SW3 Dental · King's Road, Chelsea
An implant is a considered investment, and how long it serves you depends largely on what happens after it is fitted. A calm, detailed look at maintenance, risk factors and the early signs worth acting on.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google · King's Road, Chelsea · 0% finance with Tabeo
You may read confident claims about how many years an implant will last. We prefer to be measured. An implant is a titanium post that bonds with the jawbone, and its long-term health rests on the gum and bone that surround it. Those tissues respond to cleaning, to the forces of your bite, to smoking and to general health. With good care an implant can last many years; the crown above it is a separate restoration that bears daily wear and may need replacing over time.
Most of what keeps an implant healthy happens quietly at home. The rest is a matter of regular, unhurried reviews with us on the King's Road.
Daily cleaning, night-time protection for those who grind, and regular professional reviews. Illustration only.
A natural tooth is attached to the bone by a ligament; an implant is not, and the seal formed by the gum around it is the main barrier against bacteria. When plaque collects at that seal, the gum can become inflamed. If inflammation reaches the bone and the bone begins to recede, the condition is called peri-implantitis. Recognised early, it is often manageable; that is the reason we place such weight on reviews.
Healthy gum forming a snug seal (left) compared with peri-implantitis (right), where the gum is red and swollen and bone has receded around the implant. Illustration only.
Smoking can affect healing and the health of the gum and bone. It is assessed individually rather than treated as a barrier, and we can discuss how to reduce it.
Discussed at reviewA history of gum disease suggests the tissues around an implant need closer attention, often with more frequent hygiene visits.
Tailored hygiene planClenching and grinding can chip porcelain and stress components. A night guard is a simple, discreet safeguard.
Night guard if neededEarly changes around an implant are often silent. Skipped appointments mean they may be found later than is ideal.
Regular check-upsDiabetes and some medicines can influence healing and gum health. Keeping us informed allows us to adapt your care.
"Once it's in, an implant needs no attention." Myth. Implants cannot decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed without careful cleaning.
"If the crown wears out, the implant has failed." Myth. Crowns bear the daily work of chewing and may need replacing over time; usually this can be done without disturbing the implant.
"Bleeding gums around an implant are nothing to worry about." Myth. Bleeding is an early sign of inflammation and deserves a prompt look.
"Implants placed elsewhere can be maintained here." Fact. Bring any details of the implant system and we can include it in your routine reviews.
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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0% finance on orthodontics, implants and cosmetic treatment through Tabeo, subject to status.
With good daily care, regular reviews and attention to risk factors, an implant can last many years. We avoid quoting a fixed figure because outcomes depend on the individual.
Bleeding, swelling, a persistent bad taste, looseness of the crown or discomfort on biting are all reasons to contact us. Often there are no symptoms early on, which is why reviews matter.
Usually not. The crown can generally be removed and remade without disturbing the implant. You receive a written quote before any work begins.
Many people find an electric brush makes it easier to clean the gum margin thoroughly. A soft manual brush used carefully is also effective.
We suggest an interval based on your gum health, your history and how easily you can clean around the implant. Some people benefit from more frequent hygiene visits, particularly in the first year after the crown is fitted.
It is worn only while you sleep, so no one need know about it. It is made to fit your teeth closely and comfortably.
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 general dentistry.
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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