What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium screws that are embedded in the gum and jawbone, then topped with a false tooth or dental bridge to conceal and replace any missing teeth. The bone heals around the screw, keeping your new tooth locked in place.

Dental implants can be used to replace:

  • Teeth that have decayed significantly and need to be removed
  • Teeth that have fallen out due to injury or trauma
  • Teeth with severe root damage.

Dental implants affix crowns, bridges, or dentures to your jaw, keeping them in place so they don’t become dislodged. The bone fuses with the titanium screw to create a sturdy foundation for your teeth. In addition, the material used to create dental implants won’t decay in the same way as your natural teeth.

Find out more about getting dental implants below, as well as the patient satisfaction rates, side effects, and costs of this procedure.

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Dental implant FAQs

In these frequently asked questions, find out more about getting dental implants at our London clinic.

In most cases, no. Dental implants are usually considered a cosmetic procedure, which means they’re not available for free on the NHS.

Key exceptions are if you have severe facial or dental trauma (for example, due to a car accident) or if cancer has had a significant impact on your oral health.

You won’t feel any pain during the implantation procedure thanks to the anaesthetic. But you might feel some discomfort afterwards, which you can manage with painkillers.

Side effects of getting dental implants include pain, swelling, and bleeding around the implant, as well as mild to moderate discomfort when the anaesthetic wears off. Most patients find these side effects easy to manage with good at-home care.

While rare, there are also some risks to note, including:

  • Infection around the implant.
  • Damage to surrounding tissue (such as teeth, gums, blood vessels and nerves).
  • Tingling lips, gums, and teeth (this may be caused by nerve damage).
  • Failed implantation (where the bone doesn’t fuse to the implant).

Your consultant will talk you through how we can minimise these risks.

Dental implants can last a lifetime if you take good care of them. Neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to problems like gum disease, which can reduce the lifespan of your new teeth.

It takes around 4-9 months to fit dental implants. The amount of time depends on the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone, as well as how many implants you need.

You may need up to four separate surgical appointments, each of which will be a few weeks apart:

  • Tooth removal.
  • Bone grafting.
  • Dental implant insertion.
  • Abutment and permanent teeth fitting.

If you’re considering dental implants, it’s best to see a private dental surgeon as soon as possible to prevent further decay that may prolong your treatment time.

Dental implant costs

Learn more about dental implants

Find out more about tooth implants for lost, missing, or damaged teeth below.

The implant itself is usually made of titanium (or, less often, titanium alloys). Titanium is rarely rejected by the body and can bond with your bone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a sturdy foundation for your new teeth.

The crown of your tooth will usually be made of porcelain or ceramic.

It’s recommended that you wait at least 8-10 weeks after having a tooth removed before you get a dental implant. This will give your gum plenty of time to heal before the procedure.

Implants tend to be more comfortable and last longer than dentures. They also need less maintenance (for example, you can clean them when you brush your teeth normally rather than removing them for separate cleaning).

However, many patients find dental implants support their dentures effectively. Speak to one of our consultants about getting dental implants to provide a more comfortable foundation for your dentures.

Yes, it’s possible to replace all your teeth with dental implants if you’re unhappy with your existing tooth structure. We recommend booking a consultation to discuss the costs, procedure, and recovery times involved in this.

Yes. A 2023 study found that 73% of dental implant patients reported high satisfaction with their new teeth after a year. They were particularly satisfied with the functionality and appearance of their new teeth.

Flexible Payment Options to Suit You

Payment Plans

Spread the cost of your medical treatment over several months with our finance options and medical payment plans. This is ideal for patients seeking the speed and comfort of private healthcare without significant upfront payments.

Self-pay

Use our self-payment options to get prompt care with the consultant of your choice. Patients looking for fast, efficient treatment without private health insurance are welcome to pay for treatment before their procedure.

Private Medical Insurance

We welcome patients with private medical insurance from approved insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and many more. Find out how to claim for your treatment with private health insurance to get optimum care and comfort.

Private medical insurance we accept

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