Dental Implants – FAQs

Dental Implants

If you're thinking about dental implants, you're not alone. It's completely natural to want to know more before deciding on any treatment. Here are answers to some of the questions we're most often asked by our patients at the practice.

• Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

  To be honest, most people are. If you’re missing one or more teeth, have healthy gums and enough bone to support an implant, you’re likely to be suitable.
  Even if the bone is a little thin, modern techniques such as bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration can often make implants possible.
  Certain health conditions (like heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or specific medications) may mean we need to plan your treatment more carefully, but they don’t automatically rule you out – and in fact there are very few situations where we can’t consider dental implant therapy at all.
  The best way to know for sure is to book a consultation and 3D scan so we can assess everything properly.

• How long do dental implants last?

  Dental implants are designed to last many years often 20 years or more and with excellent home care they can last a lifetime.
  The crown (the visible tooth on top) may eventually need replacing after around 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear, but this can be easily done should the need arise.

• Are dental implants painful?

  Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the whole process is.
  You’ll be completely numb during the procedure, and sedation is available if you’d like to feel more relaxed. Many patients who choose sedation is available if you’d like to feel more relaxed. Many patients who choose sedation don’t really remember much about the procedure at all!
  Afterwards, you may have mild soreness or swelling for a day or two, similar to having a tooth extracted. This is usually easy to manage with standard over-the-counter pain relief and a soft diet.

• How much do dental implants cost?

  Implant costs in the UK typically range from:
  Single implant, abutment & crown: £2,400 – £3,500
  Bone volume enhancing treatments (if needed): £300 – £1,500
  Full-arch implants (e.g. All-on-4 / All-on-6): £12,000 – £20,000 per arch

  NHS funding for implants is very limited and usually only available in specific medical cases such as severe trauma or certain congenital conditions.

  We offer clear pricing, finance options, and personalised treatment plans after your consultation, and Kaylie, our treatment coordinator, will make sure you are fully aware of your treatment options and the cost implications of each before we start any treatment.

• What is the dental implant process like?

  Here’s what you can typically expect:

  1. Consultation & 3D scan – We assess your bone, gums, and overall oral health.
  2. Treatment planning – A detailed plan is created using digital imaging.
  3. Implant placement – A small titanium post is gently placed into the jaw. About a week later, we see you again to check the healing and remove any stitches that were placed.
  4. Healing period (usually 2-4 months) – The implant integrates with your bone (a process called osseointegration).
  5. Abutment fitting – This is the connector that links your implant to your new tooth.
  6. Final crown – A custom-made, natural looking tooth is fitted on top.

  In some cases, temporary same-day teeth may be possible  we’ll let you know if this is suitable for you.

• How long is the recovery time?

  First 24 – 48 hours: Mild discomfort or swelling is normal. This can usually be helped with normal over-the-counter pain relief, and many patients report not needing any pain relief at all.
  After 1 week: Most patients feel completely back to normal.
  2 – 4 months: The implant fully integrates with the bone before we fit the final crown.

  Most people return to work the next day unless more extensive treatment has been carried out. We’ll chat with you about what to expect and tailor advice to your specific case at your consultation.

• Are dental implants safe?

  Yes – implants have been used successfully for decades and have one of the highest success rates in modern dentistry (around 95 – 98%).
  Titanium implants are biocompatible, which means your body generally accepts them very well.
  As with any procedure, there are small risks, such as infection or the implant not integrating properly, but these are uncommon and carefully managed with good planning and follow-up.

• Will my implant feel natural?

  Once healed, your implant should look, feel and function like a normal tooth.
  It won’t move, it’s comfortable to chew with, and most patients quickly forget which tooth is the implant!

• What are the alternatives to dental implants?

  If implants aren’t right for you, other options include:
  Dental bridges – Fixed and natural-looking, but they usually require removing a considerable amount of tooth tissue from the neighbouring teeth to support the bridge.
  Removable partial dentures – A more affordable option, but generally less stable and less comfortable than implants.
  Full dentures – For those missing all their teeth, these can work well for some people, but implants generally offer far superior stability and confidence.

  We’ll talk through all the suitable options at your consultation so you can make the choice that’s best for you.

• Still have questions?

  We’re always happy to help.
  If you’d like personalised advice or want to find out whether implants are right for you, simply get in touch to book a consultation – we’ll guide you through every step.

If you’re considering dental implants, a consultation will allow us to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Book a Dental Implant Consultation here