Losing a tooth changes more than your smile. It can affect how comfortably you eat, how confident you feel speaking, and how the rest of your bite copes with the extra pressure. If you’re researching dental implants near Cobham, this guide explains what implants involve, who they tend to suit, and what to expect from consultation through to the finished result.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone, designed to act as an artificial tooth root. Once it has bonded with the surrounding bone, a crown is fitted on top to recreate the visible part of the tooth.
In short: a dental implant is a titanium post fitted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root, topped with a custom-made crown, offering a fixed alternative to dentures or bridges for patients with suitable bone support and good general oral health.
Because implants are anchored into bone rather than resting on the gums, many patients find they feel and function much like a natural tooth.
Who May Be Suitable for Dental Implants?
Suitability always depends on a proper clinical assessment, but implants are often considered appropriate for patients who:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have enough healthy bone to support an implant, or could benefit from a bone graft
- Have gum disease under control, since active gum disease can affect success
- Are in reasonably good general health
We see patients from Cobham, Oxshott, and East Horsley who’ve often lived with a gap for years, sometimes following an injury or an extraction, before looking into implants properly.
When Might an Implant Be Considered for a Missing Tooth?
Implants tend to be worth considering when a gap is affecting how you chew, causing neighbouring teeth to drift, or simply bothering you when you smile. Unlike a bridge, an implant replaces the tooth independently, without relying on the teeth either side.
What Happens During an Implant Consultation?
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your dental history, your goals, and whether implants are a realistic option for you. During this visit, the dentist will typically:
- Discuss the tooth or teeth you’d like to replace
- Examine your gums and remaining teeth
- Take scans or X-rays to assess bone volume and density
- Talk through alternative options too, such as bridges or dentures
If you’d like to take this first step, you can book an appointment for a consultation whenever suits you.
Dental Assessment and Treatment Planning
Once your consultation findings are reviewed, a treatment plan is put together specifically for your case. This covers how many implants are needed, whether any preparatory work such as a bone graft is required, and a realistic timeframe.
Every plan differs from patient to patient, which is why generic timelines or guaranteed outcomes aren’t something a responsible dentist offers before this stage.
What Happens During Implant Placement?
The implant is placed under local anaesthetic, positioned carefully into the jawbone according to the plan mapped out at your assessment. Most patients find the procedure itself more comfortable than they’d expected, with some mild swelling or tenderness afterwards that settles within a few days.
The Healing Period
After placement, the implant needs time to fuse with the surrounding bone, a process called osseointegration. This typically takes three to six months, depending on bone quality and individual healing.
A temporary restoration may be fitted during this period so you’re not left without a visible tooth while healing takes place.
When Is the Crown Fitted?
Once integration is confirmed, an abutment is attached to the implant and a custom-made crown is fitted on top, shaped and shaded to match your surrounding teeth.
How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?
From initial consultation to the final crown being fitted, treatment typically takes four months to a year, depending on whether bone grafting is needed and how straightforward the case is. Single-tooth cases without complications are often on the shorter end of that range.
Dental Implants vs Bridges vs Dentures
Each option replaces missing teeth differently:
- Dental implants are fixed and don’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support
- Bridges use the adjacent teeth as anchors, which usually means preparing (filing down) those teeth
- Dentures are removable and sit on the gums rather than being fixed in place
If a bridge might suit your situation better, our bridges page covers that option in more detail, and our dentures page explains the removable route.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
At Great Bookham Dental Practice, a dental implant including the crown starts from £2,500. It’s worth saying clearly though that this is a starting figure, and the actual cost for your case depends entirely on your individual treatment plan.
What Can Affect the Final Cost?
Several factors influence the overall price, including:
- Whether a bone graft is needed
- The number of implants required
- The complexity of the case
- The type of restoration involved (single crown, bridge, or full arch)
You can view general pricing on our fee guide, and 0% APR finance is available through Tabeo if you’d like to spread the cost. More detail on the treatment itself is also available on our dental implants page.
Looking After Dental Implants
Implants need ongoing care just like natural teeth. This generally includes:
- Cleaning around the implant as advised by your dentist
- Attending regular hygiene and check-up appointments
- Avoiding smoking, which can affect healing and long-term success
- Reporting any looseness, discomfort, or swelling promptly
With good care, implants can last many years, though no dentist can promise an exact lifespan since this varies by individual.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Implant Treatment
Before committing to treatment, it’s worth asking your dentist:
- Do I have enough bone to support an implant, or would I need a graft?
- What are the realistic risks and how are they managed?
- How long is healing likely to take for my case?
- What would happen if I chose a bridge or denture instead?
A good dentist will answer these honestly rather than steering you toward one option.
Dental Implants Near Cobham: Arranging a Consultation
If you’re missing a tooth and weighing up your options, whether that’s an implant, a bridge, or a denture, the best next step is a proper consultation. Our team can talk through what’s realistic for your case and answer your questions honestly before you commit to anything.
Patients from Cobham, Leatherhead, Oxshott, and West Horsley are welcome to book an appointment with us, or explore our full range of services if you’re still deciding what’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Implant placement is carried out under local anaesthetic, so most patients feel little during the procedure. Mild soreness or swelling afterwards is common and usually settles within a few days.
At Great Bookham Dental Practice, a single dental implant including the crown starts from £2,500, though the final cost depends on individual factors like bone grafting needs and case complexity. A consultation gives an accurate, personalised estimate.
Age alone doesn’t usually rule out implant treatment. What matters more is bone health and general wellbeing, both of which are assessed during your consultation.
A bone graft can sometimes build up the area before or during implant placement. Whether this is needed depends on your individual assessment.
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, implants can last many years, often decades, though this varies from person to person and no exact lifespan can be guaranteed.
Each option has its place. Implants don’t rely on neighbouring teeth and are fixed in place, while bridges use adjacent teeth and dentures are removable. Which suits you best depends on your individual case, best discussed at consultation.
