The Ultimate Guide to Dental Implants – Restore Your Smile with Confidence

The Ultimate Guide to Dental Implants – Restore Your Smile with Confidence

Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile, they can impact your ability to eat, speak, and even your self-confidence. At Islington Smiles, we understand how important a healthy, complete smile is to your wellbeing. That’s why we’re proud to offer dental implants: a long lasting, natural looking solution for missing teeth.

Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dental implants, from how they work to what you can expect during treatment.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. They are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse naturally with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once stable, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to restore your smile.

Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. With the right care, they can last a lifetime.

Who Are Dental Implants For?

Dental implants are suitable for most adults who are missing one or more teeth. They’re ideal if you want a permanent alternative to removable dentures or if bridges aren’t suitable for your case.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have one or more missing teeth
• Your gums are healthy
• Your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant
• You don’t smoke or are willing to stop during healing
• You want a fixed, natural-looking solution

If your jawbone is too thin or soft, we may discuss bone grafting options to make implants possible. During your initial consultation, we’ll use digital scans to assess your suitability.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement because they offer benefits that other solutions can’t:

1. Natural Look and Feel

Implants are custom-made to match your existing teeth in size, shape, and colour.

2. Improved Comfort

Unlike removable dentures, implants are fixed in place, no slipping, rubbing, or adhesives required.

3. Long-Term Durability

With proper care and regular visits to our dental hygienist, implants can last decades.

4. Better Oral Health

Unlike bridges, implants don’t require altering healthy teeth. They also stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining your facial structure.

5. Restored Confidence

You can smile, eat, and speak without worrying about gaps or dentures shifting.

For more information on the health benefits of dental implants, the NHS guide to dental implants is a useful resource.

The Dental Implant Process at Islington Smiles

We know that choosing implants is a big decision, so we make the process as comfortable, clear, and supportive as possible.

Consultation & Assessment:

• We start with a full dental exam, digital X-rays, and 3D scans.
• We’ll discuss your goals, assess your jawbone, and explain all treatment options.

Implant Placement:

• The implant is placed into your jawbone under local anaesthetic.
• Most patients report minimal discomfort, similar to having a filling.

Healing & Integration:

• Over the next 3-6 months, the implant integrates naturally with your jawbone.
• A temporary crown may be placed during this phase.

Final Restoration

• Once healed, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached.
• The result: a fully restored, functional smile.

Single Implants, Bridges, and Full Arch Restorations

At Islington Smiles, we provide tailored implant solutions:

• Single Implants: Perfect for replacing a single missing tooth.
• Implant-Supported Bridges: Replace multiple teeth using fewer implants.
• All-on-4 / Full Arch Restorations: A complete set of fixed teeth supported by just four implants.

We’ll help you decide which solution is best based on your needs and budget.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Looking after your implants is much like caring for natural teeth:

• Brush twice daily and floss regularly
• Visit our hygienist for deep cleans
• Avoid smoking to improve healing and long-term success
• Schedule regular check-ups to monitor implant health

With the right care, your implants can last a lifetime.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants varies depending on:

• The number of implants needed
• Whether bone grafting is required
• The type of restoration (crown, bridge, denture)

During your consultation, we’ll provide a transparent treatment plan with clear pricing, so you know exactly what to expect.

Why Choose Islington Smiles for Dental Implants

At Islington Smiles, we combine advanced technology with a patient-first approach. Our dental implants are planned and placed by an experienced team led by Dr Marisa Monteiro, an award-winning dentist renowned for her precision and calm, tailored care.

We’re here to guide you through every step, from consultation to aftercare, to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. Call us on 020 3833 2695
Or book your dental implant consultation online.