At The Smile Studios, our implant dentists offer a fantastic range of options for replacing missing teeth in Cockfosters, Heston, Muswell Hill, Palmers Green and Richmond.
Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile. They may impact how you eat, speak, and feel about your confidence. At The Smile Studios, our dental implants provide carefully planned dental implant treatments designed to replace missing teeth in a secure, long-lasting, and natural-looking way. Dental implants are widely regarded as a reliable solution for patients seeking a fixed alternative to dentures or bridges.
Whether you are missing a single tooth or several teeth, implant dentistry offers flexible treatment options tailored to your needs, oral health, and lifestyle.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over time, the implant bonds with the bone, creating a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
Titanium is biocompatible, meaning it works safely with the body’s natural processes. This integration between the implant and jawbone helps maintain bone strength and provides support that closely mimics a natural tooth. An implant dentist focuses not only on replacing teeth but also on preserving long-term oral health.
Who is Suitable for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are commonly considered by adults who have lost one or more teeth and are looking for a long-lasting replacement option. Many patients choose implants at The Smile Studios to restore everyday functions such as chewing and speaking, while also improving confidence in their smile. For those who find traditional dentures uncomfortable or unstable, implants can offer a more secure and natural-feeling alternative.
Important factors to consider before treatment
Jawbone health:
A strong and healthy jawbone is important for supporting an implant. If there is insufficient bone, additional procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift may be recommended.
Lifestyle habits:
Smoking can affect healing and may reduce the long-term success of implants. Your dentist will discuss this with you as part of your assessment.
Oral hygiene commitment:
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits help support implant health and longevity.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Beyond restoring a natural-looking smile, they help improve chewing and speech, support jawbone health, and provide a stable alternative to traditional dentures. For many patients at The Smile Studios, implants not only enhance oral function but also boost confidence, making everyday activities like eating, speaking, and smiling feel more comfortable and secure.
Benefits of choosing dental implants:
- A fixed and stable tooth replacement.
- Improved comfort when eating and speaking.
- No reliance on neighbouring teeth for support.
- Support for jawbone health by reducing bone loss.
- Natural appearance and feel.
Implants function independently, unlike bridges that rely on adjacent teeth or dentures that may move during daily activities. Your implant dentist will carry out a thorough assessment to ensure implants are an appropriate and safe option for you.
The Dental Implant Treatment Process
Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident about treatment. At The Smile Studios, a clear and carefully planned process.
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your implant dentist will assess your oral health, take digital scans or X-rays, and discuss your medical history. This helps determine bone quality, implant position, and suitable treatment options.
2. Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created, whether you need a single implant, multiple implants, implant-supported dentures, or full-arch solutions such as All-on-4.
If your jawbone doesn’t have enough volume, you might require one or more preparatory procedures:
Bone grafting: Additional bone material is placed in your jaw to strengthen it before an implant can be inserted.
Sinus lift: This treatment gently lifts the sinus membrane and adds bone to the upper jaw, creating a stable foundation for implants.
Periodontal therapy: Any existing gum disease needs to be treated first to reduce the risk of infection and support successful healing.
Recovery times for these procedures can vary, often taking anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the treatment and individual healing.
3. Implant Placement
The implant is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. This procedure is generally well tolerated, and discomfort is usually manageable with simple pain relief.
4. Healing and Integration
Over the next few months, the implant integrates with the jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, provides stability for the final restoration.
5. Final Restoration
Once healed, a crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached, restoring appearance and function.
Dental Implant Journey & Timeline
Here’s a general overview of what to expect during the implant journey:
| Stage |
Duration |
| Consultation |
1–2 appointments to assess your suitability and plan treatment. |
| Pre-operative treatments |
Varies depending on needs, from a few weeks to several months. |
| Implant placement |
Usually completed in a single session. |
| Osseointegration |
3–6 months for the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone. |
| Abutment fitting |
Typically, 1 appointment to attach the connector piece. |
| Prosthetic fitting |
1–2 appointments to place your crown, bridge, or denture. |
| Follow-up checks |
Ongoing to ensure implant health and long-term success. |
This timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances, but it provides a clear picture of the key stages involved in restoring your smile.
Book an appointment today!
Implant Dentist – Dr Mani Bhardwaj
Dr Mani Bhardwaj is a qualified implant dentist who graduated from St Bartholomew’s and The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2004, achieving Distinction Honours.
He holds a BDS (Lond) and is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC No. 83793).
Dr Bhardwaj’s clinical interests include dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, alongside providing high-quality general dental care. He takes a gentle, preventive approach, focusing on minimally invasive techniques wherever possible to help support long-term oral health.
Dental Implant Options at The Smile Studios
Implant treatments depending on your needs:
- Single tooth replacement – Replacing a single missing tooth with a dental implant provides a strong, stable, and natural-looking solution without affecting neighbouring teeth. A titanium implant is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, and once healed, a custom-made crown is attached. This helps maintain jawbone strength and preserves the structure of surrounding teeth, giving a fixed, comfortable, and natural result.
- Multiple teeth replacement – For several missing teeth in the same area, implant-supported bridges offer a secure, fixed solution. Implants act as anchors for the bridge, avoiding the need to rely on neighbouring teeth for support. This approach improves stability and comfort compared to removable options, distributes biting forces evenly, and supports jawbone health, restoring both function and appearance.
- Implant-retained dentures – Implant-retained dentures provide a more stable and comfortable alternative to traditional removable dentures. Two to four implants secure the denture in place using a special attachment system, reducing movement while eating or speaking. They improve confidence, chewing efficiency, and comfort, while also supporting the jawbone and helping slow bone loss over time.
- Fixed bridgework – Implant-supported fixed bridges are a durable option for replacing multiple teeth without relying on adjacent natural teeth. Implants anchor the bridge securely, offering stability and comfort for everyday activities like eating and speaking. This solution protects remaining teeth, distributes biting forces evenly, and delivers a natural-looking, long-lasting restoration.
- All-on-4 implants – All-on-4 implants replace a full arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implants, often reducing the need for bone grafting. Temporary teeth can sometimes be fitted on the same day, so patients are not left without teeth. This fixed solution provides improved stability, comfort, and confidence for eating, speaking, and smiling, with durable, long-term teeth fitted after healing.
- Bone grafting and gum grafting – Bone and gum grafting may be recommended when jawbone or soft tissue levels are insufficient for implants. Bone grafting rebuilds the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for implants, while gum grafting enhances the quality and thickness of gum tissue, supporting both implant health and appearance. Healing time is required before implant placement, and your dentist will guide you through every stage.
Dental Implants Cost and Finance
Dental implant treatment is an investment in your long-term oral health, comfort, and confidence.
Starting Costs
At The Smile Studios, dental implant fees start from £2,000, which covers both the placement of the implant and the final custom-made crown.
Factors Affecting Cost
The total cost may vary depending on your individual needs, including:
- The number of implants required.
- Additional treatments, such as bone grafting or gum grafting.
Personalised Treatment Planning
During your consultation, our team will carry out a full assessment and provide a personalised treatment plan. This ensures complete transparency, with all costs clearly explained before your treatment begins.
Payment Options
We offer flexible payment options and are happy to answer any questions to help you make informed decisions about your care.
Book your consultation to know a clear breakdown of costs and finance options available at The Smile Studios.
Treatment Alternatives to Dental Implants
While dental implants are a popular choice, alternatives may be more suitable for some patients.
1. Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is a fixed restoration that relies on neighbouring healthy teeth for support. The adjacent teeth are prepared to hold crowns, which anchor the artificial tooth (or teeth) in place.
Advantages
- Lower initial cost compared to dental implants.
- Faster treatment, often completed within a few weeks.
- Reasonably stable and durable with proper care.
Disadvantages
- Requires removal of some enamel from neighbouring teeth.
- Does not replace the tooth root, which may lead to bone loss in the gap over time.
- Typically needs replacing every 10–15 years.
2. Removable Dentures – Partial or Complete
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. Partial dentures replace one or more teeth, while complete dentures restore a full arch.
Advantages
- Often, the most cost-effective solution.
- Non-surgical, with no implants required.
- Modern dentures can be designed to look natural.
Disadvantages
- May slip or move while eating or speaking.
- Do not replace tooth roots, which can contribute to jawbone loss over time.
- Require regular adjustments or relines as the jaw changes shape.
The implant dentist at The Smile Studio will explain the advantages and limitations of each option, helping you make an informed decision based on comfort, function, and budget.
Book Your Consultation
Aftercare and Long-Term Maintenance
After implant placement, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential. Most patients can return to normal routines shortly after surgery, although healing times vary.
Aftercare includes:
- Gentle brushing and cleaning around implants.
- Avoid smoking during healing.
- Routine dental check-ups and professional cleaning.
With proper care, implants can provide long-term function and comfort.
FAQs
1. How much do dental implants cost in the uk?
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of implants, the type of restoration, and whether additional treatments such as bone grafting are required. A personalised quote is provided after consultation.
2. Is dental implant treatment painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort. Local anaesthetic is used, and any post-treatment soreness is usually manageable with standard pain relief.
3. How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, implants can last many years. Longevity depends on oral health, lifestyle, and maintenance.
4. How long does implant treatment take?
The full process may take several months due to healing and bone integration. Some treatments, such as All-on-4, allow temporary teeth on the same day.
5. Am i suitable for dental implants?
Suitability depends on gum health, bone levels, and general health. An implant dentist will assess this during your consultation.
6. How do i care for implants during healing?
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential for the long-term success of your dental implants. Brush gently around the implant site, and use floss or interdental brushes as recommended by your dentist. Follow any instructions regarding mouth rinses, and avoid smoking or consuming very hot foods and drinks during the healing period, as these can slow recovery and affect implant integration.
7. Can i get dental implants through the nhs?
NHS dental implant treatment is very limited. It’s usually only available in cases of severe trauma, congenital conditions, or other exceptional medical circumstances. For most patients seeking to replace missing teeth, implants are provided privately. If you believe you may qualify for NHS funding, we would recommend discussing your situation with your GP or dentist, who can advise on eligibility and the appropriate referral process.
8. What is peri-implantitis, and how can i prevent it?
Peri-implantitis is a condition where the gums and bone around a dental implant become inflamed, similar to gum disease around natural teeth. If untreated, it can cause bone loss and implant failure. To prevent peri-implantitis, maintain excellent oral hygiene, attend regular dental check-ups, and seek prompt treatment if you notice any swelling, bleeding, or discomfort around your implant.
Book a Consultation
If you are considering dental implants and would like to explore your options, the team at The Smile Studios is here to help. A consultation with a dentist allows you to ask questions, understand the process, and receive a personalised treatment plan.
Book an appointment today to take the next step towards restoring your smile with confidence and comfort.
