Two questions dominate most early implant conversations: where to get dental implants, and whether you personally qualify. The good news is that dental implants suit a wider range of patients than many people assume, but suitability does depend on specific clinical factors, and choosing the right practice matters as much as the treatment itself. At Fitzroy Dental Practice in Fitzrovia, London, our implant team takes time at consultation to give every patient an honest, thorough answer to both questions.
Who is suitable for dental implants, and are there people who cannot have them?
Most adults in reasonable general health can have dental implants. Age alone is rarely a barrier; patients in their seventies and eighties successfully undergo implant treatment every year. What matters far more than age is the condition of the jawbone, the health of the gums, and whether any underlying medical conditions affect healing.
The primary factors that determine suitability are:
- Bone volume: sufficient bone must exist at the implant site to anchor the titanium post and allow osseointegration. Where bone loss has occurred, grafting can often restore the necessary volume
- Gum health: active gum disease must be treated and stabilised before implants are placed; untreated periodontitis significantly increases the risk of implant failure
- General health: certain medical conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes, bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis, and immunosuppression, require careful discussion with both your dentist and GP before proceeding
- Smoking: smoking significantly reduces implant success rates. Heavy smokers face a meaningfully higher risk of implant failure than non-smokers. Quitting before and after treatment improves outcomes considerably
Can I get new teeth with dental implants if I have already lost a lot of bone?
Significant bone loss does not necessarily rule out implants. Bone grafting procedures from simple socket preservation to sinus lifts and block grafts can rebuild lost volume in many patients. The scale and complexity of grafting needed depends on how much bone remains and where the gap is located. A CBCT scan gives the most accurate picture of what is achievable and what preparatory work, if any, is needed before implant placement.
Can everyone get dental implants, or are some people genuinely not candidates?
A small proportion of patients are not suitable for implants, at least in the short term. Uncontrolled systemic disease, particularly poorly managed diabetes or active cancer treatment, typically requires stabilisation before implant surgery can proceed safely. Patients taking certain bisphosphonate medications face a specific risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, which requires careful specialist assessment. Your implant dentist will take a thorough medical history and, where appropriate, liaise with your GP or specialist before recommending treatment.
Where is the best place to get dental implants in London?
The quality of implant treatment depends far more on the clinical team than the postcode. A practice worth considering will offer several things as standard:
- In-house CBCT scanning for precise three-dimensional treatment planning
- A dedicated implant dentist with documented postgraduate implant training and a substantial case history
- Use of established implant brands with independent long-term outcome data such as Nobel Biocare, Straumann, or equivalent
- A fully itemised written treatment plan before any work begins
- Clear aftercare protocols and accessible follow-up if complications arise
Proximity matters less than quality. Patients regularly travel across London and from outside the city to access implant dentists they trust. Choosing a practice because it is the nearest option, rather than because the team inspires confidence, is rarely the best decision for a procedure that should last decades.
How do I find a good dental implant surgeon?
Look for a dentist who holds a recognised postgraduate qualification in implant dentistry, such as the Diploma in Implant Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons or equivalent. Membership of the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) or the International Team for Implantology (ITI) indicates ongoing professional engagement with the implant field. Ask directly about the dentist’s case volume and experience with any specific procedure your case requires, such as bone grafting or immediate loading.
What dentists do implants near me and how do I evaluate them?
Most private dental practices now offer implant treatment, but experience levels vary enormously. A useful starting point is to book a consultation specifically to assess whether the team and practice meet the standards above before committing to a full treatment plan. A confident, experienced implant dentist will welcome your questions about their training, the implant brands they use, and the outcomes data they can share.
What happens at a dental implant consultation?
A thorough implant consultation covers more than a quick look in your mouth. At Fitzroy Dental Practice, your first appointment typically includes:
- A full clinical examination of your teeth, gums, and bite
- A detailed medical and dental history review
- A CBCT scan to assess bone volume, density, and anatomy in three dimensions
- A discussion of all available treatment options, including alternatives to implants where relevant
- A written treatment plan with fully itemised costs for every stage
You should leave a consultation with a clear understanding of whether you are suitable, what treatment involves, how long it takes, and exactly what it costs not a vague quote and a pressure to book quickly.
How much do dental implants typically cost at a local clinic in London?
A single dental implant (implant post, abutment, and crown) at a quality private practice in London typically costs between £1,600 and £2,800 per tooth, depending on the case complexity, the implant brand, and whether any preparatory treatment is needed. Practices offering implants significantly below this range should prompt questions about the implant system and laboratory used. At Fitzroy, we provide a written estimate at consultation so you can compare with full transparency.
How much should I pay for dental implants and how do I avoid overpaying or underpaying?
Underpaying for dental implants by choosing a practice that uses unverified implant brands, lacks specialist training, or skips essential imaging creates a far greater long-term cost than the initial saving suggests. Failed implants require removal, additional bone grafting, and replacement. Overpaying is also avoidable: a clear, itemised quote from a reputable practice gives you a meaningful benchmark for comparison.
Are dental implants worth it for most patients?
Studies suggest implant survival rates consistently exceed 95% over ten to fifteen years in appropriate patients, making them one of the most reliably successful interventions in dentistry when correctly placed and maintained. For patients weighing up the cost against alternatives such as bridges or dentures, the long-term calculus often favours implants, particularly for younger patients who would otherwise face multiple bridge replacements over their lifetime, and for patients who find denture instability significantly affects their quality of life.
The honest answer is that implants are worth the investment for most patients who are suitable, provided the treatment is carried out by an experienced team with appropriate planning and follow-up.
If you would like to find out whether dental implants are right for you, the team at Fitzroy Dental Practice would be glad to carry out a full assessment. Find us at Fitzroy Dental Practice, 14 Fitzroy Square, Fitzrovia, London W1T 6AH. Call us on 020 7387 3317 or book online.
