The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during placement — pressure and movement, yes, but not pain. For full arch treatment the process is more involved than a single implant, but the anaesthetic approach is the same and we take things at a pace that works for you.
If anxiety is a factor, we offer conscious sedation — both clinicians are trained to administer it. It’s worth mentioning when you book your consultation so we can plan accordingly. Afterwards, some tenderness and swelling for a few days is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. We’ll give you clear aftercare instructions and we’re always available if something doesn’t feel right during recovery.
Dental implants have a well-established safety record and a success rate of around 98%. Complications are rare, but it’s worth knowing what they look like so you can act quickly if something does arise.
The main risk is peri-implantitis — an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue around the implant, similar in some ways to gum disease. It’s largely preventable with good oral hygiene and regular hygienist visits after treatment. Smoking significantly increases the risk, which is why we discuss it during the assessment process.
Some post-operative discomfort is normal and expected. What isn’t normal is pain that intensifies or doesn’t settle after the first couple of weeks — if that happens, contact us straight away rather than waiting for your next appointment.
The implant post itself — the titanium root placed in the bone — is designed to be permanent. With proper care there’s no reason it shouldn’t last a lifetime. The crown, bridge, or arch fitted on top may need attention over time due to everyday wear, but that’s a straightforward process compared to the original treatment.
What makes the biggest difference long-term is gum health and regular check-ups. We monitor implants at every visit — it’s far easier to pick something up early than deal with a problem that’s been left. Avoiding smoking and managing any teeth grinding are also worth discussing with us if either applies to you.
Full arch implant treatment is a significant investment — it’s one of the most complex procedures in dentistry and the cost reflects that. The price varies depending on the number of implants needed, whether any preparatory work such as extractions or bone grafting is required, and the type of restoration used.
We’ll always provide a full written treatment plan with a clear cost breakdown before anything starts — no surprises, and no pressure to commit on the day. If cost is a concern, ask us about finance options at your consultation. We’d rather have that conversation early so it doesn’t become a barrier to treatment that could genuinely change your quality of life.
Most adults are suitable candidates regardless of age — there’s no upper limit. What matters is that your gums are healthy and there’s sufficient bone in the jaw to support the implants. For full arch treatment, a thorough assessment including scans is essential before we can confirm suitability.
Where bone has been lost — which is common in patients who’ve been without teeth for some time — bone grafting may be needed to prepare the site first. Factors like smoking, unmanaged medical conditions, or poor oral hygiene can affect how well implants integrate, and we’ll discuss all of this openly at your consultation. The assessment is there to make sure treatment is right for you, not just to tick a box before we proceed.
Not in a cosmetic surgery sense — but they do restore something that denture wearers often lose over time. When teeth and roots are missing, the jawbone gradually shrinks from lack of stimulation. This can cause the lower face to appear sunken or aged, particularly around the cheeks and jaw.
Because implants replace the root itself, they keep the bone active and slow or prevent that loss. For patients who’ve been without teeth for a number of years, the difference in facial appearance after full arch treatment can be noticeable — though it’s a restoration of what was there rather than a cosmetic change.
