Dental implants
Dental Implants in Preston
Missing teeth affect far more than your smile — they impact how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. Dental implants are the closest thing modern dentistry has to a natural tooth: a permanent, stable, and beautiful replacement that can last a lifetime.
Book Your ConsultationWhat Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant has fused with the bone — a process called osseointegration — a custom-made crown is attached on top, creating a restoration that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
Unlike dentures, implants are fixed permanently in place. There's no removing them at night, no adhesive, and no slipping. And unlike a bridge, implants don't rely on neighbouring teeth for support — preserving the health of your surrounding teeth in the process.
Whether you're missing one tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth, implants offer a long-term solution that restores both your smile and your confidence.
Why Patients Choose Dental Implants
Permanent Solution
Fixed in place for life with proper care — no removal required
Natural Looking
Custom-crafted crowns matched precisely to your natural teeth
Restored Confidence
Smile, eat, and speak freely — without worry or embarrassment
Protects Bone
Stimulates the jawbone to prevent the bone loss that follows tooth loss
Long Lasting
Implants can last 20+ years or a lifetime with good oral hygiene
Preserves Teeth
No need to grind down healthy adjacent teeth as with a bridge
Eat Anything
Enjoy all the foods you love — with the same bite force as natural teeth
Are You Suitable for Dental Implants?
Most adults in good general health are suitable for dental implants. The key requirement is having sufficient healthy jawbone to support the implant — though even if you've experienced some bone loss, solutions such as bone grafting may make implants possible.
You may be an excellent candidate if you:
Have one or more missing teeth, are in good general and oral health, have enough jawbone density to support an implant, are a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking during treatment, and are committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
Implants may not be suitable if you:
Are still growing (usually under 18), are pregnant, have uncontrolled diabetes or certain medical conditions affecting healing, are taking medications that affect bone density, or have significant active gum disease that hasn't been treated. We'll assess all of these factors thoroughly during your consultation.
There's only one way to know for certain — a consultation with our team. We'll carry out a full assessment, including a review of your dental and medical history, to give you a clear and honest answer about your suitability.
The Implant Process: Step by Step
Initial Consultation & Assessment
We'll carry out a comprehensive examination including X-rays and, where necessary, a CBCT scan to assess your bone density and plan the precise position for your implant. We'll review your medical and dental history, discuss your goals, and provide a full treatment plan with transparent pricing before you commit to anything.
Implant Placement
Under local anaesthetic, the titanium implant post is carefully placed into the jawbone. The procedure is more straightforward than most people expect — the area is fully numbed, and many patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is. Most people return to normal activities the following day.
Healing & Osseointegration
Over the following 3–6 months, the implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates an exceptionally strong foundation — the same biological bonding that makes implants so stable and long-lasting. During this time you'll have a temporary restoration in place so there's no gap in your smile.
Abutment Fitting
Once healed, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. This forms the foundation onto which your permanent crown will be secured. In some cases, the abutment can be placed at the same time as the implant, reducing the number of surgical appointments.
Crown Placement & Final Result
Your custom-made porcelain crown is crafted to match the shape, size, and colour of your surrounding teeth. Once fitted, your implant is complete. We'll take a final shade match and review the result together to ensure you're completely happy before you leave.
Implants vs Other Options
Dental Implants
- Permanent and fixed — no removal needed
- Feels and functions exactly like a natural tooth
- Stimulates bone to prevent jaw deterioration
- Doesn't affect adjacent healthy teeth
- Easy to clean — brush and floss as normal
- Can last 20+ years with good care
- Most cost-effective long-term solution
Dentures & Bridges
- Dentures can slip, click, and require adhesive
- Removable dentures must be taken out nightly
- Neither option prevents bone loss over time
- Bridges require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth
- Bridges are harder to clean beneath
- Both typically need replacing every 5–10 years
- Lower upfront cost, but higher long-term spend
Looking After Your Implant
One of the great advantages of dental implants is how simple they are to maintain. Unlike dentures, there are no special cleaning solutions or overnight soaking routines. You simply brush and floss your implant just as you would a natural tooth.
Attending regular check-ups and hygiene appointments is important — your dentist and hygienist will monitor the implant site and ensure the surrounding gum tissue stays healthy. With good oral hygiene and regular professional care, your implant can last a lifetime.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure, as it impairs healing and affects blood flow to the gums. If you smoke, we'll discuss this during your consultation and can provide support if you're looking to stop.
Implant Pricing
We believe in complete transparency around cost. All pricing is confirmed in writing before treatment begins, with no hidden fees. We also offer flexible payment plans to spread the cost of treatment.
Single Implant
From £[PRICE]Implant & Crown
From £[PRICE]Implant Consultation
£[PRICE]Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during placement. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is. Some mild soreness and swelling in the days following surgery is normal and managed easily with over-the-counter pain relief. Many patients return to work the very next day.
How long does the whole process take?
From initial consultation to final crown, the full process typically takes between 3 and 9 months. The majority of this time is the healing phase, during which the implant fuses with the bone. The actual surgical appointments are relatively short, and you'll have a temporary restoration throughout so there's never a visible gap.
How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a dental implant can last 20 years or more — and in many cases, a lifetime. The crown attached to the implant may need replacing after 10–15 years due to normal wear, but the implant itself is designed to be permanent.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have an excellent success rate of around 95–98% when placed by a qualified dental professional in a suitable patient. Factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor oral hygiene can reduce success rates, which is why a thorough assessment before treatment is so important.
Can I have an implant if I've had bone loss?
Possibly, yes. Bone grafting is a procedure that rebuilds lost jawbone to create a sufficient foundation for an implant. Not everyone with bone loss requires a graft, and not all bone loss makes implants impossible — it depends on the degree of loss and its location. We'll assess this fully during your consultation using detailed imaging.
Can implants replace multiple missing teeth?
Yes. Implants are versatile. A single implant supports one crown. Two implants can support a bridge replacing several teeth. And implant-retained dentures — fixed or removable — can replace a full arch of teeth using just four to six implants. We'll recommend the most appropriate solution for your specific situation.
Are dental implants available on the NHS?
NHS dental implants are extremely limited and generally only available in exceptional clinical circumstances. In most cases, implants are a private treatment. We'll provide you with a clear, itemised treatment plan and cost breakdown at your consultation, and we offer flexible payment options to make treatment more accessible.
Will my implant look natural?
Yes. Your crown is custom-designed and shade-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Most people — including the patient themselves — cannot tell an implant crown from a natural tooth. The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions exactly as nature intended.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Book a dental implant consultation at Fishergate Hill Dental. Our experienced team will assess your suitability, walk you through your options, and create a personalised treatment plan — with no pressure and complete transparency on cost.
Book Your Consultation or call us on 01772 253418