Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implant treatment often raises questions, especially if you are considering implants for the first time. This page provides clear, honest answers to the questions we hear most often at Paragondental, helping you understand what to expect and whether treatment may be right for you.
All implant treatment at Paragondental is carried out by Dr Andrew Flatters, our Clinical Director, who is registered with the General Dental Council. GDC registration details are available on request.
These answers are intended as a general guide. They do not replace a full clinical assessment, which remains the best way to understand your individual options.
General Questions About Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium screws placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once healed, they support crowns, bridges or full arch restorations that look and function like natural teeth. They are a fixed, long-lasting solution that does not rely on neighbouring teeth for support.
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Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are a well-established and widely used treatment. When carefully planned and placed by an experienced clinician using advanced digital techniques, they are considered a safe and predictable solution. At Paragondental, all implants are placed by Dr Flatters using fully guided digital technology to minimise risk and support predictable outcomes.
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How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental reviews, implants can last many years and often decades. Long-term success depends on consistent home care, routine professional maintenance and healthy gums. Dr Flatters will advise you on the best way to care for your implants at home during and after treatment.
Treatment and Procedure Questions
Is implant treatment painful?
Implant placement is carried out under local anaesthetic and is usually very comfortable. Most patients report only mild and manageable discomfort during recovery, which typically settles within a few days. The fully guided digital approach used at Paragondental minimises disruption to surrounding tissue, supporting a more comfortable healing experience.
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How long does implant treatment take?
Treatment times vary depending on the type of implant and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting are needed. Most treatments take 3-6 months from implant placement to the final restoration, allowing time for the implant to integrate fully with the jawbone. Dr Flatters will give you a personalised timeline at your consultation.
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Will I be without teeth during treatment?
In many cases, temporary restorations can be provided while implants heal so you are not left without teeth. Whether this is appropriate for your case depends on the type of treatment and the location of the implant, and will be discussed with you fully during your consultation.
Suitability and Health Questions
Who is suitable for dental implants?
Many adults are suitable for dental implants. Suitability depends on bone levels, gum health, general health and lifestyle factors such as smoking. A full clinical assessment and digital scans are required to confirm suitability. Even patients who have previously been told they are not suitable may have options through bone grafting or alternative implant solutions.
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Can smokers have dental implants?
Smokers can still be suitable for dental implants, but smoking increases the risk of complications and can affect the healing process. Dr Flatters will discuss this during your assessment and may recommend reducing or stopping smoking before and during treatment to improve outcomes.
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What if I do not have enough bone?
If bone levels are insufficient for standard implant placement, bone grafting or alternative techniques may still make treatment possible. At Paragondental, digital scans are used to assess bone levels accurately and determine the most appropriate option. For more information, visit our Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift page.
Costs and Aftercare Questions
Why do dental implant costs vary?
Costs vary because implant treatment is tailored to each individual. Factors such as the number of implants, the type of restoration, bone condition and whether preparatory treatment is needed all influence the overall cost. A full written treatment plan with clear pricing is provided following your consultation. For a full guide, visit our Dental Implant Costs and Finance page.
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Are finance options available?
Finance options may be available to help spread the cost of implant treatment into manageable monthly payments. This can make high-quality implant care more accessible without compromising on the standard of treatment. Details can be discussed during your consultation.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
Implants require daily cleaning and regular dental check-ups, similar to natural teeth. You should brush twice daily, use interdental brushes or implant-specific floss and attend routine hygiene appointments. Your dentist or hygienist at Paragondental will demonstrate the most effective techniques for your specific implant type. For full guidance, visit our Dental Implant Aftercare and Maintenance page.
Your Implant Clinician
All implant treatment and advice at Paragondental is provided by Dr Andrew Flatters, our Clinical Director. Dr Flatters holds an MSc in Digital Dentistry and combines over 10 years of digital implant experience with a calm, patient-focused approach, ensuring every patient feels informed and confident at every stage of their treatment.
Book an Implant Consultation
If you have further questions or would like personalised advice about dental implants, a consultation with Dr Flatters is the best next step. We will assess your individual situation and provide clear, honest guidance on your options.
Call us on 01923 856 367 to book your appointment.