Dental implants London – Here are a few pictures of our incredibly satisfied clients who chose our dental implants made in Harley Street, London.

Dental Implants Guide

Following is our comprehensive guide to dental implants London. This has been written by our lead cosmetic and implant dentists in order to provide the most accurate information for those doing online research.

Dental implants are always considered by cosmetic dentists the gold standard permanent solution and the closest replacement for a natural tooth.

As the contemporary option of tooth replacement, implants involve a metallic or ceramic fixture that is screwed into the bone, and following a healing period (2-3 months), it may be built on to create an appearance of a tooth. The great advantage over other options is that it is standalone, meaning it will not affect the health of neighbouring teeth. In addition, aesthetic results and longevity 8-30 years based on home care and risk factors. If dental implants are required as part of your treatment plan, this will be arranged and sequence to support your ongoing dental treatment.  For teeth that need to be extracted, we place the dental implant directly into the extraction sockets whenever possible.

Contact us for a consultation with one of our dental experts.

Placement Methods for Dental implants

Dental implants can be placed using two different methods:

Immediate placement occurs when the implant is inserted at the same time the tooth or teeth are extracted. This approach can shorten treatment time and help preserve bone. However, the feasibility depends on the condition of the bone at the time of extraction. If there is an infection, implant placement may need to be postponed for about three months to allow healthy bone to regenerate.

Delayed placement involves inserting the implant into an area where the tooth or teeth were removed or have been missing for a while.

The Process of Dental Implanting

Firstly, we would examine your teeth comprehensively, taking account of remaining teeth, the aesthetic and bite relationship as well as discussing your aims for treatment. Dental implants may just be one aspect of your overall dental plan, and our dentists will guide you through the staging and sequence. We would provide a written treatment plan with a cost estimate as well as some information materially important to your particular dental situation. This will allow you to make an informed decision to your healthcare.  

If an implant is required, a CT scan (3D X-ray) would be arranged to allow us to assess the volume, quantity and quality of the bone you have. We use this data to plan the implant, and to avoid impinging on anatomical structures such as your dental nerve and sinuses. If you require a bone or gum graft to improve your success rate, this is explained in detail on our dedicated page Bone Grafts for Dental Implants.

On the day of Dental Implant Placement

We recommend eating a well-balanced meal 1-2 hours before your appointment. Wear comfortable clothes without make-up or jewellery. The procedure will almost always be undertaken under local anaesthetic, meaning you will be awake and safe to return home on the day of the procedure.

If requested, you may be asked to arrive early to take pre-surgery antibiotics; bring somebody with you that can drive you home and be prepared to take up to 2 days off work or usual activity following the procedure.

After Dental Implant Placement 

After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and swelling. The extent of swelling will depend on the number of implants placed and whether any additional surgeries were performed. In some cases, mild bruising around the affected area may occur, which should fade within a week. Smokers or individuals with medical conditions that impact soft tissue healing may experience more swelling. The gum tissue around the implants might temporarily change color, often becoming whitish, which usually resolves within two weeks.

After 6 to 10 days, once the soft tissue has healed enough, stitches will be removed unless dissolvable ones were used, in which case removal may not be necessary. During this time, wearing dentures may be difficult. Following this, the implants will be left undisturbed for at least three months to allow them to bond with the jawbone. During this period, the top of the implant may slightly protrude through the gum, making the metal visible.

Post-Operative Instructions for Implant Placement

• Bleeding: Do not rinse your mouth for six hours after surgery; this allows the blood clot to stabilise.  You may experience some oozing (very small bleeding) for up to 72 hours after surgery. During recovery, soft foods like soup, fruit juices, pasta, eggs, fish, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and cereals will help ensure you get all the necessary nutrients.
  
• Post-Surgery Exercise: Do not do any type of exercise during the first 48 hours after implants or any type of bone graft is placed, as it will increase swelling and pain.
  
• Performing Arts: Musicians and creative artists should avoid singing/playing/performing and professional appearances for 14 days after implant placement or bone restoration due to the increased pressure in the oral cavity.
  

Designing and Manufacturing Implant Teeth

After 2 to 6-month period, a second surgical procedure may be needed to expose the implants and verify a solid attachment to the bone. If an implant has not integrated successfully, it can be easily removed, as it will not have bonded to the bone. Once the implants are exposed and stable, a post or abutment will be attached, which will serve to support a temporary denture or bridge.

This intermediate phase lasts about two months, allowing the gums to heal and form a tight seal around the implant abutment. During this time, the abutment may become visible as the gums shrink slightly, revealing some of the underlying metal. The final teeth will be designed to cover as much of this exposed metal as possible, enhancing the overall appearance. Impressions will be taken before the final restoration is created.

The fixture abutment, custom abutment or custom connection all refer to the part that connects the implant to the new tooth. This is custom made and is mechanically screwed into the implant to which the final restoration is fixed. Various materials are used according to the demands of the situation, ranging from white zirconia, silver metal, gold metal and in the case of an implant denture specialised adaptor abutments are used. 

Treatment Timing

The overall treatment time will depend on the complexity of the case and the amount of bone and gum work needed. It’s important to note that each tooth is custom-made to fit your unique mouth and situation. This precision work requires significant time and cannot be rushed, as accuracy is critical. Before the final teeth are fitted, several appointments may be needed to make detailed adjustments. Therefore, it’s essential to keep us informed of any travel plans or important commitments so that we can accommodate your schedule accordingly.

Dental Implant Success Rate

Implants have a proven success rate of 95% and in rare cases an implant may not take to the jaw bone. Any potential problems specific to your implant treatment will have been anticipated and discussed with you before treatment starts. In the rare event of implant failure, this traditionally happens in the first stages of your treatment, during the healing stage. The course of action would be to remove the failed implant, allow the site to heal and place a new implant at no further cost to you.

At Marylebone Smile Clinic, we use Straumann Reference implants for their established long term evidence base, high build quality of prosthetic components and proven track record.

Causes of Dental Implant Failure and Problems

In general, the risk of dental implant failure is low, and there are no definitive conditions that completely prevent implant placement.

While dental implants offer numerous benefits, there are potential challenges, particularly for individuals with poor oral hygiene or heavy smokers. However, with proper care and expert treatment planning, these risks can be minimized. Unfortunately, some implant treatments—especially those done through “dental tourism” or “budget dentistry”—may prioritize speed and cost over long-term health, aesthetics, and stability. At our clinic, we have significant experience with implants, and we often help patients who need re-treatment after suboptimal procedures.

Several factors can increase the risk of complications or implant failure, including:

• Bone Integration Issues: Conditions like osteoporosis or autoimmune diseases can affect bone quality and healing around implants. Successful bone grafting, such as in sinus lifts, depends on a patient’s healing ability.
• Infection and Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular dental cleanings is crucial to ensuring healthy healing around implants.
• Trauma: Just as natural teeth can be damaged by trauma, so too can implants.
• Bite Issues (Malocclusion): Misaligned teeth, such as overbites or crossbites, can create imbalanced forces in the mouth, putting undue pressure on implants. Addressing these issues before or during implant treatment can help prevent accelerated failure.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Habitual grinding or clenching of teeth can place excessive stress on implants. Solutions like night guards and habit-breaking strategies are often used to protect implants.
• Medical Factors: People over 60, smokers, and those with conditions like diabetes, postmenopausal women, or patients who have had radiation therapy are at a slightly higher risk for implant failure. Despite these factors, implant success rates are generally high, and most patients can still be good candidates for treatment.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and heavy alcohol use can negatively impact implant success and healing. Quitting smoking can greatly improve outcomes, as smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
• Post-Treatment Care: Implants require ongoing maintenance, similar to natural teeth. After the procedure, regular check-ups and hygiene appointments will be necessary to ensure long-term health and stability.
• Implant Positioning: Proper implant positioning is critical for both cleaning and supporting the gum and tooth. Misaligned implants can lead to gum disease and bone loss, though with expert placement, these risks are greatly reduced.

With expert care and attention, dental implants can provide lasting results. Proper planning, personalized treatment, and consistent follow-up care are key to a successful and long-lasting implant.

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