There’s something about losing a tooth that feels bigger than it looks. It’s not just the gap in your smile, though that’s often the first thing you notice in the mirror. It’s the way you start chewing on one side without realising, or how you hold back a laugh in case someone spots it.
If you’ve decided you’ve had enough of all that, tooth implants in London might be the fix you’ve been waiting for. But before you imagine yourself biting into a crisp apple with confidence again, it’s worth knowing: the best results start with good preparation.
The surgery itself is just one part of the story; the preparation before surgery matters too, which is why we’ll be looking at 9 things dentists want you to know before coming in for tooth implants in London.
An implant needs a healthy home which means your gums, other teeth, and the bone underneath should be in good shape before anything starts.
Think of it like building a house, you wouldn’t put up the walls without making sure the foundations are solid. Sometimes preparation is as simple as a scale and polish. Other times, it might mean treating gum inflammation or replacing an old filling before you go ahead.
It’s tempting to skip over small details in your medical history, but they matter. Conditions such as diabetes, certain medications, and yes—even smoking—can affect healing.
Your dentist isn’t judging you; they just need the full picture so they can plan your treatment properly. Sometimes that means adjusting the timing or taking a slightly different approach, all to make sure the implant settles in as it should.
Implants aren’t a same-day in-and-out treatment like a quick filling. After the titanium post is placed, there’s a healing period (usually a few months) before the crown goes on.
If you’ve got a wedding, a big work presentation, or a long holiday booked, tell your dentist. They can help plan the timeline so you’re not halfway through treatment when life gets busy.
It’s no secret that tooth implants in London are an investment. But when you look at how long they last compared to dentures or bridges, most people see them as money well spent.
Sorting out finances early means you’re not worrying about cost halfway through the process and you can just focus on getting your new tooth.
Your body is the real hero after implant surgery—after all, it’s the one doing the healing. A few small changes before the big day can make a difference:
Even a couple of weeks of better habits can help you recover faster.
For the first day or two, you’ll want to take it easy on the chewing. That doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck with plain porridge—unless you really want to.
You can enjoy options like smooth soups, mashed potatoes, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, and ripe bananas. Have them ready before your appointment so you’re not wandering the supermarket after surgery wondering what you can eat.
Wondering if you can have tea the morning of your appointment? Not sure how long the numbness lasts? Ask.
There’s no such thing as a silly question here. The more you understand about the process, the less guessing you’ll do on the day—and that means less stress.
Even if your implant is placed under local anaesthetic, you might feel tired afterwards. Arrange for someone to pick you up, or at least budget for a taxi. It’s a small thing that makes the end of the day so much easier.
Most people feel fine quite quickly, but swelling or tenderness can last for a day or two. If you can, give yourself 24–48 hours without anything strenuous. That includes heavy lifting, intense gym sessions, and anything that might make you clench your jaw.
If you’re ready to take the next step, book a consultation with Smile Art Dental. Their friendly team will walk you through every stage, from the first check-up to the day you see your new smile in the mirror, helping you prepare in a way that makes the whole journey easier.
