Read All About the Dental Implant Procedure, Risks, and What to Expect for Long-Term Results
Dental implants are a common way to replace missing teeth, but they involve several clinical steps and a meaningful commitment to aftercare. This guide explains how the procedure typically works in the UK, what recovery can feel like, the main risks to discuss with your clinician, and the cost factors that influence long-term results.
A dental implant is a tooth-replacement option designed to support a crown, bridge, or denture by anchoring into the jawbone. While outcomes are often predictable with good planning, the process can take months because healing time is part of the treatment. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
Dental implant procedure
The dental implant procedure usually begins with an assessment of your mouth, gums, and bite, often supported by X-rays and sometimes a 3D scan (CBCT). If you proceed, the clinician places a small titanium or titanium-alloy fixture into the jaw under local anaesthetic (and occasionally sedation). Over the following weeks or months, bone gradually bonds to the implant surface (osseointegration). A connector (abutment) is then attached, and a custom crown or other restoration is fitted.
What to expect from dental implant surgery
What to expect from dental implant surgery depends on whether it is a straightforward placement or includes additional steps such as extraction, bone grafting, or a sinus lift. Many people report swelling, bruising, and mild-to-moderate discomfort for a few days, usually managed with clinician-approved pain relief and careful oral hygiene. You may be advised to eat softer foods temporarily and avoid smoking, which can impair healing. Follow-up appointments are typically used to monitor tissue healing and stability.
How long do dental implants last?
How long do dental implants last is influenced by bone quality, placement accuracy, bite forces, and daily maintenance. The implant fixture can often last for many years, and in some cases decades, but it is not “fit and forget.” The visible crown may wear or chip and can need replacement over time, particularly if you grind your teeth or have a heavy bite. Consistent cleaning around the implant and regular dental reviews help reduce complications that shorten lifespan.
Dental implant risks
Dental implant risks include early problems (such as infection, prolonged bleeding, or delayed healing) and longer-term complications (such as peri-implantitis, where inflammation affects the tissues around the implant). Less common but important risks include nerve disturbance (numbness or tingling), sinus involvement for upper-jaw implants, and mechanical issues like screw loosening or crown fracture. Risk rises with factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, gum disease, certain medications, and poor oral hygiene—so a medical history review is a key part of safe planning.
Cost of dental implants
The cost of dental implants in the UK varies widely by region, clinician experience, scan and laboratory fees, and whether you need preparatory procedures like grafting. As a practical benchmark, a single implant with an abutment and crown is often quoted in the low-thousands of pounds, while full-arch solutions can be many times higher. It is also common for practices to price the surgical implant phase separately from the final crown, so a written treatment plan is essential for like-for-like comparisons.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Single implant + crown (typical private range) | Bupa Dental Care (UK practices) | Often around £2,200–£3,500* |
| Single implant + crown (typical private range) | mydentist (UK practices) | Often around £2,000–£3,200* |
| Single implant + crown (typical private range) | Portman Dental Care (UK practices) | Often around £2,300–£3,600* |
| Implant consultation and planning (exam/records) | Many private dental clinics | Often around £50–£200* |
| CBCT/3D imaging (when required) | Many private dental clinics | Often around £150–£350* |
| Bone grafting (when required) | Many private dental clinics | Often around £300–£1,000+* |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Beyond the headline figures, costs can shift due to the implant system used, the complexity of your bite, and whether temporary teeth are needed during healing. Some people also need management of gum disease first, which can add appointments and fees. If you are comparing options, it can help to ask what is included (scan fees, sedation, aftercare visits, the abutment, the crown material) and what would be charged separately if extra work becomes necessary once treatment is underway.
Dental implants can be a durable and natural-feeling way to replace missing teeth, but the pathway is typically staged: planning, surgery, healing, and restoration. Understanding the dental implant procedure, what recovery may involve, realistic longevity, and the main risks can make the process feel more predictable. Cost is highly individual, so the most useful next step is usually a personalised clinical assessment that clarifies both suitability and the full scope of treatment.
