Dental Prosthesis Options for Barnet Residents

If you have one or more missing teeth, you should consider a dental prosthesis. This option is often right when chewing is difficult, speech is affected, or the gap in your smile makes you self conscious. It also helps prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, which can lead to bite problems over time. Many Barnet patients choose a prosthesis not only for aesthetics but as a long term step to protect oral health and restore the natural structure of your mouth.

A fixed bridge replaces one or two adjacent missing teeth. It uses a false tooth or pontic held in place by crowns on the teeth beside the gap. The process usually requires two to three visits over a few weeks. Bridges look natural, are stable, and restore full chewing function. With proper care, they last about 10 to 15 years. This option does require reshaping of the healthy adjacent teeth, something we discuss in detail during your consultation.

Dentures offer a flexible solution for replacing several teeth or a full arch. Modern dentures are made from high quality acrylic to look natural and fit securely. They are typically the most affordable option and do not involve altering existing teeth. It takes a few weeks to adapt to speaking and eating with them. A Barnet patient recently chose a partial denture as a temporary step while saving for implants, finding it a practical way to restore the smile right away.

For maximum stability and longevity, an implant supported prosthesis is the top option. A titanium post is placed in the jawbone to replace a tooth root. A crown, bridge, or full denture can be attached to one or more implants. Implants help prevent jawbone loss and have a high success rate over 10 years. The process takes longer, usually 4 to 9 months, and costs more, but the result feels and works like natural teeth.

You begin with a 60 minute consultation at our Finchley clinic. We take digital images and may use a 3D CBCT scan to gauge your needs. Depending on your choice, we start preparation next. For a bridge, we shape the adjacent teeth. For an implant, we place it in a 60 to 90 minute procedure. Then we take precise digital impressions to create your custom prosthesis. You return for a 30 to 60 minute fitting. Dentures or bridges typically take 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish. Implants require a healing period of 3 to 6 months before the final crown is attached.

Aftercare depends on the prosthesis type. Bridges and implants may cause mild tenderness for a few days, manageable with over the counter pain relief. Dentures bring initial gum soreness as the mouth adjusts, usually resolving in 1 to 2 weeks. Maintain excellent oral hygiene and clean around bridges and implants carefully. Remove and clean dentures daily. Red flags requiring immediate contact: seek help if you feel severe pain, swelling worsens after 3 days, or a fixed prosthesis feels loose during office hours. Our hours are Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5 and Tue, Thu 11 to 7. For after hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

As a private practice, we provide transparent pricing. The cost varies widely depending on the type of prosthesis. Dental implants start from £2,500 for the implant and surgery, not including the final crown. Fixed bridges typically range from £1,500 to £3,000 depending on material and how many teeth are involved. Removable dentures range from £500 for a simple partial to over £2,000 for a full set of premium dentures. These fees cover planning, preparation, and fitting with no hidden charges. We accept private insurance from providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. A detailed quote is available at your consultation.

To make an informed choice, ask these questions when you meet with us or another practice in the Barnet area. Which prosthesis suits my dental health and why? What are the pros and cons of each option for my situation? What is the expected lifespan of the recommended prosthesis? What material will you use, and why is it the best pick for me? Does the quoted price include all appointments, adjustments, and a temporary prosthesis if needed? What maintenance and cleaning routine will be required? Can you show me before and after photos of similar cases you have treated?