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Dental Implants – What You Should Expect

Dental Implants – What You Should Expect

July 19, 2026

If you have problems with your teeth and think you need dentures, there could be an alternative. You may find that choosing to have dental implants instead is a good idea. This is because they are often more comfortable and easier to manage than traditional dentures.

If you are thinking of choosing to have dental implants, you may want to have more information about what they are and what the dental implant process involves. You will have the opportunity to get more information during a pre-treatment consultation. However, here is some advice about dental implants to get you started.

What are dental implants?

Put simply; dental implants are posts that are made from metal. These posts are inserted into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once these posts are in place, artificial teeth can be fitted onto them. It’s also possible for frames to be used instead of posts.

Due to the fact that implants fuse to the natural jawbone, they are stable. This means that the artificial teeth are kept firmly in place, in a similar way to natural teeth. This makes them feel more natural than traditional dentures. It also meals that you can eat freely when you have dental implants without worrying about them becoming loose.

Different types of dental implants

There are two types of implants which have been thoroughly tested for use.

Endosteal implants 

These implants are placed into the jawbone. The gum tissue around them is then allowed to heal. Once this has happened a post is connected to the implant. The artificial tooth is then attached to the post.

Subperiosteal implants 

Theses implants involve the fitting of a metal frame onto the jawbone. The gum heals around the frame and the metal post that is attached to the frame protrudes through the gum. The artificial tooth is then fitted to this post.

At this point, it’s important to say that implants can be provided for a single tooth or several teeth. On some occasions a bridge is fitted to the implant rather than a single artificial tooth. If you decide to have an implant procedure carried out, you will be advised about which options are the best for you.

Why choose dental implants?

One of the main reasons that people choose to have dental implants is that ordinary dentures and bridges are not comfortable. This is because dentures are often not as stable as implants. In the case of bridges, they need to be attached to the teeth on either side of the space that needs to be filled. This is not the case with implants.

Before you make a decision about dental implants, there are some questions that you may need answered.

Can you have implants fitted?

You will only be able to have dental implants fitted if there is enough healthy bone to implant them in. However, there is the potential of carrying out a process called a sinus lift in order to augment the jawbone. The dental experts at Maida Smiles Dental Clinic can tell you whether you are able to have dental implants.

How much do dental implants cost?

Dental implants are usually more expensive than bridges or dentures. However, you do get the advantage of a natural, long-lasting replacement tooth option. You will be provided with full details of the cost of your treatment following an examination.

How long do dental implants remain in good condition?

One of the best things about dental implants is that they should last for between 10 and 20 years. However, as with natural teeth, they will only remain in good condition if you care for them in the right way. It’s also worth mentioning that molar dental implants tend not to last as long as others as they receive more wear and tear.

Does it hurt to have dental implants?

There is no need to worry about undue pain if you decide to opt for dental implants. The procedure is often less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction. Unless the situation is very complicated, a local anaesthetic is used in order to carry out the process. After this has worn off there may be a moderate level of discomfort, but there should be no major issues.

How long does the implant process take?

There are some occasions where “instant implants” can be used, meaning that artificial teeth can be fitted straight away. However, in the majority of cases, it takes around 3 months for the post or frame to be stable enough for the artificial tooth or bridge to be fitted. Temporary crowns can be used to fill the space in the interim period.

Caring for dental implants

If you have dental implants fitted, you need to care for them in the same way that you would for natural teeth. There are several factors that can help make implants last longer.

  • Brushing twice a day and using dental floss in the same way you would with natural teeth.
  • Quitting smoking. This is beneficial because smoking regularly can weaken the bone in which the implants are placed.
  • Attending the dentist for a check-up and cleaning every six months.
  • Avoiding very hard foods such as hard candy. This is something that you should ideally do anyway and is particularly important if you want to avoid cracks appearing in the artificial teeth.

As you can see, caring for dental implants is much the same as caring for natural teeth. This means that you still need to pay close attention to your dental hygiene routine.

Dental implants at Maida Smiles Dental Clinic

The dental professionals at Maida Smiles work with patients to decide what dental implant options are best for them. If you think that you are interested in the dental implant process, you should make an appointment for a consultation. During this consultation you have the opportunity to discuss your situation and ask any questions that you have. You will then be advised about the best course of action for you to take.

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Maida Smiles dental clinic in Maida Vale, London W9

Google reviews

4,9

I could not be more satisfied with my experience at Maida Smiles - A special mention to Dr Gurteurez who is one of the most friendly and professional dentists I have ever met

Adam

I had my first visit and the team was very warm, caring and professional. The online booking platform makes it very easy to arrange your appointment. Doctor Pedro made me feel comfortable despite this being my first appointment since Covid. He is incredibly knowledgeable and offers you the best treatment for your specific condition. I would highly recommend them

Gian Paolo Ziletti

Professional. Friendly. Informative. Maida Smiles offers great dental services including cleanings, oral surgery and realignment. I feel very lucky to have them so close by. I had an appointment just this week that was quick, thorough and safe.

Emily Chmura

Being very nervous about using dentists after a terrible experience when I was younger, I came to Maida Smiles and loved the calm patient demeanour of Pedro. You can clearly see Pedro and the team take pride in what they do and are perfectionists. The whole experience was great and I will never go to another dentist again.

Reena Nathwani

Delighted with the outcome of my treatment by Pedro. Meticulous attention to detail explaining exactly how the procedure would be carried out from first consultation to completion backed up with supporting guidance notes. Clearly an expert in his field and someone who cares passionately about the outcomes for his patients. Highly recommended.

George Jones

I loved my first visit to Maida Smile Dental Clinic. The staff member at reception was very warm, welcoming and professional. My dentist, Priscilla, and her assistant were fantastic. I have quite sensitive teeth near my gums and I can find the probing and investigation quite uncomfortable during a consultation, but this wasn’t the case at all. I didn’t experience discomfort and felt in very safe hands. This also applied to the hygienist work. I didn’t even have to ask Priscilla to avoid using the ultra sound cleaner on the sensitive areas of my teeth. I’m looking forward to going back, and that’s not often you can say that about going to the dentist!

Simone Gibson

Since I first had the luck to be recommended and book an appointment with Dr. Pedro Gutierres over 8 years ago, I have never trusted my dental health nor my family’s to anyone else. It’s very hard to find a dentist who ticks all the boxes and even goes beyond any expectations you may have, from service, sympathy, professionalism, and expertise, etc., 5 stars are not enough to rate him. I was so happy when he opened his own clinic and surrounded himself with the best professionals you can find, I cannot recommend Maida Smiles Dental Clinic enough.

Sofia Gouveia

Maida Smiles Dental Clinic is excellent!! The staff is very friendly, professional and always aiming for the customers best experience! A special thank you to Dr. Pedro Gutierres who is truly amazing. I am absolutely satisfied with the results and highly recommend this great dental clinic!

Ana Cruz

Dr. Pedro Gutierres is the best Implantologist I have come across. His work is amazing and of very high quality! I would highly recommend him and Maida Smiles to all my friends and family. If you want the perfect smile this is the place to go.

Blossom

“Pedro was so patient and professional throughout my treatment for my implants.. I chose to have my treatment with a local anaesthetic rather than any sedation and have a very bad gag reflex when anything touches the back of my throat. His patience throughout the experience was wonderful, completely putting me at ease and he also gave me a technique to help me in the future. I have seen him for my follow up and fully intend to book an annual visit in 2020. which is no small thing as I live 60 miles away.I can thoroughly recommend him for any treatment.”

Denise Gilbert

I was very nervous to pull my ingrown wisdom tooth. Dr Pedro Guiterres made me feel really comfortable and the job was completed very professionally. It didn’t take long at all and I didn’t feel any pain. I would definitely recommend his service at this practice.

Jihan Daoud

From the day I made my first appointment. The team at Maida smile were amazing. They didn’t treat me like a customer but more like family. They have been great in every step in FINALLY GETTING MY DREAM SMILE from the receptionist to my dentist Pedro Laranjeira I can’t thank you enough and of course Pedro Laranjeira beautiful wife…… they are very professional and understand that I had to change my appointment now and then for work commitments and they were very understand. I will defo recommend them 100% not forgetting how chic the office is

Tracy Mensah

I was very nervous about having a dental implant but was immediately put at ease by Dr Pedro Gutierres. The procedure was explained in full and the care both during and after treatment has been of the highest standard. I received advice on how to look after my implant and have had no problems. I highly recommend.

Dawn Briggs

I had 7 implants installed by Dr Pedro Gutierres, including one which required a bone graft. In my 70 years I’ve had some bad experiences with dental treatment so it takes a lot for me to relax but, from my initial consultation, through to the end of the treatment, I had complete trust in Pedro’s expertise: preparations for the treatment and after-care were extremely thorough and fully explained, the treatment itself was surprisingly endurable (considering what was involved) and the implants have made a major difference to my life. If you are considering implants then I would whole-heartedly and sincerely recommend Pedro for this work.

Russ Hickman

I couldn’t recommend Maida Smiles enough: the care, attention to detail and the way Dentists and Nurses made sure I felt comfortable and safe throughout the treatments was incredible. Dr Pedro explained the treatments in detail to me and I have never felt under pressure to proceed… but I am very glad I did as I am happy and confident to smile again!

Mariana Pinheiro

Highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a friendly and trustworthy practice with an incredibly friendly and patient staff. Dr Pedro has been one of the best dentists I’ve ever had, he made me feel comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining every step of what he was doing and answering all of my questions. Amazing thorough the procedure, excellent communication, superb and professional treatment. I hope they keep it this way for a long time.

Joas Souza

Dr Pedro is a very good, confident and experienced professional. I’ve known him for some years now and always felt well cared for, either for small or bigger treatments.The facilities of the clinic are amazing and all the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.”

Nelson Cafruni

I went to different clinics before, and nobody could really convince me until Maida Smiles did. The team here makes you comfortable , shows you different options and different budgets , and doesn't try to make you go only for one plan. I felt that the team was knowledgeable and wanted to help me , so that's why I decided to start

Diogo

I was referred to Dr. Pedro who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional, they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. I've never looked back since

Theresa

"I told him, 'I want beautiful teeth, beautiful but natural, I don't want fake looking teeth.' Now I smile, I talk... it just makes you more confident. If you wear a beautiful nice suit... you have beautiful teeth, then it's like a perfect."

Louca

"I went to my hygienist a little while ago, and she said to me they were the best implants that she'd ever seen and she would never have known that they weren't my real teeth."

Sharon

Dr. Pedro explained the process of Invisalign to me. It sounded easy, it was quite a quick process, and the end result is my teeth moved back, so I'm quite happy.

Soula

I feel like I've not just developed a professional relationship with my dentist and the staff... they become more like friends as well, because of the kind of compassion and sympathy that they give you during treatment.

Alvin

"After a friend recommended the clinic, I was referred to Dr. Pedro, who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional; they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. They have more than met my expectations. I have to have a few more implants, and I'm not afraid anymore. Now, finally, I can live again."

Lesley

"After not having a great experience with previous dental treatments, I was desperate for someone that I trusted. I broke a tooth, and even before I saw Dr. Pedro, he reassured me that I was going to be fine. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. It was an amazing experience, from not only Dr. Pedro but also all the staff in the clinic, and I would definitely recommend [them] ".

Mariana

I chose Maida Smiles because of the reviews and a friend who was really happy with the results. The results definitely met my expectations. My expressions are much more smooth than before and it really makes the difference

Carolina

I’m very grateful for the quick and efficient service I received when I needed an emergency appointment. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the dentist provided clear, helpful advice that made a real difference. The whole experience was reassuring. Highly recommend their professionalism and expertise!

Safiya Guled

I am always anxious when having to see the dentist and this was one of my first experiences with Maida Smiles. The dentist, Benedict Harrison was very reassuring and immediately put me at ease. He was quite lucid in his explanations of what had to be done, etcetera, and is making good progress with the ongoing treatment. Also, the rest of the staff were friendly and just plain nice.

John Jacobs

Wow wow Dr Claudia is the best dentist in London, my kid adores her and it is always a pleasant visit. Can’t recommend her enough

Bel Cohn

I am delighted with the results of my replacement veneers.

Dr Benedict Harrison was very good at talking me through the whole process and keeping me informed during the treatment if there were any issues - which there weren’t.

He has a charming demeanour which is an added advantage in a dentist, who I think we all agree are not our favourite people, overall a 5 star experience.

Karen Shepherd

I went to the Maida Smiles Clinic for the first time and had the most wonderful experience! I am dentist phobic but strangely left the place with a big smile on my face (literally!). The receptionist was super kind, Susan was impeccable and very helpful, and I had my appointment with the most amazing dentist Dr Mafalda Vilhena. Couldn’t recommend her enough. She explains the whole procedure and is very rigorous in her work. Congratulations to Dr Pedro Gutierres for creating such an excellent working environment and to all the team. I will be back and bringing my family along and we don’t even live in Maida Vale. Thank you for such an impeccable job on my teeth and for taking my fear of dentists away. Note: they don’t cover NHS, only private bookings or with insurance.

Maria Monteiro

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Directions From St John’s Wood

Address: 207-209 Sutherland Ave, London W9 1RU. Get directions.

Paid parking is available using ParkBee on Lanark Road (the road right next to the practice). For public transport users, we are a two-minute walk from Maida Vale tube station.

Mon: 09:00 – 18:00
Thu: 09:00 – 20:00
Tue: 09:00 – 20:00
Fri: 09:00 – 18:00
Wed: 09:00 – 18:00
Sat: 09:00 – 18:00
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