Dental Implants in Dartford, Kent

Many people who come to see us in Dartford have been putting off the decision for years. A denture that moves when they eat, a gap that has slowly widened, or a dentist who once said there "wasn't enough bone". Dr Youssef El Mobayad sees implant patients at Smile Avenue, Dartford (DA1 1AH), and every consultation starts with a simple aim: to explain clearly what is possible for you, including the options that do not involve implants.

Is an implant right for you?

You might want to explore implants if:

• one or more teeth are missing and the gap affects how you chew, speak or smile
• you wear a partial or full denture that feels loose, rubs or makes you avoid certain foods
• your remaining teeth are failing and you are weighing up a long-term plan for the whole mouth
• a tooth has been missing for some time and you are worried the bone has shrunk

Age alone is rarely the deciding factor. Your general health, medicines, gum condition, bone levels, smoking and conditions such as diabetes matter more, because they affect healing. All of these are assessed before anything is recommended.

The treatment options explained

For a general overview, see our dental implants treatment page.

Replacing one tooth. A single implant (a titanium post that replaces the root), an abutment and a custom-made crown. Because the implant stands on its own, the teeth either side are left as they are.

Replacing several teeth. Where a few neighbouring teeth are missing, two or more implants can carry a fixed bridge, so you often need fewer implants than missing teeth. This can reduce the amount of surgery and the cost, without relying on your natural teeth for support.

Implant-supported dentures. For denture wearers, a small number of implants can anchor a denture so that it clips firmly in place. One case in our smile gallery shows failing teeth removed and the mouth rehabilitated with an implant-supported denture over six months. For many people this is a good middle ground between a conventional denture and a fully fixed arch.

Full-arch fixed teeth (All-On-X). If a whole jaw needs rebuilding, a fixed bridge can be supported on several implants. It is not taken out at night and is cleaned in place. In one gallery case, six implants were placed under a guided surgical protocol, followed by a healing period and then a full zirconia bridge, six months from start to finish.

When a tooth has to come out. It is sometimes possible to place an implant straight into the socket after an extraction and fit a temporary crown the same day. This depends on the bone and gum around the tooth.

What if I've been told I don't have enough bone?

Bone naturally shrinks once a tooth is lost, and dentures can speed this up. Dr Youssef has advanced training in bone augmentation. Common approaches are:

• Bone grafting: usually with a xenograft, a biocompatible material of animal origin that acts as a scaffold for your own bone to grow into. In some cases a small amount of your own bone is used.
• Sinus lift: creates room for implants in the upper back jaw, where the sinus often sits close to the gum after teeth are lost.

Both are done under local anaesthetic. The grafted area normally needs three to six months to heal before, or alongside, implant placement. Read Bone grafting explained for more detail.

What happens at each stage

Stage 1: Consultation and 3D scan. You talk through your concerns and medical history, your mouth is examined and 3D (CBCT) imaging of the jaw is taken. The scan shows the bone volume and where the nerves and sinus lie, so the implant can be planned accurately. 3D (CBCT) imaging is available at Smile Avenue. The consultation is £95 and a 3D scan including a full written report is £195; both fees are deducted from your treatment cost if you go ahead.

Stage 2: A clear plan. You receive your options in writing, with timelines and itemised costs. There is no pressure to decide on the day.

Stage 3: Getting the foundations right. Gum treatment, extractions or grafting are completed first if they are needed.

Stage 4: Placing the implant. This is done under local anaesthetic, using 3D-guided planning where appropriate. Sedation is available, and the options are discussed at your consultation.

Stage 5: Integration. For three to six months, the implant bonds with the jawbone. A temporary tooth or your adapted denture keeps you looking natural in the meantime.

Stage 6: Your final teeth. The permanent crown, bridge or denture is made and fitted, and your bite is fine-tuned.

Recovery and the months that follow

Most patients are back to normal routines within a day or two. Expect some tenderness and swelling for a few days and stick to soft foods while it settles. Your individual timeline is set at your consultation: simpler single-implant cases in our gallery took around four months, and full-arch cases around six.

Looking after your implants

Every patient leaves with a tailored care plan. This includes how to clean around implants and under bridges, follow-up visits to check healing, and regular reviews, typically every six to twelve months, of the implant, gum and bone. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes raise the risk of problems, and a night guard can protect your implants if you grind your teeth. With this care, implants can serve you well for many years, but longevity differs from person to person. See How long do dental implants last?.

Comparing implants with bridges and dentures

• Conventional bridge: usually quicker, from £750 per unit, but the teeth on either side are reshaped to hold it, and the bone under the gap is not stimulated.
• Removable denture: the least invasive option. It rests on the gums, can move, and does not stop bone loss.
• Implants: they take longer and need minor surgery, but they are anchored in the bone, do not depend on neighbouring teeth, and help preserve the jawbone.

The right answer depends on your health, priorities and budget, and the cost of each option is explained at your consultation. More in Are dental implants worth it?.

About Dr Youssef

Dr Youssef El Mobayad is an implant and restorative dentist registered with the General Dental Council (GDC no. 277980), with more than 15 years in practice. He holds a BDS, an MSc from King's College London and a Diploma in Dental Implantology from the Royal College of Surgeons. He has also completed advanced training in full mouth rehabilitation and in bone augmentation, including grafting and sinus lifts, which is why he is often asked about more complex cases. He believes that dentistry is both science and art, and that a beautiful result has to rest on healthy gums and bone. Implant treatment at Smile Avenue is planned and led by Dr Youssef El Mobayad. Meet Dr Youssef.

Guide prices in Dartford

Prices are a guide (see our full price guide). Your exact fee is confirmed after your consultation. Interest-free payment plans over 12 months are available, subject to status. Your exact plan will be discussed at your consultation.

Visiting us in Dartford

Smile Avenue, Dartford, Kent DA1 1AH

Clinic phone: +44 1322 464569

Website: Visit Smile Avenue's website

Opening hours: Mon: 10am – 6pm, Wed: 10am – 6pm, Sat: 10am – 3pm

The nearest station is Dartford (Southeastern and Thameslink).

Dr Youssef also sees patients at Innovadent in Canary Wharf, and Harley Street appointments are available on request. See all clinics.

Take the first step

Results vary from person to person, and the only way to know what is right for you is a consultation. To book, or simply to ask a question first, send us a message on WhatsApp. A photo of the area that is bothering you can help us prepare. You can also call Smile Avenue on +44 1322 464569 or contact us through the website.