This page was clinically reviewed by Dr Sarah Metias, GDC 114267 (Principal Dentist, MJDF RCS England), on 2026-04-29. Verify on the GDC register →
Dental Implants
Guide
A dental implant is a titanium screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth, supporting a crown, bridge or denture above. Implants are widely regarded as the…
What we see at Tower Dental Blackpool
At our Blackpool practice, Dr San Chatterjee places Straumann implant fixtures exclusively. The decision to standardise on a single Swiss-engineered system is deliberate: it gives us a long, well-documented clinical track record, a manufacturer lifetime warranty we can pass on in writing, and consistent surgical workflow that supports predictable outcomes. We do not switch system based on cost — patient outcome stability is the priority.
Around 1 in 4 of our implant cases require a small bone graft alongside placement to optimise width, particularly in the upper front area where bone resorbs quickly after tooth loss. Bone grafting adds approximately £450 to a single-implant case and is identified at the CBCT scan stage, before any surgery is booked. We will never proceed without a CBCT scan on an implant case — the 3D anatomical detail is non-negotiable for safe placement.
Our long-term implant survival rate broadly matches the published Straumann lifetime data of approximately 95%+ at 10 years for non-smokers. Smokers see meaningfully reduced success rates, and we are honest about this at consultation. Where a patient wants to give up smoking before treatment, we will hold the appointment and support that decision; where they do not, we quote with the increased risk explained in writing.
First-hand observations from clinical practice at Tower Dental, 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW. Figures reflect typical patient experience and are not guarantees of outcome — every case is individually assessed.
What is a dental implant?
A modern dental implant is a small, screw-shaped titanium fixture placed surgically into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Over 3–6 months it integrates biologically with the bone (a process called osseointegration), providing a stable foundation for a permanent crown, bridge or implant-supported denture above.
At Tower Dental we use Straumann implants — a Swiss-made system with one of the longest clinical track records in dentistry. The fixture itself carries a manufacturer lifetime warranty (passed on in writing); the crown above is expected to last 10–15 years.
Who are dental implants suitable for?
Implants suit most adults missing one or more teeth, with healthy gums and adequate bone (or where bone grafting is feasible). Common cases: single tooth lost to trauma or root canal failure, multiple adjacent missing teeth bridged on 2 implants, all upper or lower teeth replaced on 4–6 implants (full arch / "all-on-four" type cases), and stabilising loose dentures with 2–4 supporting implants.
Implants may not be suitable, or may need additional preparation, for: smokers (success rates are lower; we will be honest about the impact), patients with uncontrolled diabetes, patients on certain bone-related medications (bisphosphonates), patients with active gum disease (treated first), and patients with insufficient bone (often resolved with bone grafting).
Treatment process
Step 1 — consultation and CBCT scan. Dr San Chatterjee (GDC 84643, MID RCS Edinburgh) examines the area, takes a 3D cone-beam CT scan to assess bone volume and anatomy, and produces a written treatment plan with clear costs and a realistic timeline.
Step 2 — surgical placement. Under local anaesthetic (sedation pathway available where indicated), the implant is precisely placed into the prepared bone site. The procedure is generally less invasive than patients expect; many describe it as easier than a tooth extraction.
Step 3 — healing (3–6 months). The implant integrates with the bone. A temporary tooth is provided where appearance matters. The site heals; you continue normal life with sensible eating advice for the first few weeks.
Step 4 — restoration. Once integration is confirmed, an impression is taken and the laboratory makes a custom porcelain crown (or bridge / denture). The restoration is fitted, the bite is checked and refined, and the implant is now functional.
Step 5 — long-term maintenance. Hygiene visits every 6 months, careful flossing/interdental cleaning, and a yearly implant review keep the result stable for decades. Peri-implantitis (gum disease around an implant) is the main long-term risk and is largely preventable through good maintenance.
Costs and finance
Single dental implant + crown at Tower Dental Blackpool starts from £2,380. Multiple-tooth implant cases are quoted in writing depending on the number of fixtures, the restoration type (single crowns vs bridge vs denture), and any preparatory work (bone grafting, sinus lift).
0% interest finance is available subject to status, typically over 6 or 10 months. Plan members receive 15% off treatment. The £40 cosmetic consultation is refundable against any implant treatment that proceeds.
Risks and limitations
Implant treatment is high-success (typically 95%+ at 10 years for single implants in non-smokers), but it is surgery and carries risks. Honest information matters: integration failure (rare but possible — a failed implant is removed and the site allowed to heal before re-attempt at no further cost in many cases), bone loss around the implant over years (largely preventable with maintenance), nerve injury (rare; CBCT planning minimises risk), sinus complications (lower jaw / upper jaw anatomy considered carefully), and peri-implantitis (analogous to gum disease, manageable with hygiene).
Smoking significantly reduces implant success. We will tell you this honestly. If you want to give up before treatment, we can support that decision; if not, we will quote with the increased risk explained.
How long do dental implants last?
The implant fixture itself can last a lifetime in the right patient with good maintenance — the Straumann manufacturer warranty reflects this. The crown above the implant is expected to last 10–15 years, similar to a crown on a natural tooth, and may need replacement at end of life (without disturbing the implant beneath in most cases).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take?
Typically 4–7 months from initial CBCT to final crown fit. Surgery itself is one appointment. The waiting time is mostly for biological integration of the implant with bone, which cannot be rushed safely.
Is implant surgery painful?
Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the procedure is. Local anaesthetic makes the surgery itself painless. Post-op discomfort is usually mild for a few days, controlled with paracetamol or ibuprofen. IV sedation pathways are available for anxious patients.
What is the difference between an implant and a bridge?
A bridge replaces a missing tooth using the adjacent teeth as anchors (which need to be prepared, removing healthy enamel). An implant is a freestanding tooth root that does not depend on the neighbouring teeth. See our comparison.
Can implants replace dentures?
Yes — implant-supported dentures are far more stable than traditional dentures. We typically place 2–4 implants per arch to support a fixed or removable implant denture. See our comparison.
What happens if an implant fails?
Modern implant failure rates are low (around 2–5% over 10 years in non-smokers). If a fixture fails to integrate, it is removed and the site is allowed to heal. A second implant can usually be placed once healing is complete, often at no further fixture cost. Full terms in your written treatment plan.
Do I need a bone graft?
Many patients do not. Where bone volume is borderline, a small graft (often using synthetic or processed bone material) increases bone width or height to make implant placement safe and predictable. Bone grafting is quoted separately and discussed with you before any treatment proceeds.
Where can I have dental implants in Blackpool?
At Tower Dental, 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW, with Dr San Chatterjee, dentist with a special interest in implantology, GDC 84643, MID RCS Edinburgh. See our implants page.
Can I get implants if I smoke?
Yes, but with significantly higher failure risk and slower healing. We will tell you this honestly at consultation, quote with that risk in mind, and support you to give up smoking before treatment if that is something you would like to consider.
Related at Tower Dental Blackpool
Considering dental implants? Talk it through.
This guide is national and educational. The right plan for you depends on your starting position. Book a £40 cosmetic consultation with Dr Sarah Metias for a personalised written plan.
Tower Dental · 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW · GDC Registered · CQC Regulated · Last reviewed 2026-04-29