IMPLANT DENTISTRY

Dental Implants

Replace missing teeth with confidence and careful planning.

If a missing tooth has changed the way you eat, smile or feel about your teeth, we would love to help you explore what comes next. Our implant team combines detailed assessment, digital planning and the Osstem SOI implant system to create a treatment plan centred on you.

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A dental professional discussing dental implant options with a patient
Osstem SOI implant technology
3D planning where appropriate
Health, function and longevity considered
Replacement choices tailored to your teeth and bite

THE ESSENTIALS

Could dental implants be right for your smile?

A dental implant is a small fixture placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. It may be used for a single missing tooth, several teeth or a larger restoration. We take time to understand what you would like to achieve, assess the health of your mouth and explain how the different options might work for you. We use Osstem SOI implants, whose specially engineered surface is designed to support the early stages of integration with bone.

Read the complete patient guide ↗

WHAT TO KNOW

Restore selected missing teeth without routinely preparing healthy neighbouring teeth

Plan the implant around the eventual crown or bridge, rather than treating surgery in isolation

Consider fixed and removable solutions, including multi-tooth restoration, within one assessment

Understand lifelong cleaning and maintenance responsibilities before committing

RESULTS & EXPECTATIONS

Natural-looking teeth, thoughtfully restored.

Whether you are replacing one tooth or considering a more complete restoration, we plan the appearance, comfort and function together. Take a look at our patient gallery, and we can talk through what a similar approach could mean for you.

Explore our patient results ↗
Before and after photographs illustrating the restoration of a missing upper front tooth
Individual results vary. Images are illustrative of treatment options.

THE PROCESS

From your first discussion to your new tooth

We begin by listening to your goals and looking carefully at your teeth. Then we explain the stages, the appointments involved and how we will support you throughout.

  1. 01

    Consultation and options

    We ask about your aims, examine your mouth and explain possible ways to replace the tooth. If implants appear appropriate, further imaging and records may be recommended; any additional investigation fees are discussed.

  2. 02

    Diagnosis and design

    Your clinician plans the final restoration and the position of the implant. A 3D CBCT scan may be used where justified, alongside photographs, digital scans and periodontal assessment.

  3. 03

    Placement and healing

    Implants are placed surgically, typically with local anaesthetic. Healing and integration with bone take time, and some cases require extraction, grafting or staged treatment.

  4. 04

    Restoration and long-term care

    Once appropriate healing is confirmed, the restoration is fitted and checked. We explain how to clean around it, which reviews to attend and what to do if you notice bleeding or movement.

OUR IMPLANT SYSTEM

Why we use Osstem SOI implants

For implant treatment at Iconic Smiles, we have chosen the Osstem SOI system. SOI stands for Super Osseointegration: the name given to a specially treated implant surface designed to attract fluid and support the earliest stages of contact between bone and the implant. This is one element of our wider approach to planning, placement and long-term care.

The SOI surface is a useful part of our implant system. Healing and the final treatment plan also depend on bone health, gum health, placement and individual circumstances.

About the Osstem SOI surface ↗

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

Designed for early bone contactThe hydrophilic surface is intended to encourage initial blood wetting and the biological processes of osseointegration.
Potential for earlier restorationSome patients may be suitable for earlier loading, but the clinician will assess implant stability and other risk factors first.
A complete treatment systemThe final crown or bridge, gum health, oral hygiene and long-term reviews remain central to lasting care.

The Osstem SOI surface is one part of the carefully planned treatment we offer, alongside healthy gums, precise implant placement and regular long-term care.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE

Your guide to replacing missing teeth

You may already know that you would like an implant, or you may simply be exploring the idea. Either way, it is helpful to understand the process properly. We have brought together the questions patients ask us most often, from choosing a replacement to healing and looking after it for years to come.

Explore the detailsChoices and alternativesSuitabilityDeeper clinical considerationsLimitations and risksLong-term care

YOUR OPTIONS

Your replacement options, explained

We begin with what you would love to achieve, then consider your tooth health, bite and the choices that suit you.

One missing tooth

A single implant and crown may replace one tooth. We assess space, bite, bone and the neighbouring teeth, then discuss whether a bridge or leaving the space is reasonable.

Several missing teeth

Implant-supported crowns or a bridge can sometimes replace several teeth. One implant is not necessarily required for every missing tooth; the plan depends on position and available support.

Many or all teeth missing

A carefully planned combination of implants and restorations may support an entire arch. Fixed and removable designs have different hygiene, maintenance and cost implications; the number of implants is not chosen from marketing terminology alone.

We will talk through the possibilities and agree what feels right for your individual circumstances.

SUITABILITY

What determines suitability?

Healthy, stable gums and adequate bone support are important. Gum disease needs appropriate assessment and control before implant placement. If bone is insufficient, we explain whether grafting or an alternative treatment is appropriate.

Smoking, diabetes control, certain medicines, previous radiotherapy and other medical factors can affect healing and long-term maintenance. We will discuss any factors that affect healing and make a considered plan around your overall health.

Implants cannot make other untreated dental problems disappear. We evaluate remaining teeth, your bite, expected cleaning access and the restorability of the final smile before recommending surgery.

Prefer to talk it through? A £30 consultation gives you time to explore what could be possible for your own smile.

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DETAILS THAT MATTER

Dental implants: what to ask before you decide

We will explain how each option works in practice, including the details that matter to your day-to-day comfort and long-term result.

Choosing between implants, bridges and dentures

Where one tooth is missing, a conventional bridge uses neighbouring teeth for support, whereas an implant has its own foundation in the jaw. An adhesive bridge, removable appliance or leaving the gap may also be reasonable in particular circumstances. The best choice depends on the condition of adjacent teeth, the position of the gap, chewing forces, hygiene, cost and whether surgery is appropriate.

Worth knowing: Our first priority is the health of your remaining teeth. We will also explain how implants compare with bridges and other replacement options.

What the assessment actually checks

Your clinician examines teeth, gums, bite, plaque control and medical history. Radiographs are used as appropriate; three-dimensional CBCT imaging is considered where its additional information justifies the radiation exposure. The restorative design, anatomy and access for cleaning influence where an implant can be placed and whether grafting is necessary.

Worth knowing: Digital imaging gives your clinician useful detail to combine with the examination and your personal treatment goals.

Why an implant quote can vary

One implant fixture does not always represent the entire cost of replacing a tooth. The eventual crown or bridge, abutment, investigations, extractions, bone grafting, temporary teeth and future maintenance may be separate components. Compare written, itemised plans rather than a single headline number.

Worth knowing: Ask which components, review appointments and possible extra procedures are included in your estimate.

Healing, maintenance and when to contact us

Healing varies, particularly where extractions or grafting are required. The final restoration may follow after an appropriate period of bone integration. Once restored, cleaning around the implant and ongoing gum assessments remain essential. Persistent bleeding, increasing swelling, discharge or movement warrant prompt clinical contact.

Worth knowing: Implants cannot decay, but the supporting tissues can develop inflammation and bone loss.

BALANCED CLINICAL ADVICE

The practical details, including risks and recovery

We will explain the healing process, the small but important possibility of complications and the aftercare that supports a healthy result. You will have time to ask questions and consider every option before making your decision.

An implant is surgery, so possible complications include infection, bleeding, discomfort, injury to nearby structures, failure to integrate and later inflammation or bone loss around the implant. Risk varies with anatomy, health and treatment complexity.

An implant-supported tooth does not decay, but the surrounding gums and bone still need care. The restoration itself can chip, loosen or require replacement. No implant can be guaranteed to last for life.

Bridges and removable dentures may be suitable alternatives, sometimes with less surgery or a different cost. Where a natural tooth can reasonably be retained, we compare the merits of keeping it rather than assuming extraction is preferable.

At your consultation we will explain alternative choices, any relevant risks and the likely costs, leaving you plenty of time to consider your plan.

LONG-TERM RESPONSIBILITIES

Looking after your implant for years to come

Follow the personalised post-operative instructions provided by the treating team. Cleaning methods change during early healing, and you should contact the practice if swelling, pain or bleeding seems to be worsening rather than settling.

Long-term care includes brushing, appropriate interdental cleaning, maintenance appointments and checking the bite and restoration. The best plan is one you can realistically keep up.

We will explain the likely maintenance costs and the importance of continuing to care for your natural teeth and gums alongside the implant.

Useful questions for your consultation

  • What would you recommend if I chose not to have an implant?
  • Is the final crown or bridge included in the fee?
  • Will I need a CBCT scan, extraction or grafting?
  • What maintenance appointments and likely longer-term costs should I expect?

PRACTICAL ANSWERS

Questions patients often ask

We are always happy to talk through the details. Your clinician can explain what applies to your teeth and the treatment you are considering.

What happens during an implant consultation?

We start by listening to what you hope to achieve, then examine your teeth and gums and discuss the available ways of replacing a tooth. If an implant looks promising, we explain the imaging and planning needed before you decide on treatment.

Are dental implants painful?

Placement is generally performed with local anaesthetic. Some soreness, swelling or bruising afterwards can occur. Your clinician will discuss pain relief and whether additional anxiety-management options are suitable.

How long does implant treatment take?

It depends on the site, any extraction or grafting, bone healing and restoration design. Some patients need several months and complex cases may take longer.

Can I have an implant if I have had gum disease?

Possibly, but gum disease should be assessed and stabilised first. Existing periodontal risk may also affect long-term implant health.

What if I do not have enough bone?

A scan and clinical assessment can establish whether grafting, a different implant approach or a non-implant alternative should be considered.

Do I need a separate All-on-4 consultation?

No separate marketing pathway is necessary. Patients considering replacement of several teeth or an entire arch can start with an implant assessment, where the appropriate restoration is discussed.

What is an Osstem SOI implant?

Osstem SOI stands for Super Osseointegration. The implant has a specially treated, hydrophilic surface intended to encourage early blood contact and bone healing. It may make earlier loading appropriate in selected cases, but suitability, bone quality and implant stability determine your actual timeline.

FURTHER READING

Trusted guidance and further reading

For patients who enjoy reading more, these independent resources explain the clinical background in greater detail.

CONTINUE EXPLORING

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Start with an implant assessment.

You do not need to have decided on treatment. A consultation is £30: time to share what matters to you, ask questions and explore the options that may suit you.

For planned treatment. Additional scans or investigations may cost separately; emergency assessment fees differ. Please confirm when booking.

Book a £30 consultation Ask about your smile