SW3 Dental · King's Road, Chelsea

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Suitability for implants rests on a few considered questions about health, gums, bone and lifestyle. This guide sets them out clearly, offers a short self-assessment and a decision path, and explains how a consultation turns general principles into advice that is specific to you.

★★★★★ 5.0 on Google · King's Road, Chelsea · 0% finance with Tabeo

At a glance

  • Implant consultation £75
  • 3D CBCT planning
  • Single implant and crown from £2,750
  • Alternatives discussed openly

Suitability is a conversation, not a test

There is no single profile of an implant patient. People in their twenties lose teeth to sport or a cracked filling; people in their eighties choose implants to steady a denture. What they share is a reasonably healthy mouth, enough bone (or a way of creating it) and a willingness to care for the result. The points below are intended to help you reflect in private before you speak to us, not to reach a conclusion on your own.

A considered self-assessment

ConsiderationWhat to reflect on
✓ Missing teethIs there a gap, or a tooth that is failing? Implants can replace one tooth, several, or a full arch.
✓ Gum healthDo your gums bleed or feel sore? Active gum disease is treated and stabilised before implants are planned.
✓ Smoking or vapingBoth can affect healing and long-term suitability. This is discussed candidly and assessed for you individually.
✓ Medical historyDiabetes, some other medical conditions and some medicines for bone conditions can influence healing. A full history helps us plan safely.
✓ BoneHas the tooth been missing a long time? Bone tends to reduce, and a 3D scan shows how much remains.
✓ Ongoing careCould you commit to thorough daily cleaning and regular reviews? Implants depend on it.
✓ AgeImplants are for adults whose jaw has finished growing. Age alone sets no upper limit.

A self-assessment cannot replace an examination. If several answers are uncertain, that is a good reason to book, not a reason to rule yourself out.

A simple decision path

Gap from amissing tooth?Are your gumshealthy?Treat gums first,then recheckEnough bone onyour 3D scan?Implant maysuit youGraft first,or angledimplantsBridge ordentureYesNot yetYesYesThinOr prefernot toEvery path: book a consultation for personal advice

The broad route from a missing tooth to an implant, a preparatory graft, or a bridge or denture. In practice each step is confirmed by examination and 3D scan. Illustration only.

Health factors, in a little more depth

Diabetes

Good control matters more than the diagnosis itself. Well-managed diabetes is compatible with implants for many people; healing is monitored closely.

Bone medicines

Some medicines prescribed for bone conditions can affect how the jaw recovers after surgery. The type, dose and duration all count, so please bring details.

Smoking and vaping

Nicotine reduces blood flow to the gums. Stopping, or at least pausing around treatment, is strongly encouraged and discussed without judgement.

Myth or fact?

"I'm too old for implants." Myth. There is no upper age limit by itself; general health and bone are what count.

"Smokers can never have implants." Myth. Smoking can affect healing and suitability, but it is weighed individually rather than treated as an automatic barrier.

"If I've lost bone, I'm out of options." Myth. Grafting, angled implants such as All-on-4, bridges and dentures may all be considered.

If an implant isn't the answer

Bridge

Fixed and completed relatively quickly, though usually involves preparing the adjacent teeth.

Quoted individually

Partial or full denture

Removable and non-surgical. A sensible option in its own right, and one that can later be stabilised with implants.

Quoted individually

All-on-4

For an arch with few or no teeth, four angled implants support a fixed bridge, often avoiding grafting.

From £6,495 per arch

What the consultation involves

  1. Your history and priorities
    An unhurried discussion of your teeth, your health and what you would like to achieve.
  2. Examination and 3D scan
    Gums, bite and bone are assessed, with a CBCT scan to measure the bone precisely.
  3. A clear recommendation
    Dr Anti explains which options are realistic for you, and the reasoning behind them.
  4. Written quote
    An itemised proposal to consider at your own pace. 0% finance through Tabeo is available, subject to status.

Meet your implant dentist

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.

Book an appointment

Request an appointment

Leave your details and we'll call you back to arrange a time.

Call us

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Spread the cost

0% finance on orthodontics, implants and cosmetic treatment through Tabeo, subject to status.

Common questions

Is the consultation an obligation to proceed?

Not at all. It is an assessment and an opportunity to ask questions. Many people take time to reflect before deciding.

What should I tell you about my health?

Any medical conditions, all the medicines you take (including any for bone conditions), whether you smoke or vape, and any past problems with healing.

Does placing an implant hurt?

Implants are placed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some tenderness afterwards is usual. We do not offer sedation.

How long does the whole process take?

Commonly a few months from placement to final crown, to allow the implant to bond with the bone. If a graft is needed first, the timeline is longer.

How discreet is treatment?

Very. For front teeth a temporary is usually arranged, so most people carry on with work and social life without anyone noticing.

Related: Dental implants · Single tooth implants · Implant-retained dentures · All-on-4 · Implant costs · Fees

Find out if implants suit you

A personal assessment at 295 King's Road, Chelsea, with Dr Anti and our team. Alternatives such as bridges and dentures are always discussed.

SW3 Dental is part of a group of three practices with Waterloo Dental & Orthodontics (SE1) and Croydon Dental Practice & Addiscombe Orthodontics (CR0).