ITI study club for Dentists on Implantology where team members also regularly attend.

The current implant systems used by the practice are Straumann and Sweden Martina.

For further information or to book an appointment please contact the Maltings Dental Practice on 01476 563181.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is made of titanium that is placed into the jawbone. They are substitute tooth roots. They form a stable foundation for permanent replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental Implants are the closest thing we have to having your own teeth back. We use the ITI Dental Implant system from Straumann.
Are implants safe? How long will they last?

Implants are a well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. 90 per cent of modern implants last for at least 15 years.
I have some of my own teeth. Can I still have implants?

Yes. You can have any number of teeth replaced with implants - from one single tooth to a complete set.
Can implants always be used to replace missing teeth?

It depends on the state of the bone in your jaw. We will have to assess the quality and quantity of bone. If there is not enough bone, or if it isn't healthy enough it may not be possible to place implants
Do implants hurt?

Placing the implants requires a small operation. This can be carried out under local anaesthetic. Sedation may also be considered. You will not feel any pain at the time, but you may feel some discomfort following the surgery. This is usually due to having stitches in place, and the normal healing process.
How long does treatment take?

We will be able to give you a provisional timetable before the treatment begins. Usually the permanent teeth are fitted between 6 to 12 weeks after the implants are put in, however there are circumstances where this may need to be longer.
How soon can I have the new teeth?

The implants need to bond (integrate) with the bone after they have been put in. This takes anything from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on the quality of the bone. Sometimes the implants may be stable enough when they are fitted for the artificial teeth to be attached much sooner than this. If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you will have a temporary restoration in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, then these can be worn throughout the healing period once they have been modified after the surgery.
Are the teeth difficult to clean?

Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, there may be areas that give you problems and you'll be shown methods to help. Regular visits with the hygienist in the future are absolutely necessary.
Can I take the teeth out if they are fixed to implants?

Most artificial teeth attached to implants can only be placed and removed by the dentist. However, if you have complete dentures fixed to the implants, then you'll be able to take them out for cleaning.
Do I have an implant for each missing tooth?

No, unless you're only having a single tooth replaced. Normally, five or six implants are used to replace all the teeth in one jaw, as each implant can usually support two teeth. For a few missing teeth, two or three implants may be used.
Are Implants vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease?

Implants are not vulnerable to tooth decay but their attachment can be damaged by gum disease. if you don't care for them well enough then gum problems can lead to loss of Implants but if you keep them clean, remain medically healthy and don't smoke, then you should not have any problems.

Patient Testimonials

"I have recently had four adjacent teeth replaced with dental implants and the treatment was carried out by Mr Wong.

I had worn a denture to replace three teeth for some years but found it uncomfortable and unpleasant particularly having the roof of my mouth covered all the time. Now the fourth adjacent crown was failing and I therefore wanted a permanent solution to this problem.

I had a very thorough consultation with Mr Wong which was extremely informative, clear and reassuring. He was very receptive to all my questions explaining time scales, the whole process, including information on bone density and bone grafting if it proved necessary and a very realistic estimate of the levels of pain and discomfort that could be expected. This was followed up with a very detailed written report and informative leaflets to read at home.

I knew this was quite an expensive procedure but as I had four teeth together I only required two implants. This is because though I hadn’t realised it several teeth can be attached to one implant so a great help cost wise. I was very reassured that I knew all the facts and I was keen to proceed.

The operation to insert the implants was done using local anaesthesia which was very carefully and gently administered. The procedure probably took about an hour including a small amount of bone graft. Importantly I was reassured all the time and it was performed very steadily with very little discomfort and no pain.

I was allowed to wear my denture over the implants and was given detailed instructions on keeping the area clean etc, and Mr Wong’s contact email to use at any time should I need advice. I had no problems following the surgery and only took one lot of pain killers more as a precaution.

I had two check ups over a period of about nine weeks to make sure the implants and bone grafts were integrating. All looked good and the gum over the implant was opened under anaesthesia so a cap could be placed over it ready to take the crowns two weeks later.

I am delighted to say the crowns were and are a perfect fit an I am absolutely delighted with my new teeth. I had a slight lisp for about a week as my tongue learned to get used to my mouth without a denture. However now I feel I can laugh again without having to put my hand over my mouth and eating and tasting food is much more pleasurable. I would not hesitate in recommending Mr Wong to anyone considering dental implants for his skill, care and clarity throughout. I would be happy to talk to anyone who wants to know more of my experience if this would be helpful"

Jane S

"Having had two dental implants fitted, I would thoroughly recommend the procedure. The treatment is carried out in manageable stages and I have found the end result simply superb"

David E

"Having had my implant for year now, it’s the best thing I’ve had done. I hated the dentures I had to have after my bridge had broken.

Now I don’t even feel any difference to my own teeth. Although it’s a little uncomfortable and I couldn’t wait for the healing process, I can truly say it was money well spent and I’m glad I decided to go ahead with the implant. The treatment and follow up treatment was excellent"

Annette S