Advanced Tooth Replacement Options for Barnet Patients

Consider dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth and want a fixed long term solution. They suit denture wearers who struggle with looseness that affects speech or eating your favourite foods. Implants help protect jawbone, which loses height after tooth loss and can change your facial structure over time. For example, a Barnet patient chose an implant for a single molar to avoid grinding down healthy adjacent teeth, something a traditional bridge would require.

The implant process is designed to be predictable and lasting. It starts with a 60 minute consultation at our Finchley practice, including a 3D CBCT scan to assess jawbone density. Next comes the placement of the titanium post, typically 60 to 90 minutes under local anaesthetic. After surgery, a healing period of three to six months allows the implant to fuse with the bone, called osseointegration. Finally, you return for two shorter appointments to fit the connecting abutment and the final crown. In total, most cases take four to nine months from start to finish.

We focus on comfort and successful healing. In the first one to three days expect swelling and some discomfort, which you can manage with ibuprofen. Eat soft foods like soup, yoghurt, and smoothies. Swelling peaks around two to three days and can be reduced with ice on the cheek. After the first week, discomfort should ease, but avoid hard foods on the surgical side. Long term care for the implant mirrors that of a natural tooth with regular brushing and flossing. Red flags: call us during office hours if you have increasing pain after day four, a fever above 38 C, or a foul taste from the site. For emergencies outside these hours, call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

While implants offer the highest long term success, other options may suit your situation. A fixed bridge is a faster solution (about two to three weeks) where a false tooth is supported by crowns on nearby teeth. But this requires grinding down healthy tooth structure, something we prefer to avoid. A removable partial denture is cheaper upfront but is less stable, can affect speech, and must be removed for cleaning. For example, a patient with a failing three tooth bridge might find two implants provide a more stable, long lasting and hygienic solution than replacing the bridge.

We offer clear upfront pricing. At our Finchley practice, implant treatment starts from £2,500. This covers the surgical placement, all required 3D CBCT scans for planning, and follow up visits to monitor healing. The final crown that attaches to the implant is quoted separately after the healing period. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services, but we accept major insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. A detailed cost breakdown is provided during your consultation with no hidden fees.

To make an informed choice, ask the right questions whether you choose us or another practice in Barnet. Here are key points to ask: the total cost including the implant, abutment, and crown; whether bone grafting or sinus lift might be needed and the extra costs; which implant brand is used and its documented track record; your experience placing implants, especially in cases similar to yours; long term maintenance requirements; whether you offer payment plans or accept Denplan.