Dental Implants (advice?)

Hi.

I lost my two upper front teeth in a swimming pool accident in my teens. Now i'm in my mid-forties. I've been using a maryland bridge for several years now.

Recently I read that the metal in maryland bridges can cause corrosion in gums, which is probably why I have been experiencing steady gum recession over the past ten years or so.

Recently, I lost my upper left pre-molar due to gum desease. I am now seriously considering getting an implant to replace this tooth as well as my two long time missing front teeth.

Can anyone give any advice as to what this process entails and how long the entire procedure will take from start to finish ? I hear that the procedure can leave you toothless for several months until every thing is complete. Is this true or is one allowed to wear dentures in the interim ? I ask this because although I think I may be able to afford the procedure out of my savings, I really can't afford to stop working.

My final question is for those who live in the uk who've had implants done. Can any of you recommend a good specialist in the uk, somebody tried and tested, who knows what they are doing ? How much does it cost from start to finish ?

Thank you for your assistance.