What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post — typically 3 to 5mm in diameter and 8 to 16mm long — that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Titanium is used because it is biocompatible: over a period of 3 to 6 months, the bone grows around the post and fuses with it in a process called osseointegration.
Once the post has integrated with the bone, an abutment (connector) is attached, and a custom-made porcelain crown is fixed on top. The result is a permanent tooth that is fixed in place, does not move, does not need adhesive, and can withstand normal biting and chewing forces.
An implant is the only tooth replacement that actually replaces the root. This matters because without the stimulation of a root, the jawbone gradually resorbs — losing volume over time and changing the shape of your face. Dentures and bridges sit above the bone; they do not prevent this process. Implants do.
Who is suitable for implants?
Most adults with good general health are suitable for dental implants. Age alone is not a barrier — implants have been placed successfully in patients in their seventies and eighties. What matters is bone quality, gum health and overall medical fitness.
Factors that support suitability: adequate jawbone density (confirmed by X-ray or CT scan), healthy gums with no active periodontal disease, being a non-smoker or willing to stop during healing, and having realistic expectations about the process and timeline.
Factors that may complicate treatment: significant bone loss (may require a bone graft before implant placement), uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, certain medications that affect bone healing (such as bisphosphonates), and active gum disease. None of these are absolute barriers — they simply require careful assessment and planning.
At Tower Dental, Dr Chatterjee assesses every patient individually. If implants are not suitable, he will say so — and discuss bridges or dentures as alternatives. We would rather recommend a different treatment than place an implant that has a reduced chance of success.
The implant process — step by step
Step 1 — Consultation and assessment (Day 1). Full clinical examination, X-rays and a detailed discussion of your goals. We assess bone quality, gum health and overall suitability. If a CT scan is needed, it is arranged. You leave with a written treatment plan including itemised costs. No commitment is required.
Step 2 — Planning (1–4 weeks). The implant position, angle and depth are planned precisely using your scan data. Any preparatory treatment — such as tooth extraction, bone grafting or gum treatment — is completed before implant placement. This step ensures the implant is placed in the optimal position for long-term success.
Step 3 — Implant placement (30–60 minutes per implant). The titanium post is placed under local anaesthetic. You feel pressure but not pain. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per implant. Most patients say it was less uncomfortable than they expected — many compare it to a straightforward extraction. You go home the same day. A temporary tooth may be fitted so you are never without one.
Step 4 — Healing and osseointegration (3–6 months). The bone fuses with the titanium post. During this time you attend check-up appointments to monitor healing. There is no pain during this phase — it is simply waiting. You eat, work and live normally. The temporary tooth remains in place.
Step 5 — Final crown (2 appointments). Once the implant has fully integrated, an abutment is fitted and impressions taken for your permanent crown. The crown is lab-crafted from porcelain, shade-matched to your surrounding teeth, and cemented onto the abutment. You walk out with a permanent tooth that is indistinguishable from a natural one.
How much do dental implants cost?
At Tower Dental Blackpool, a single dental implant including the titanium post, abutment and porcelain crown costs from £2,380. The exact cost depends on the complexity of your case — whether bone grafting is needed, the number of implants being placed, and whether additional preparatory treatment is required.
Every patient receives a written quote at consultation with all costs itemised. No work begins until you approve the plan. 0% interest-free finance is available over 6 or 10 months. The price we quote is the price you pay — there are no hidden fees.
How long do dental implants last?
The titanium post can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene. Published systematic reviews show survival rates above 95% at 10 years and above 90% at 15 years. The porcelain crown on top may need replacing after 15 to 20 years due to normal wear — but the implant itself is permanent. No other tooth replacement option has this longevity.
What affects longevity: oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, regular dental check-ups), smoking (reduces blood supply to the gums and increases failure risk), the quality of the initial placement, and the patient's overall health. An implant placed correctly by an experienced clinician, in a patient who maintains good hygiene, has an excellent long-term prognosis.
Implants vs bridges vs dentures
| Implant | Bridge | Denture | |
| Lifespan | Lifetime (post) | 10–15 years | 5–10 years |
| Bone preservation | Yes | No | No |
| Adjacent teeth | Unaffected | Filed down | Clasps |
| Removable? | No (fixed) | No (fixed) | Yes |
| Eating | Full function | Near-full | Restricted |
| Cost (Tower Dental) | From £2,380 | From £1,713 | From £483 |
Implants are the most expensive option upfront — but over a 20-year period, they are often the most cost-effective. A denture costing £500 that needs replacing every 7 years costs £1,500 over 20 years and involves ongoing adhesive, adjustment and replacement costs. An implant costing £2,380 lasts the same 20 years with only routine hygiene costs. Bridges require filing down adjacent healthy teeth, which can compromise those teeth long-term.
Recovery and aftercare
Day 1–3: Mild soreness and swelling at the implant site. Managed with standard painkillers (ibuprofen and paracetamol). Eat soft foods. Avoid the implant site when brushing. Most patients return to work the next day.
Week 1–2: Swelling subsides. Stitches dissolve or are removed. You can resume normal eating on the opposite side. The implant site should not be disturbed.
Months 1–6: The osseointegration period. No pain. You attend check-ups to monitor healing. Your temporary tooth remains in place. You eat, work and live normally.
Long-term care: Brush twice daily. Floss around the implant. Attend regular dental check-ups and hygienist appointments. Do not smoke. With proper care, your implant should last a lifetime.
What can go wrong?
Implant failure is uncommon — typically 2 to 5% of cases. The most common cause is poor osseointegration, where the bone does not fuse fully with the titanium post. This usually becomes apparent before the permanent crown is fitted. If it happens, the post is removed, healing is allowed, and a second attempt can often be made.
Other risks include infection at the implant site (rare, treated with antibiotics), nerve damage causing numbness (very rare, usually temporary), and peri-implantitis — inflammation of the gum and bone around the implant caused by poor hygiene, similar to gum disease around natural teeth.
All risks are explained in detail at your consultation. We believe informed consent means giving you the honest picture — not just the best-case scenario.