If you have a missing tooth - or several - implants are widely considered the closest thing to replacing what nature gave you. Unlike bridges or dentures, an implant replaces the root of the tooth as well as the visible crown, which means it functions, looks and feels like a natural tooth. Beyond aesthetics, replacing a missing tooth protects the surrounding teeth from shifting and helps preserve the jawbone in that area, which can otherwise begin to shrink over time.

Most adults in good general health are suitable for dental implants. The key requirement is having sufficient healthy jawbone to support the implant. If some bone loss has occurred, treatments such as a bone graft or sinus augmentation may be recommended first. We use 3D CBCT scanning to assess your bone levels in precise detail before making any recommendations - so you'll always get an honest, accurate picture of your suitability before anything is planned.

Most patients are genuinely surprised by how manageable the procedure is. The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic so you won't feel pain during surgery itself - you may feel some pressure and movement, but not sharp discomfort. Some tenderness and mild swelling in the days following placement is completely normal and usually settles within a week or so. For patients who feel anxious about the procedure, IV sedation is available with Frances, our sedation dentist, so you can feel completely relaxed throughout.

With the right care, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. The implant itself - the titanium post that sits in the jawbone - is a permanent fixture. The crown on top may need replacing after ten to fifteen years depending on wear and tear, but the implant beneath should remain stable for many years beyond that. Regular hygiene appointments and good home care are the most important things you can do to protect your investment long-term.

A single dental implant at Tavistock Dental is from £1,800, with the abutment and crown an additional £1,200. The total cost of your treatment will depend on the complexity of your case and whether any preparatory work such as a bone graft or extraction is needed first. We'll always provide a full written breakdown of costs before anything begins so there are no surprises. To get a clear picture of what's involved for your specific situation, book a free phone consultation with our team.

Implant pricing varies significantly across practices and it's important to understand what you're comparing. Key factors include the quality of the implant system used - at Tavistock Dental we use leading systems including Dentsply Sirona Ankylos, Primetaper EV and MIS - the technology available for planning and placement, the experience of the clinician and whether the full cost of the restoration is included. A lower headline price doesn't always reflect the total cost of treatment, so always ask for a full written breakdown before committing.

Age alone is not a barrier to dental implants. Suitability is based on your overall health, bone density and medical history rather than how old you are. We assess all of these factors thoroughly during your consultation. As long as your jaw has finished developing - which rules out younger teenagers - and you're in reasonable general health, implants may well be an option for you.

Yes - bridges and dentures can both be used to replace missing teeth and may be suitable depending on your circumstances. However, neither option replaces the root of the tooth, which means they don't offer the same level of stability or long-term bone preservation that implants provide. We'll discuss all available options honestly at your consultation and help you decide what's right for your teeth, your lifestyle and your budget.

Absolutely. We understand that implant surgery can feel daunting, particularly if you already experience dental anxiety. IV sedation is available with Frances Carling-Thom, our sedation dentist, for patients who need additional support. You'll be in a deeply relaxed state throughout the procedure and will have little to no memory of it afterwards. Find out more at our dedicated website, dentistryfornervouspatients.co.uk.

It starts with a free phone consultation with our team, where we'll understand what you're looking for before booking you in. If you'd like to proceed, you'll attend a £95 consultation with Arjinder, who will carry out a full clinical assessment and take a 3D CBCT scan where needed. For straightforward cases, you'll often receive a full treatment plan at that same appointment. For more complex cases, further planning may be required before your treatment plan is sent out. Once you're happy to go ahead, treatment is scheduled and Arjinder will personally oversee every stage from placement through to your final restoration.