If you're missing one or more teeth and starting to look into your options, this guide is for you. It's written to answer the questions patients actually ask us at consultation so you can arrive at your appointment already knowing what to expect.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant replaces both the root and the crown of a missing tooth. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time in a process called osseointegration. Once secure, it acts as a new root and supports a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. That's the key difference between implants and other replacement options such as bridges or dentures: an implant replaces the root as well as the visible tooth, which allows it to look, feel, and function so closely to a natural tooth.
Am I a Candidate for Implants?
Most adults in good general health are suitable for implants. At consultation, we'll assess a few specific things:
Bone density - there needs to be enough healthy bone to support the implant; if there isn't, a bone graft can often build this up before placement
Gum health - active gum disease needs to be treated first, since it affects how well an implant can integrate
General health - certain conditions and medications (and smoking) can affect healing, so we'll talk through your medical history
None of these automatically rule you out; they simply shape the treatment plan. This is exactly what our in-house CBCT scan is for: it lets us see your bone structure in 3D at the first visit, rather than sending you elsewhere for imaging before we can even give you a proper answer.
The Treatment Journey, Step by Step
1. Consultation and Planning
A full examination, including a CBCT scan, to assess bone density and map the exact implant position. This is also when we discuss which implant and restoration suit your situation, and give you a realistic timeline and plan specific to your case.
2. Placement
The implant post is placed under local anaesthetic. Most patients describe the procedure itself as comfortable rather than painful - it's a precise surgical procedure, not a prolonged one. Some swelling or tenderness afterwards is normal and typically settles within a few days.
3. Healing (Osseointegration)
The implant needs time to fuse with the jawbone before it can safely support a restoration. This typically takes weeks to a few months, depending on the individual case and whether bone grafting was needed. You won't be left without a tooth during this time - we'll discuss a temporary option if one is needed.
4. Restoration
Once healing is complete, we fit a custom crown, bridge, or denture onto the implant to complete the treatment. From placement to final restoration, most patients are looking at a total timeline of three to nine months, though some cases qualify for same-day teeth. We'll give you a timeline specific to your situation at consultation, rather than a generic estimate.
What to Expect During Recovery
Mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness for the first few days, which is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief
A soft-food diet is usually recommended for the first week or so around the surgical site
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a day or two, though we'll advise you individually based on your procedure
Keeping the area clean, as instructed, is important for successful healing and we'll give you specific aftercare guidance before you leave
Types of Implant Treatment
Single implant - replaces one missing tooth without altering the teeth on either side of it
Implant-supported bridge - replaces several missing teeth in a row using fewer implants than teeth
Full-arch solutions - for patients missing most or all of their teeth in one jaw, implants can support a fixed full-arch restoration or an implant-retained denture
What Affects the Cost of Implants
Implant treatment is priced individually because it depends on your specific case, not a flat fee per tooth. The main factors are:
Number of implants needed
Whether bone grafting or other preparatory treatment is required
The type of restoration - a single crown, a bridge, or a full-arch solution
We'll give you a clear, itemised estimate at consultation before any treatment begins, so there are no surprises. We also offer 1-year 0% interest-free finance, which can make treatment easier to plan around.
Are There Any Risks?
Dental implants have a high long-term success rate, but as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks including infection, implant failure, or (rarely) damage to nearby nerves or structures. We minimise these through careful planning with 3D imaging and a thorough assessment before any treatment is agreed. We'll talk through the specific risks relevant to your case at consultation, so you can make an informed decision.
Looking After Your Implants
Implants need the same care as natural teeth - brushing, flossing (or using the cleaning aids we recommend), and regular check-ups. While the implant itself can't decay, the gum and bone around it can become infected if it isn't properly maintained, so routine hygiene visits matter just as much as they do for your natural teeth. With proper care, implants are a long-term solution that can last many years, often a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There's no upper age limit - what matters is bone health and general health, not age itself. Many of our implant patients are older adults replacing teeth lost over time.
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No - if there's a gap during healing, we'll discuss a temporary solution with you as part of your treatment plan.
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A bridge relies on the teeth either side for support, which means preparing (and placing extra load on) healthy teeth. A denture sits on the gum and can move or affect speech and eating. An implant stands independently, replacing the root as well as the tooth, without affecting neighbouring teeth.
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Talk to us about this at consultation and we'll discuss the options available to help you feel comfortable throughout.
The best way to find out if implants are right for you is a consultation, including a CBCT scan, carried out in-house, so you leave with real answers rather than a referral to somewhere else. Call us on 020 7580 7146 to arrange a consultation with our implant team in Marylebone.