Dental Implants for North Finchley Patients

Dental implants suit people with one or more missing teeth who want a fixed long term solution. You are a good candidate if your gums are healthy and there is enough jawbone to support the implant, confirmed with a 3D scan at our Finchley practice. Patients often choose implants to avoid the inconvenience of removable dentures or to prevent drilling healthy adjacent teeth for a bridge. For example, a patient from North Finchley recently had a molar missing for two years. An implant restored his bite without affecting the other teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure by preventing bone loss after tooth loss.

Your treatment starts with a 60 minute consultation, including the 3D CBCT scan to plan placement. The implant surgery itself lasts about 60-90 minutes per implant under local anaesthetic. During this appointment, a titanium post is placed into the jawbone. Following this, there is a healing period of 3-6 months, called osseointegration, where the bone fuses with the implant. Once healing is complete, you return for a 30-45 minute appointment to have the final, custom-made crown fitted onto the post. The full process, from consultation to final crown, runs about 4 to 7 months and provides a durable result that lasts for decades.

After placement, expect mild discomfort and swelling. For days 1 to 3, use over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Swelling peaks around 48 hours and can be reduced with ice packs on the cheek. Eat soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies during the first week. Keep the area clean with gentle rinsing. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Most patients feel normal again within a week. Red flags requiring a call: contact our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if pain increases after day 4, a fever above 38°C, or a foul taste from the surgical site. For emergencies outside these hours, visit A&E or call 111.

While dental implants have a high success rate over 95 percent across 10 years, other options exist. A fixed dental bridge is one alternative. This involves placing crowns on the teeth next to the gap to support a false tooth in between. It is often quicker (2-3 weeks) but trims healthy teeth, which we usually avoid. Another option is a removable partial denture, the most budget-friendly choice, but it is less stable and can affect speech and eating. A recent patient who was not a candidate for an immediate implant due to medical reasons chose a temporary denture while health improved, planning an implant later. We discuss all suitable options with you.

At our Finchley practice, a single dental implant starts from £2,500. This fee covers the surgical placement of the titanium implant, the 3D CBCT scans for planning, and the follow-up visits to monitor healing. Note that the final restoration—the crown that attaches to the implant—is separate and quoted during your consultation. We provide clear upfront pricing with no hidden fees. We are a private practice and accept insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. A detailed cost breakdown tailored to your needs is provided.

To decide about dental implants, ask these questions whether you choose our practice or another in the North Finchley area. Key points include whether the quoted price covers the surgery and the final crown, whether the fee includes the 3D scan and follow-up visits, potential extra costs such as for a bone graft, the brand of implant and its long term track record, the experience with placing implants, and the specific risks and benefits in your case.