Losing a tooth is something nobody plans for. An accident, advanced decay, gum disease, the causes vary, but the result is always the same: a gap in your smile that affects not only your appearance but your everyday life. Eating, speaking, smiling, all of these suddenly become less comfortable. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a solution that surpasses all others in many respects: dental implants.
If you live in London and are considering this procedure, this article will answer the most important questions that most patients ask themselves before their first consultation.
What exactly is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that is inserted directly into the jawbone or mandible, replacing the root of the lost tooth. A prosthetic crown is then fitted onto this foundation, the visible part that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
The procedure takes place in several stages spread over time. First, the titanium implant must integrate with the bone, a process called osseointegration, which typically takes several weeks to a few months. Only after it is complete does the dentist fit the crown. The entire process from the first appointment to the finished result usually takes three to six months, but the outcome is permanent and can last a lifetime.
Implant or bridge? Why implants are the best solution
For years, the standard solution for a missing tooth was a dental bridge, a construction that rests on neighbouring healthy teeth, which had to be ground down to serve as pillars. It is an effective solution, but at the cost of permanently damaging teeth that were previously completely healthy.
An implant does not require any intervention in the surrounding teeth. It stands independently, like a natural tooth, without placing any load on other structures. Furthermore, by placing an implant in the bone, we stimulate it to continue growing and prevent bone loss, a process that inevitably progresses wherever a tooth root is missing.
Removable dentures, on the other hand, are a solution that many patients describe as comfortable only on paper. They shift, limit the taste of food, require maintenance and replacements. An implant has none of these problems, it is simply there, like the rest of your teeth.
Who can get an implant?
This is one of the most common questions at the first consultation at PerfectSmile. The answer is: most adult patients are good candidates for an implant, but thorough diagnostics are essential.
The basic requirement is sufficient quantity and quality of bone at the site of the missing tooth. If the tooth has been absent for a long time, the bone may have already partially resorbed, in such cases, a bone augmentation procedure can be carried out before the actual implant placement. This is an additional procedure, but routine and well-known to implantologists.
General health is also important. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, blood-thinning medication or smoking can affect the healing process, but they do not automatically disqualify a patient from the procedure. Each case is assessed individually.
Our dentist, Dr Roksana Marcinkowska, who completed the Cambridge Academy of Dental Implantology and holds all the qualifications of the British General Dental Council, will conduct a detailed consultation and CT scan to assess whether and in what form implant placement is possible in your case.
What does the procedure involve? Does it hurt?
This is a question we hear very often. And the answer is usually surprising for patients: the implant placement procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, and most people describe it as less unpleasant than having a tooth extracted.
The anaesthetic itself is always free of charge for patients at PerfectSmile. The procedure typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the case. Afterwards, there may be some mild swelling and discomfort, which subsides within a few days, standard over-the-counter pain relief is perfectly sufficient.
For a few days after the procedure, certain guidelines apply: avoiding hard foods, not smoking, and paying special attention to hygiene at the implant site. The dentist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for it to ensure optimal healing.
How much does an implant cost in London?
The cost of a dental implant in London is one of the issues that often causes concern. At PerfectSmile, the cost of complete Zimmer implant treatment is £2,400. The price includes the implant and the prosthetic crown. If bone augmentation is necessary, the dentist will provide a detailed quote during the consultation.
We understand that this is a significant investment. That is why we offer the option of paying in instalments. However, it is worth looking at this from a long-term perspective: a well-placed implant can last a lifetime. Unlike a bridge or denture, it does not need replacing every decade or so. When calculating costs over 20–30 years, an implant very often turns out to be the cheapest solution.
How do you care for an implant after the procedure?
This is one of the greatest advantages of implants: they require exactly the same care as natural teeth. Brushing twice a day, flossing, regular check-up appointments, that is all. There are no special products or complicated procedures.
The only long-term threat to an implant is untreated gum disease, known as periimplantitis, which can lead to bone loss around the implant. This is why regular preventive appointments are essential, our hygienists and dentists will ensure your implant serves you for as long as possible.
Why choose a dentist in London for your implant?
dentists have long enjoyed a well-deserved reputation in the United Kingdom, both for their high educational standards and their commitment to continuous professional development. At PerfectSmile in London, we combine this with something equally important: the ability to communicate fully in Polish.
For many patients, it is precisely the language barrier that causes them to put off treatment. You cannot accurately describe your pain, you do not fully understand the treatment plan, you are not entirely sure what you are agreeing to. We do not have that problem. You talk to your dentist in your own language, at every stage, from consultation through the procedure to follow-up appointments.
The practice is located at 36 Crown St, London W3 8SB (Ealing/Acton), is easily accessible by public transport and welcomes patients from across west London and beyond, as far as Reading, Oxford and Slough. We are open Monday to Friday 9:00–20:00 and Saturdays 9:00–18:00.
Summary, is it worth it?
A dental implant is today the best available solution for one or more missing teeth. It looks like a natural tooth, functions like a natural tooth and, with proper care, can last a lifetime. It is an investment that pays off not only aesthetically but also in terms of your health.
If you are wondering whether an implant is right for you, we invite you to an implant consultation. Our team will assess the state of your teeth, discuss the options and present a detailed treatment plan, with no hidden costs.
Call 07490 565656 or book an appointment online at twojdentysta.co.uk.
