SW3 Dental · King's Road, Chelsea
Understanding how an implant is built, and how it becomes anchored in bone, makes it far easier to weigh up whether it is right for you. A considered explanation from our practice at 295 King's Road.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google · King's Road, Chelsea · 0% finance with Tabeo
When a tooth is lost, two things go: the visible crown and the root that anchored it. A denture or a conventional bridge replaces only the first. A dental implant replaces both, which is why it behaves so much like a natural tooth – and why the bone around it deserves so much attention during planning.
A natural tooth (left) beside an implant restoration (right). The implant's threaded post replaces the root within the jawbone, the abutment emerges through the gum and the crown completes the tooth above the gum line. Illustration only.
Dentists often call the post the "fixture". It is threaded, with a specially treated surface that encourages bone to attach, and its position is planned in advance from your 3D scan.
The connection between fixture and crown. Its shape influences how the gum settles around the new tooth, which is especially relevant at the front of the mouth, where the gum line shows.
Crafted to match neighbouring teeth in shade, translucency and form, and designed around your bite as well as your smile.
Titanium and its alloys are the established choice for fixtures, valued for their strength and their compatibility with bone. Some systems use alternatives such as ceramics; whether one would suit you is a conversation for your consultation.
After placement, the bone surrounding the fixture remodels and grows directly onto its surface. This biological bond, rather than any glue or cement, is what holds an implant steady. It develops gradually over weeks to months and cannot be hurried, which is why the definitive crown follows later. Where the gap would show, a temporary tooth is usually arranged in the meantime.
At placement a narrow space surrounds the fixture. Over the following weeks new bone fills it, and after some months bone lies directly against the threads, ready to support a crown. Illustration only.
There is a second reason bone matters. Without a root to stimulate it, the jawbone beneath a gap gradually resorbs. Because an implant transmits biting forces into the jaw, it helps to keep that bone in use, which can be relevant to the support of the lips and cheeks over time.
"An implant is simply a screw with a tooth on top." Partly true. There are three components, and the bond between bone and fixture is a living process that takes time.
"If you have been told you lack bone, implants are off the table." Not necessarily. Should additional bone be required, we explain the options, which may include grafting, and set this out in your written quote.
"Implants cannot develop gum problems." Myth. The tissue around an implant can become inflamed if plaque is left, so daily cleaning and regular reviews matter.
"Titanium is the only material used." Myth. It is by far the most familiar, but some systems use other materials.
Gum disease can affect healing and suitability. Where present, it is treated and stabilised before implants are considered.
Smoking can influence how gum and bone tissues recover. We discuss it frankly and weigh it as part of your overall picture.
Diabetes and certain other conditions can influence healing. Many people with well-controlled conditions remain candidates; each case is reviewed on its merits.
Implants are placed once the jaw has finished growing. Thereafter, the quantity and quality of bone shown on your scan matter more than age.
Implants at SW3 Dental are placed by Dr Antikleia Nalmpanti (Dr Anti), a general dentist with a special interest in implants, who visits our King's Road practice for implant cases. Every case is planned from a 3D CBCT scan, and placement is carried out under local anaesthetic; we do not offer sedation. Implants can replace a single tooth, secure a denture or support a full arch with All-on-4 (from £6,495 per arch). For a fuller picture of costs, see implant costs in Chelsea and our fees.
Dr Antikleia Nalmpanti (GDC No. 200008) has 16 years of experience in private practice, with a special interest in dental implants, full-arch rehabilitation, aesthetic dentistry and prosthetics. Meet the team.
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Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
0% finance on orthodontics, implants and cosmetic treatment through Tabeo, subject to status.
Typically a few months from placement to final crown, mainly to allow osseointegration. Your plan sets out the expected sequence of visits at the outset.
Placement is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during it. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal. Sedation is not offered.
Generally not. The crown is matched to your neighbouring teeth, and the abutment is shaped so the gum settles naturally around it.
A consultation is £75, and a single implant with its crown starts from £2,750. You receive a written, itemised quote after your scan, and 0% finance through Tabeo is available, subject to status.
Much as you would a natural tooth: thorough brushing, cleaning between the teeth and regular examinations and hygiene appointments so the surrounding gum stays healthy.
Related: Dental implants · Single tooth implants · Implant-retained dentures · All-on-4 · Implant costs · Our team
At 295 King's Road, Chelsea. Read more about dental implants, single tooth implants and implant costs.
SW3 Dental is part of a group of three practices with Waterloo Dental & Orthodontics (SE1) and Croydon Dental Practice & Addiscombe Orthodontics (CR0).
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