- 223 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8XH
- 020 7928 5844
- 223 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8XH
Dental implants · Waterloo, SE1
From your first consultation to your final crown, here is how dental implant treatment unfolds at Waterloo Dental & Orthodontics, how many visits to expect, and how to plan it around a busy working week.
For most people, getting a dental implant takes a few months from the first appointment to the final tooth. Much of that time is simply healing, when the implant quietly bonds with your jawbone while you get on with life. The number of actual appointments is fairly small, and many can be booked early in the morning or around your lunch break, which helps if you commute through Waterloo.
The six stages of implant treatment. The healing stage between placement and your final tooth is usually a few months, and a temporary tooth can be provided if needed. Illustration only.
Most people go back to work the next day after implant placement. If your job is very physical, or you are having several implants at once, you may prefer to book a day or two off.
Shorter visits, such as reviews and fittings, can often be booked around commuting times. Ask the team which slots suit you.
Because treatment is done with local anaesthetic only, you can usually travel home on your own by train, bus or on foot.
Your lip may feel numb for a few hours after placement, so it is sensible not to schedule important calls straight afterwards.
Some tenderness, swelling or light bruising for a few days is normal and usually settles steadily. These simple steps help the area heal well:
| When | What helps |
|---|---|
| First day | Rest where you can, avoid hot drinks until the numbness wears off, and do not rinse vigorously. A cold pack on the cheek can ease swelling. |
| First few days | Eat soft foods on the other side of your mouth, take everyday painkillers if needed (following the packet instructions), and avoid strenuous exercise. |
| Cleaning | Keep brushing your other teeth as normal and clean around the implant gently as advised. Warm salt-water rinses are often recommended from the day after. |
| Smoking and alcohol | Both can slow healing, so it helps to avoid them while the area settles. |
| Call us if | Bleeding does not settle with gentle pressure, swelling increases after a few days, or you feel unwell. Ring 020 7928 5844. |
If a failing tooth needs removing first, the socket usually needs time to heal before the implant goes in. Sometimes the two can be done together; your scan helps decide.
If extra bone is needed, we explain the options, which may include grafting, and include it in your written quote. This can add time.
Smoking, diabetes and gum disease can affect healing and suitability. Each is assessed individually at your consultation.
Larger cases such as implant bridges or All-on-4 follow the same stages but are planned as a whole.
Read more about single implants, All-on-4 and implant costs.
For a single implant, typically a consultation, a scan, the placement, a healing check, an impression and a fitting, plus your routine reviews afterwards. Your plan lists them in advance so you can arrange time off.
Not if you would rather not. For teeth that show when you smile, a temporary tooth can usually be made. For back teeth, many people are happy to wait.
Some people do, but most prefer to go home and rest for the remainder of the day. Most return to work the next morning.
No. We have our own CBCT scanner at 223 Waterloo Road, so there is no separate trip to another clinic.
Yes. 0% finance through Tabeo is available on many treatments, subject to status, and members of our practice plans receive a discount on treatment. See our implant costs guide for prices.
Related: Dental implants · Single implants · Implant-retained dentures · Full mouth restorations · Implant costs · All fees
Book an implant consultation (£75, taken off your fee if you go ahead) with Dr Anti at 223 Waterloo Road, SE1 8XH, and get a clear, written plan for every stage.