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Modern dentistry offers a range of advanced solutions for replacing missing teeth, from single dental implants to full-arch treatments such as All-on-4 and same-day restorations. These options are designed to provide natural-looking, long-lasting results, giving patients both the aesthetics of a complete smile and the confidence to eat and speak comfortably.
Due to ongoing advancements in implant technology and surgical techniques, treatment is now more efficient, less invasive, and tailored to individual needs. Whether it’s one missing tooth or an entire arch that needs restoring, there are solutions that combine function, durability, and comfort.
In this guide, we’ll explore how dental implants work, who may be suitable, the benefits of different approaches, cost factors, aftercare, and what patients in Ashford, Barnet, and Rochester can realistically expect on their journey to a restored smile.
Dental implants are small, screw-shaped posts that act as artificial tooth roots. They are surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the surrounding bone to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Depending on the patient’s needs, implants can replace a single missing tooth, support multiple teeth through a bridge, or restore a full arch using advanced solutions such as All-on-4.
Most implants are made from titanium, a material known for its strength and ability to integrate safely with bone. In recent years, zirconia implants have also been introduced for patients who prefer a metal-free option. Once the implant has healed, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached. These restorations are individually designed to match the natural look and feel of each patient’s smile.
Placing an implant involves a minor surgical procedure, usually carried out under local anaesthetic. A small cut is made in the gum, and a precise hole is drilled into the jawbone to position the implant securely. Once placed, the implant is left to heal in a process called osseointegration, during which the bone grows around the implant, anchoring it firmly in place.
Healing generally takes 3–6 months, but if additional work, such as a bone graf,t is required to rebuild areas of low bone density, the process may extend to 8–10 months. After healing, an abutment and the final crown or prosthetic teeth are fitted.
Implant treatment can follow either a one-stage approach, where the implant is left visible above the gum during healing, or a two-stage approach, where it is fully covered by the gum and later exposed when ready for restoration. Both methods are widely used and chosen based on individual needs.
Dental implants are suitable for most healthy adults who:
Best candidates for implants are typically non-smokers and those without significant medical conditions that affect healing. Smokers, patients with uncontrolled diabetes, or those with advanced periodontal disease may still be considered but need a careful assessment, as these factors can reduce success rates.
The All-on-4 implant technique is designed for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in one jaw and do not want multiple individual implants. Instead of placing many implants across the jaw, only four strategically angled implants per arch are used to support a full set of fixed teeth. At GM Dental, this approach is known as the “Smile in a Day” treatment. Patients receive a secure temporary bridge immediately after surgery, allowing them to leave with a functional smile. Once healing is complete, a custom-made final prosthesis is placed to ensure long-term comfort, durability, and aesthetics.
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced, the complexity of the procedure, and the materials used. In the UK, a single implant generally costs between £2,000 and £3,000, including the implant post, abutment, and crown.
Additional procedures, when required, will increase the overall cost. For example:
For patients needing to replace multiple adjacent teeth, options include either placing several single implants or using implants to support a bridge. As an example, two implants supporting a three-unit bridge may cost in the region of £5,000–£7,000.
A complete fixed arch restoration (All-on-4) is a larger investment, typically starting from £10,000 per jaw. Complex cases, premium materials, or additional bone work can increase this further.
Because implants are a significant but long-term investment, it’s important to compare options and ensure you understand what is included in your treatment plan. Many practices, including GM Dental, offer flexible financing to make treatment more affordable. In the UK, 0% APR payment plans over 12–24 months are also common, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment without paying extra in interest.
Many of our patients describe their All-on-4 journey at GM Dental as nothing short of life-changing. Those who once struggled with failing teeth or uncomfortable dentures often say the treatment feels truly liberating.
One patient shared: “Within a single day I had a full set of teeth again. The whole team made me feel completely at ease. I went from no teeth to a perfect smile overnight, it was honestly life-changing!”
Beyond the transformation itself, patients consistently praise the warm, supportive atmosphere across our clinics. Whether in Ashford, Barnet, or Rochester, they feel reassured knowing they are cared for every step of the way, with expert guidance and clear aftercare advice.
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