03
Feb
6 Common Questions Patients Ask About Dental Implants
If you’re considering replacing missing teeth, you’ve likely come across dental implants. They’re one of the most durable and natural-looking solutions in modern dentistry, but they can also raise a few questions. In this guide, we’ve answered six of the most common queries patients have about implants to help you feel more confident and informed about your options.
Whether you’re exploring dental implants in West London or simply curious about the procedure, here’s what you need to know.
1. What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth.
They consist of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as a root for a crown, bridge, or denture. Once healed, the implant fuses with your bone, providing a stable, long-lasting foundation.
To learn more about the process, visit our page on dental implants explained.
2. How Do Dental Implants Work?
Implants replicate the structure of natural teeth, offering both form and function.
The implant post integrates with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once the area has healed, a custom-made crown is attached to match your smile perfectly. This means your new tooth won’t just look natural, it will feel and function like a real one, too.
Read more about how dental implants work.
3. How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can last 10–30 years with proper care.
That’s right. Implants are designed for longevity. Their success depends on your oral hygiene, lifestyle, and routine check-ups. With regular cleanings and professional guidance from an experienced private dentist, they can last decades without issues.
Curious about their lifespan? Here’s more on how long dental implants last.
4. Are Dental Implants Painful?
You may feel mild discomfort, but the procedure is generally well tolerated.
Most patients report that receiving a dental implant is less painful than having a tooth extracted. The treatment is done under local anaesthetic, and post-op soreness is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Healing time varies, but most people return to daily activities quickly.
5. Am I a Suitable Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you’re in good health and have adequate bone density, implants may be ideal.
Your dentist will assess your mouth, bone health, and medical history to determine suitability. Even if bone loss has occurred, procedures like bone grafting can make implants possible. Booking a consultation with an implant dentist in West London is the best first step.
6. What Are the Alternatives to Dental Implants?
Other tooth replacement options include dentures and dental bridges.
While implants offer unmatched stability, some patients may prefer or require alternatives. Dentures are removable and more cost-effective, while bridges rely on surrounding teeth for support. Your dentist in West London will explain all your options to help you make the right decision.
To Summarise:
We hope this guide has helped. From understanding how dental implants work to knowing how long dental implants last, you’re now better equipped to make informed decisions about your smile.
For expert care and trusted advice, book your consultation today with our experienced private dentist in Hammersmith.
Dr. Chaw-Su Kyi
Dr. Chaw-Su Kyi, BDS (Lond), MFDS RCS (Eng), MSc (Lond), MOrth, RCS (Eng), FCGDent, heads West London Orthodontist Cosmetic Dental Studios. One of the finest specialist orthodontists in London, she studied at Guy’s, King’s, and St. Thomas’ Medical Schools, earning a Distinction in her Orthodontics Master’s degree. She is a Member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery and the Royal College of Surgeons of England and is affiliated with nine dental and surgical associations and societies, including the British Orthodontic Society, the World Federation of Orthodontists, and the American Association of Orthodontists.
Dr. Kyi is especially interested in children’s treatments. Her patients trust her expertise and experience in attending to complex and unsolvable cases. Most people seek her out as a top female specialist orthodontist in London. Among the prestigious awards she has won are the 2020 Oral Health and Dentistry Awards, and the 2020 Specialist Orthodontist of the Year in London. She is an Accredited Specialist in Orthodontics, a judge for the Dentistry Clinical Case Awards 2024 and a Platinum Provider for Invisalign.
Dr. Sepideh Heydarian
Dr. Sepideh Heydarian studied at Kings Dental Institute and earned her Master’s in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry from Manchester University. She continues to follow further education for the benefit of her patients.
Dr. Heydarian is an accredited, Invisalign clear braces and Inman aligner provider who has followed the Complete Aligner Program. She is certified to provide Botox and dermal fillers from the Dr. Bob Khanna Training and Obagi Institutes and holds endodontics qualifications. She is a member of the British Dental Association and the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Sneha S. Kuba
Dr. Sneha S. Kubal is a Consultant and Specialist in Prosthodontics. She earned her BDS degree in 2009 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Clinical Sciences in 2011 at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). She qualified as a Master of Clinical Dentistry in Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics at Barts and The Royal London, QMUL, and was awarded the MPros RCS (Edin) by the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.
Dr. Kubal has held clinical academic posts at three major teaching hospitals in London and Bristol. She is currently a Consultant in Prosthodontics in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Traumatology at King’s College London Hospital NHS Trust and trains junior staff and colleagues.
These doctors aim to provide patients with the smile of their dreams so that they can improve their oral health, confidence, and quality of life.
Dr. Cosimo Loperfido
Dr. Cosimo Loperfido is a highly respected periodontist with over two decades of experience in gum health. He earned his dental degree with the highest honours from the University of Bari, Italy. He advanced his skills with a Diploma and MSc in Periodontology from the University of Nijmegen, Netherlands. An EFP Certified Periodontist, Dr. Loperfido also completed specialised training in Implant Dentistry at Loma Linda University, USA. As a Senior Clinical Teacher at Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London, he shares his expertise with post-graduate students, underscoring his authority and trustworthiness in periodontology.
