Dental implants suit most adults in good general health who have lost one or more teeth and have enough healthy jawbone, or can have it built up. They’re a well-established and generally safe treatment, but there’s minor surgery involved and it takes several months. At Toothi in Edgware a single implant including the crown is £1,995.
This page covers safety, the pros and cons, whether they’re worth it, and implants for older people. Toothi London, Edgware. Last reviewed 25 October 2026.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Once it has bonded with the bone, it supports a crown, a bridge or a denture. Unlike removable dentures or traditional bridges, an implant doesn’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support, and it looks and works much more like a natural tooth.
Are dental implants safe?
For most healthy adults, yes. Implants have been around for decades and are routine, well-researched treatment. Like any surgery they carry some risk, so the assessment and planning matter.
The main risks are infection around the implant, the implant not bonding with the bone, temporary or (rarely) lasting numbness if a nerve is affected, and problems with the sinus in the upper jaw. Longer term, gum disease around an implant (peri-implantitis) can lead to bone loss if it isn’t kept in check. Risks are higher for people who smoke, have poorly controlled diabetes or have untreated gum disease. Our page on dental implants for diabetics and smokers goes into this.
To keep risk down, every case at Toothi starts with an examination and a 3D CBCT scan of the jaw, which shows bone volume and where the nerves and sinuses sit. The CBCT scan is taken at a referral imaging centre and paid to them directly. It isn’t included in the implant fee. Where appropriate, implants are planned digitally and placed with a surgical guide (see guided implant surgery). Placement is under local anaesthetic, and do dental implants hurt? explains what it feels like.
What are the pros and cons of dental implants?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Look and feel much like natural teeth | Involves minor surgery under local anaesthetic |
| Fixed in place – no adhesives or removing at night (for single implants and bridges) | Treatment typically takes several months from start to finish |
| Do not need neighbouring teeth to be cut down, unlike a conventional bridge | Higher upfront cost than dentures or bridges |
| Help preserve the jawbone where the tooth was lost | Not everyone has enough bone; some need a bone graft first |
| Can last many years with good care | Need good cleaning and regular check-ups to stay healthy |
| Can stabilise a loose denture (snap-on dentures) | Smoking and some health conditions raise the risk of failure |
For a side-by-side with other options, see implants vs dentures vs bridge.
Are dental implants worth it?
For many people, yes, but it depends on what matters to you. Implants cost more upfront than a denture or bridge. On the other hand they don’t lean on neighbouring teeth, they help keep the jawbone, and with good care they can last many years, while bridges and dentures usually need replacing more often. Whether that trade-off is worth it is a personal decision, and it’s one we talk through with you at the consultation.
Implants may not be the best choice if you have untreated gum disease, smoke heavily and don’t plan to stop, or would prefer to avoid surgery. In those cases a bridge or denture may suit you better, and we’ll say so.
Why does bone matter after losing a tooth?
When a tooth is lost, the bone that held it slowly shrinks. Over time that can change the shape of the gum and, with several missing teeth, the face. An implant sits in the bone like a root and helps preserve it, which dentures and conventional bridges don’t. If bone has already been lost, a bone graft can sometimes rebuild it before or during implant placement.
Are dental implants suitable for older people?
Often, yes. There’s no upper age limit for dental implants. What matters is general health, bone quality and being able to keep the implants clean. Plenty of people in their 60s, 70s and beyond have implants successfully.
Things we check more carefully in older patients include medications that affect bone or healing (such as some osteoporosis drugs and blood thinners), diabetes control, and dexterity for cleaning. For people who have worn a full denture for years and struggle with it slipping, a snap-on denture on two to four implants can be a practical option. Your medical history is reviewed in full before any plan is agreed.
Are dental implants right for you? Who is a good candidate
- Adults with one or more missing teeth, or teeth that need to be removed.
- Enough healthy jawbone, or suitability for a bone graft.
- Healthy gums, or gum disease treated and under control first.
- General health that allows minor oral surgery.
- Willingness to keep up cleaning and regular check-ups.
Suitability is decided at the free consultation. Our page on the dental implant consultation explains what happens.
How much do dental implants cost at Toothi?
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Implant consultation with written plan | Free |
| CBCT 3D scan – at a referral imaging centre, paid to them directly | Not included |
| Single implant including crown | £1,995 |
| Second implant at the same visit | £1,795 |
| Implant bridge – 2 implants, 3 teeth | £4,495 |
| Implant-retained (snap-on) denture, per arch | £7,995 |
| Bone graft, if needed | from £395 |
Prices are fixed and taken from our fees page. More detail in dental implant cost UK, how long do dental implants last? and on our dental implants in Edgware page.
Dental implant results from our patients
Missing teeth replaced with implants at Toothi in Edgware.
Photos of our own patients, shared with their consent. Individual results vary.
See our dental implant page →Dental implant FAQs
How do I know if dental implants are right for me?
The only reliable way is an assessment. At Toothi in Edgware the implant consultation is free and includes a written plan; the CBCT scan, if needed, is paid directly to the referral imaging centre.
Are dental implants safe?
For most healthy adults, yes. They’re a well-established treatment, but like any surgery there are risks, including infection, the implant not integrating and, rarely, nerve or sinus problems. Careful assessment, a CBCT scan and good aftercare reduce these risks.
Are dental implants worth it?
For many people, yes. They cost more upfront than a denture or bridge but don’t rely on neighbouring teeth, help preserve the jawbone and can last many years with good care. Whether they’re right for you is discussed at the free consultation.
What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
They involve minor surgery, take several months, cost more upfront than other options, and need good cleaning and regular check-ups. Some people need a bone graft first, and smoking or poorly controlled diabetes raise the risk of failure.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
There’s no upper age limit. What matters is general health, bone quality and being able to keep the implants clean. Implants are generally placed once the jaw has finished growing in adulthood.
How long do dental implants last?
With good care and regular check-ups, implants can last many years. The crown on top may need replacing at some point due to normal wear.
Is the CBCT scan included in the implant price?
No. The CBCT scan is taken at a referral imaging centre and paid to them directly. The implant consultation and written plan at Toothi are free.
Are dental implants available on the NHS?
Generally not for adults in England, except in specific clinical circumstances in hospital settings. Toothi is a fully private practice. See dental implants on the NHS.
Book now – choose your time · Call 020 3148 2444 or WhatsApp us · 1 Handel Parade, Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, HA8 6LD · Open seven days.
0% finance is available over up to 10 months on treatment over £250. Cherry Dental Ltd trading as Toothi is a credit broker, not a lender, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 957242). Credit is provided by Tabeo, subject to status. All treatment is subject to clinical assessment. Prices correct as of October 2026.
