It’s rarely the case that people find themselves with ample planning time when they need to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant.
For many patients, the need for an implant follows an unexpected situation, like losing a tooth in an accident or getting injured playing sports. For others, the need results from an issue like long-standing gum disease or a failed root canal treatment.
Whatever the cause, determining how to navigate tooth loss can feel unsettling and go beyond the physical impact. You might feel uncertain about who to trust with restoring your smile, especially in a city as big as London where determining how to choose the right implant dentist can be overwhelming.
Our thoughts below reflect the considerations we often discuss with patients during consultations, and they can help you make a more confident and informed decision about your care.
1. Specialist Training and Qualifications
Implant dentistry requires a very deep understanding of a patient’s bones, gum health, and how to devise a long-term treatment plan, particularly when it comes to more complex cases.
However, not every dentist who offers implants has the same level of training or experience. And, in the UK, implant dentistry is not a formally recognised specialty, which can make things confusing.
The General Dental Council states that clinicians must work within their scope of practice to only carry out treatments they are trained and competent to perform. This means that when assessing a dentist, it is worth looking for:
- Postgraduate training in implant or periodontal care
- Ongoing professional development
- Evidence of a structured, diagnostic-led approach
In our case, our international training sets us apart. After spending four years in the US at NYU, where I learned every aspect of implants through surgery to restoration, I returned home to London with this knowledge base.
2. Experience in Complex Cases
No two implant cases are ever the same.
Some patients require a relatively straightforward solution, while others might need to be treated for gum disease or receive a bone graft before their implants can be placed safely.
An experienced implant dentist will recognise these factors early and explain them clearly. For example, if gum disease is present, it may need to be stabilised first.
The factors that matter in an implant specialist begin far before the procedure itself. When you’re looking, it’s key to pay attention to how diligently your case is assessed and planned for from the very beginning.
3. A Structured Diagnostic Process
A thorough diagnosis is one of the most important parts of implant treatment. Even so, it is sometimes overlooked.
Before recommending implants, I always carry out a structured assessment, which typically includes:
- A full review of medical and dental history
- Examination of the gums and supporting bone
- Radiographs or 3D imaging, where needed
- Evaluation of long-term risk factors
This process allows me to understand not just whether implants are possible, but whether they are likely to take root and be successful over time.
4. A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Like all facets of health and oral care, implant dentistry doesn’t sit in isolation. It often overlaps with other areas, particularly gum health.
In many of the cases I see (and especially in the more complex ones), a multi-disciplinary approach is essential. That means looking at the whole picture, not solely the missing tooth.
What this looks like in practice is considering:
- How to manage gum disease before implant placement
- Bone levels and stability assessments
- Planning for long-term maintenance
Oftentimes, patients present with gum problems in addition to missing or crooked teeth. When this happens, our multi-specialist team works together seamlessly to collaborate on a multi-faceted treatment recommendation that’s guided by natural aesthetics.
Working this way regularly allows for more stable, predictable, and sustainable outcomes over time.
5. Clear Communication and Long-Term Thinking
One of the simplest ways to assess an implant dentist is through how they communicate with you.
Patients should feel comfortable asking questions. Importantly, you should also always feel that those questions are being properly answered.
Some useful questions you can ask include:
- What is the long-term prognosis of this treatment?
- Are there any risks specific to my case?
- Will additional procedures be needed?
- How will this be maintained over time?
In my view, implant treatment should never feel rushed. It is a long-term solution, and the planning behind it should reflect that.
Taking the Time to Choose the Right Implant Dentist
Choosing the right implant dentist is about finding someone who takes the time to understand your individual situation and is skilled in planning accordingly. Taking your own time to find that right clinician is one of the most important steps you can take.
If you’re currently exploring your options, you may find it helpful to read our overview of dental implants in London and check how we approach treatment in more detail.
At London Periodontal & Implant Dentistry, our focus is always on careful diagnosis, tailored treatment planning, and sustaining smiles over the long run.
If you’re currently dealing with a missing tooth, discomfort, or concerns about a previous treatment, we invite you to book a consultation with our team to understand your options and next steps.
Dr David Holmes
Reconstructive and Implant Dentist
GDC number: 196854
David Holmes
Reconstructive and Implant Dentist
GDC number: 196854
Dr Holmes qualified with honours from Sydney University, Australia. He then spent 4 years working in one of Sydney’s leading cosmetic and implant practices. In 2006, he relocated to New York and spent the next 4 years undertaking full time postgraduate studies at New York University learning the most advanced techniques in implant dentistry. He also completed a Masters in biomaterials and biomimetics with research focusing on dental implant surfaces and grafting technologies.
Since arriving in the UK in 2010, Dr Holmes has focused his work on the more difficult and challenging implant cases. Having been through implant treatment himself, he is well placed to empathize with his patients and explain the procedure from first-hand experience, paying special attention to the maintenance and long term stability of the treatment provided. He is also passionate about looking the general dental health of his patients and when indicated doing minimally invasive cosmetic treatments to improve the overall look of their smile.
Dr Holmes is a member of the American Academy of Osseointegration, Association of Dental Implantology UK and sat on the board of the young clinician’s committee. He regularly attends National and International conferences and publishes and presents his work in peer reviewed dental journals and dental meetings.