- 223 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8XH
- 020 7928 5844
- 223 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8XH
Dental implants · Waterloo, SE1
A quick self-check for busy people weighing up implants. Run through the points below, follow our simple decision path, then book a consultation for advice that is based on your own mouth rather than general rules.
Most adults who are missing a tooth can at least be considered for an implant. Whether it is the right choice depends on a handful of things: your gums, your bone, your general health and how much time you can give to looking after it. The checklist below helps you think these through before you come in. Nothing here rules you in or out, and a "not sure" is completely normal, which is exactly what the consultation is for.
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| ✓ I have a gap, or a tooth that cannot be saved | An implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. It can fill one gap, support a bridge or hold a full arch. |
| ✓ My gums are healthy, or I am happy to have them treated first | Gum disease can affect healing and the long-term health of an implant, so it is treated before any implant work. |
| ✓ I don't smoke or vape, or I am willing to cut down | Smoking and vaping can slow healing and affect suitability. It is assessed individually rather than an automatic no. |
| ✓ Any diabetes or medical conditions are well managed | Some conditions, and some medicines for bone conditions, can affect how the bone heals. Bring a list of your medicines. |
| ✓ I may have enough bone (or am open to rebuilding it) | Bone shrinks after a tooth is lost. Our CBCT scan measures it; if more is needed, grafting or other options can be discussed. |
| ✓ I can commit to daily cleaning and regular check-ups | Implants need the same care as natural teeth: brushing, cleaning between teeth and routine hygiene visits. |
| ✓ I am an adult and my jaw has finished growing | Implants are placed once growth has stopped, usually in early adulthood. There is no upper age limit on its own. |
Ticked most of these? An implant may be worth exploring. Unsure about some? That is common, and it does not mean the answer is no.
A simplified decision path from a missing tooth to the likely options. Real decisions depend on your examination and scan. Illustration only.
You can still ask about implants. We will talk honestly about how it may affect healing and what cutting down before and after treatment could help with.
Well-controlled diabetes does not automatically rule out implants. We may ask about your recent control and work alongside your GP if needed.
Some medicines for bone conditions can affect how the jaw heals. Tell us what you take, and we will advise on whether and how implants could be planned.
Once it is treated and stable, implants can often still be considered, with extra attention to cleaning and hygiene visits.
| Implant | Bridge | Denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed or removable | Fixed | Fixed | Removable |
| Surgery needed | Yes, minor, under local anaesthetic | No | No |
| Teeth either side | Left untouched | Usually shaped | Clasps may rest on them |
| Starting price | From £2,250 | From £725 per unit | From £350 |
For people missing most of their teeth, All-on-4 (from £6,495 per arch) or implant-retained dentures may also be options.
Meet Dr Anti, read about single implants or see all our fees.
Yes. The consultation is simply an assessment and a conversation. You leave with information and a written quote, with no obligation to go ahead.
Implants are placed once the jaw has finished growing, which is usually in early adulthood. If you are younger and have lost a tooth, we can talk about temporary options.
No upper age limit applies on its own. Your health, your bone and your ability to keep the implant clean matter far more than the number of birthdays.
Most people go back to work the next day. Placement is done under local anaesthetic; we do not offer sedation. Some tenderness for a few days is normal.
A list of any medicines you take, details of any medical conditions, and any questions you have. If you have old X-rays from another dentist, those can help too.
Related: Dental implants · Single implants · Implant bridges · Implant costs · Crowns, bridges and dentures · Referrals for dentists
Book a £75 implant consultation, taken off your fee if you go ahead, at 223 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8XH, a short walk from Waterloo station.