Dental Implants

The full process can take several months, as the implant needs time to integrate with the bone. In some cases, faster options may be available depending on your individual treatment plan.

With proper care and regular check-ups, dental implants can last for many years. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following aftercare advice is key to long-term success.

Implant placement is carried out under local anaesthetic, making the procedure comfortable. Some mild discomfort may be experienced afterwards, but this is typically manageable and short-lived.

Most patients are suitable for dental implants, provided their oral health is well maintained. During your consultation, we’ll assess your medical and dental history to ensure implants are the right option for you.

Yes. Age itself isn’t a contraindication. Many of our implant patients are in their 60s, 70s and beyond. What matters is your general health, bone quality and gum health — not your age. For older patients or those with certain medical conditions, we adjust the treatment plan accordingly, but implants are rarely ruled out entirely. Your consultation will confirm suitability.

Implants are the only option that replaces the tooth root, which preserves the jawbone and tends to last the longest. They look, feel and function like natural teeth.

With proper care and regular check-ups, implants can last for many years — in most cases the most durable option for replacing missing teeth.

Implants are placed under local anaesthetic, so the procedure is comfortable. Any mild discomfort afterwards is usually short-lived and easily managed.

Yes — absolutely. For multiple adjacent missing teeth, we typically use fewer implants than missing teeth: for example, 3 implants can support a bridge replacing 4 teeth. For full arch replacement, techniques like All-on-4 use just 4 implants to support a fixed full set of teeth. Your options depend on how many teeth are missing and where. We’ll map out the best approach at your consultation.

The general rule: sooner is better, but not too soon. Bone loss begins quickly after tooth loss, and waiting years means you may need bone grafting to support an implant. However, immediate placement (at the time of extraction) isn’t always ideal — the bone and gum often need 2–3 months to heal before implant placement. The ‘sweet spot’ for most cases is 2–6 months post-extraction. We’ll advise based on your specific tooth and healing.

A single implant stands on its own — unlike a traditional bridge, it doesn't require drilling down the healthy teeth either side of the gap.

Yes — the crown is matched to the shape and shade of your own teeth, and because it's anchored in bone it's stable when eating and speaking.

Replacing the root keeps the jawbone stimulated and stops the neighbouring teeth drifting into the gap.

Yes — with same-day teeth, temporary fixed teeth are fitted at the same appointment as your implant surgery, so you never leave without teeth.

Your final, permanent bridge is fitted once the implants have fully fused with the bone, typically over the following months.

It's a carefully planned, technically demanding procedure that depends on your bone and overall health. We'll confirm whether it's right for you at your assessment.

For most implant cases, yes. 3D CBCT imaging is now considered the standard of care for implant planning because it reveals bone volume, density and the precise position of nerves and sinuses that 2D X-rays can’t show. Without a CBCT scan, implant placement relies on approximation — increasing risk of nerve damage or sinus perforation. At Clarendons, CBCT is standard for all implant planning.

Yes, dental X-rays are extremely safe. They use very low levels of radiation and allow us to detect issues that aren’t visible during a standard examination, helping us provide more accurate and effective care.

Yes — in many cases, immediate dentures can be fitted on the same day as tooth removal. This means you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing period.

The procedure itself is comfortable with local anaesthetic and IV sedation. You won’t feel pain during surgery. Some swelling, bruising and tenderness in the days following is normal — prescription pain relief manages this. Most patients report they were surprised at how manageable the recovery was. Within 2–3 weeks, most are back to normal. The final result — new teeth after years of struggle — is almost always described as transformative.

Patients with advanced tooth loss (most or all teeth missing or failing in an arch), those with loose dentures they want to upgrade permanently, and patients with severely compromised teeth where individual saving isn’t feasible. Good candidates have adequate bone volume (often confirmed on 3D scanning), acceptable general health, and are committed to the aftercare. Most suitable patients are in their 50s, 60s and 70s, though younger patients can qualify too.

Yes, dental X-rays are extremely safe. They use very low levels of radiation and allow us to detect issues that aren’t visible during a standard examination, helping us provide more accurate and effective care.

Different from cleaning natural teeth, but manageable. You can’t floss between the bridge teeth the same way — they’re connected. Instead, we recommend superfloss (which threads under the bridge) and interdental brushes (which clean the gap between bridge and gum). Water flossers work brilliantly too. It takes 5–10 extra seconds a day, and becomes routine quickly. Regular hygiene appointments professionally clean the areas that are harder to reach.

The implants themselves typically last a lifetime with proper care. The bridge restoration on top usually lasts 15–20 years before needing replacement due to normal wear. Regular hygiene visits and check-ups maximise longevity. Keeping the area beneath the bridge meticulously clean is essential — we’ll show you how.

Yes — and in some cases, absolutely should. Traditional bridges require drilling down healthy neighbouring teeth to serve as anchors. Over 10–15 years, those prepared teeth often develop problems. Implant bridges avoid this entirely. If your traditional bridge fails or needs replacing, an implant bridge is often the best long-term solution — preserving your other teeth completely.

For adjacent missing teeth, implant bridges are usually more cost-effective without compromising stability. Individual implants are typically preferred when: the missing teeth are not adjacent (separated by natural teeth); where isolated gaps exist; or when you want each tooth to be fully independent for long-term maintenance flexibility. For 3–4 adjacent missing teeth, bridges are usually the better option.

Dentures should be cleaned daily, along with your gums and any remaining teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent irritation, infection, and further dental issues.

Not when properly made. Modern denture teeth come in a wide range of shapes, shades and sizes. Shade is matched to your skin tone and age. Subtle imperfections and slight variations in tooth position make the final result look natural. Most people can’t tell well-made full dentures from real teeth. We’ll show you the wax try-in before final processing, so you can approve the look entirely.

Yes — in many cases, immediate dentures can be fitted on the same day as tooth removal. This means you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing period.

It depends on the arch. For a lower implant denture, 2 implants are usually sufficient because the tongue helps stabilise a well-fitting lower denture. For an upper implant denture, 4 implants are typically recommended for full stability (the upper jaw has softer bone and the palate-less design of implant dentures needs more anchors). Your 3D scan will confirm the right plan.

The implants themselves can last a lifetime with proper care. The denture portion typically needs replacing every 5–10 years as gums change shape and materials wear. The attachment clips or o-rings inside the denture may need replacing annually or every few years. Overall, implant dentures are an extremely long-lasting solution when maintained properly.

Bone is lost naturally after teeth are removed. Where there isn't enough to anchor an implant securely, a graft rebuilds the area first.

In the upper back jaw the sinus can sit too low for an implant. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus floor to create the height needed.

Often not. Bone grafting and sinus lifts mean many patients who were once told they couldn't have implants actually can.

Most patients are suitable for dental implants, provided their oral health is well maintained. During your consultation, we’ll assess your medical and dental history to ensure implants are the right option for you.

Yes, dental X-rays are extremely safe. They use very low levels of radiation and allow us to detect issues that aren’t visible during a standard examination, helping us provide more accurate and effective care.

For most implant cases, yes. 3D CBCT imaging is now considered the standard of care for implant planning because it reveals bone volume, density and the precise position of nerves and sinuses that 2D X-rays can’t show. Without a CBCT scan, implant placement relies on approximation — increasing risk of nerve damage or sinus perforation. At Clarendons, CBCT is standard for all implant planning.

Yes. Modern CBCT scanners use significantly lower radiation than medical CT scans — often less than an airline flight. While all medical imaging has some risk, for appropriate clinical indications the benefits (accurate diagnosis, safe implant placement) massively outweigh the minimal radiation exposure. We only recommend CBCT scans when clinically justified, and use lead aprons and thyroid collars for additional protection.

Implant treatment at Clarendon Dental Spa starts from £2,500. You'll always receive a detailed written plan with full, itemised costs after your assessment.

Yes — you can spread the cost interest-free over up to 2 years, so there's nothing extra to pay beyond the treatment cost itself.

Yes — finance is available over up to 5 years for smaller monthly payments. We'll help you find an option that fits your budget.