Testimonials:

Nearly a year ago, my teeth were not in good shape, notably those in the upper jaw.
So, consultations began with the dentist’s detailed prognosis, information and advice. 
Three choices emerged:
1. Leave as was, repairing as much damage as possible.    (Probably suitable for the lower jaw only, so was chosen as such).
2. Treat/remove individual teeth and replace with denture/s.     (Unattractive to me).
3. Remove all upper jaw teeth and insert implants.    (Seemed the most suitable. I wanted something that felt closer to having real teeth).
Next came a series of X-rays, in reassuringly hi-tech surroundings.
I was informed that the entire business might take about 6-9 months to complete. There needed to be time-gaps to ensure healing and acclimatisation.
Later, there was a further consultation, in which mouldings and measurements were taken in preparation for the procedure itself.
The next week, I was in the dentist’s chair at 9.30 am. As agreed, only the upper jaw was to be dealt with.I had a local anaesthetic, but was not sedated (It seems that a few patients react to sedation by becoming too relaxed. It is better for the dentist to perform his intricate task if the patient can respond readily to guidance. However, I understand that those who prefer it are always welcome to take the sedation option).
It was a lengthy process. I didn’t feel a thing, although I could hear my teeth being removedand the implant sites being drilled, which some might find slightly disconcerting. I got out of the chair at about 1.15 pm. Before the numbness wore off, I took two Paracetamol tablets and no further medication was necessary. Later that day, I was pleasantly surprised that post-operation pain was mild, and non-existent by the following day.
A  temporary denture was supplied, so that I could look respectable and eat relatively normally. 
After a further three weeks, there came the first version of a new set of teeth, consisting of a long bridge supported by the four implants. It looked good, felt comfortable enough and its insertion was a painless procedure. 
For the next few months, the implants would be bedding in, so it was important that my diet was softish. Rules-of-thumb: avoid any hard food (e.g. apples , so-called “hand-cooked” crisps, etc.) and meals which require a knife and fork. Select meals that can be cut and eaten with a spoon alone (e.g. M&S Mini Meals). I got used to my new teeth quite quickly (I’ve heard that the  mouth not only heals faster than other body parts, it also seems to accomodate changes more easily).
The second version of my new teeth was inserted a few months later. It was just as painless and trouble-free as the first version. By then, I could eat more adventurously.
Finally, the third version. After years of being in a dentally sub-standard condition, I can now smile properly and eat far more enjoyably.
At every stage, the dentist and his assistants/nurses have demonstrated skill, diligence and an admirably professional attention to detail.The entire experience occupied a lot of my time and implants are not inexpensive.It was worth it.