Dental implants explained: your options from single tooth to All-on-4

Most people who look into dental implants for the first time come away more confused than when they started. There are single implants, implant dentures, All-on-4, All-on-6, same day teeth; the terms get thrown around as though everyone already knows what they mean. They don't, and there's no reason you should either.

This is a plain guide to what each option actually means, who it tends to suit, and how the process works if you go ahead. Nothing here replaces a proper assessment, but it should help you walk into that assessment already knowing what questions to ask.

‍

Key takeaways

‍

• A single implant replaces one missing tooth without touching the teeth either side of it
• All-on-4 and All-on-6 replace a full arch of teeth using four or six implants as anchors
• "Same day teeth" refers to fitting a temporary set of teeth on the day of surgery, not the finished result
• Implants at our practice are one of our most requested treatments, with around 20 new enquiries a month

‍

Single implant: replacing one tooth

‍

If you've lost a single tooth, whether through injury, decay or an old filling that finally gave up, a single implant is usually the option worth exploring first. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial root, and once it has fused with the bone (a process that takes a few months), a crown is fitted on top.

The main advantage over a bridge is that the teeth next to the gap are left completely alone. A bridge typically requires filing down the adjacent teeth to anchor the replacement; an implant doesn't touch them at all. It's a more conservative approach in the long run, even though it takes longer to complete.

‍

Implant dentures: a stable alternative to removable dentures

‍

For patients who've worn removable dentures for years and are tired of the slipping, the clicking, and the constant awareness that something isn't quite secure, implant dentures are worth a conversation. A small number of implants are placed to anchor the denture in place, so it clips in rather than resting loosely on the gum.

It's a middle ground between a full removable denture and a completely fixed set of replacement teeth, and for many people it solves the day-to-day frustration without the cost or complexity of a full arch of fixed implants.

‍

All-on-4 and All-on-6: replacing a full arch

‍

All-on-4 uses four implants, strategically angled, to support a full arch of fixed replacement teeth. All-on-6 uses six. The extra two implants in All-on-6 spread the biting load further, which some dentists prefer for patients with heavier bite forces or less available bone, though four is often perfectly sufficient.

Either way, the result is a full set of teeth that doesn't come out at night, doesn't need adhesive, and functions much closer to natural teeth than a traditional denture ever could. It's a bigger commitment, both in terms of cost and the number of appointments involved, but for patients missing most or all of their teeth in an arch, it tends to be the treatment that actually changes daily life.

‍

What "same day teeth" actually means

‍

Here's where the marketing sometimes gets ahead of the reality. "Same day teeth" means you leave your implant surgery with a temporary set of teeth fitted on the day, so you're never without teeth during healing. It does not mean your final, permanent teeth are ready that same day.

The temporary set looks natural and functions well enough for everyday life, but the implants still need several months to properly integrate with the bone before the permanent replacement teeth are fitted. Any practice that promises a finished result on day one is either using very loose language or overselling. We'd rather be upfront about the timeline than have you disappointed later.

‍

What happens during your implant assessment

‍

Every implant journey here starts the same way regardless of which option ends up being right for you. First, a free Zoom consultation with our treatment coordinator to talk through your goals and history. Then, an in-person appointment where one of our dentists carries out a full assessment, including a CT scan using our CBCT scanner, which gives a detailed 3D image of your jawbone and helps map exactly where implants can safely be placed.

From there, you'll get a verbal breakdown of the recommended treatment plan on the day, followed by a full written plan and cost breakdown so you can review everything at home before deciding anything.

‍

Cost and payment options

‍

Treatment cost varies significantly depending on how many implants are needed and which option suits your case, so we won't quote a figure without seeing you first. What we can say is that finance is available through Tabeo with no deposit required, including 0% over 12 months, 9.9% over 18 months, or lower rates spread across 24 to 60 months for larger treatment plans.

‍

Anxious about the idea of implant surgery?

‍

You wouldn't be the first. If dental treatment makes you nervous, we offer IV sedation with a trusted external specialist, which can be arranged alongside any implant treatment for an additional cost. It's worth mentioning at your Zoom consultation so we can factor it into your appointment planning from the start.

‍

Book your free implant consultation

‍

If you're missing one tooth or several, the best next step is a free Zoom consultation to talk through your situation properly before anything is decided. It costs nothing, and it's a far better use of your time than trying to work out which implant option applies to you from a search engine.

‍

Frequently asked questions

‍

How long do dental implants take from start to finish?

It varies by case, but you should expect several months in total, since the implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone before the final replacement tooth or teeth are fitted. Your treatment plan will give you a realistic timeline for your specific situation.

‍

Are All-on-4 implants painful?

Discomfort is generally manageable with standard pain relief, and IV sedation is available if you'd prefer to be more relaxed during the procedure itself. Most patients describe the recovery as similar to a straightforward extraction, not significantly worse.

‍

What's the difference between All-on-4 and traditional dentures?

All-on-4 is fixed in place using implants and doesn't come out; traditional dentures are removable and rest on the gum, which is why they can shift or need adhesive. All-on-4 tends to feel and function much closer to natural teeth.

‍

Do I need a CT scan before implant treatment?

Yes, in almost all cases. A CT scan gives us a detailed view of your jawbone so we can plan implant placement accurately and safely, which is a key part of a proper implant assessment.