Dental implants provide a significantly better long-term solution to missing teeth. A dental implant is a replacement for the root of a missing tooth and is surgically placed in your jaw to firmly support a replacement tooth or teeth, such as a bridge, crown or denture. They’re usually made of titanium, and as the area heals, the ideal goal is for the surrounding bone to grow around the implant and help hold it firmly in place.
At Church Street Dental Practice in Houghton-le-Spring, we’ll listen to what you hope to achieve with your treatment and explain each stage clearly, so you can make informed decisions about your care.
The dental implant procedure
Your treatment starts with an examination by a qualified and experienced dental professional, to assess your oral health and the bone available to support an implant. Scott Williamson is one of our implant dentists and provides much of our implant treatment right here at Church Street Dental Practice in Houghton-le-Spring, alongside other clinicians in our team.
Your treatment will usually take place in stages:
- Examination and assessment: We will examine your teeth and gums, check for concerns such as gum disease and assess whether there is enough bone to support your implant.
- Scan and treatment planning: Your scan will help us assess the amount and shape of the available bone and plan where your implant will be placed.
- Implant placement: The area will be numbed with local anaesthetic before your jaw is carefully prepared and the implant is placed. Your gum is then closed and given time to heal.
- Healing: As you heal, the surrounding bone gradually grows around the implant, helping to hold it firmly in place. Depending on your treatment plan, you may be provided with a temporary bridge or denture during this stage.
- Final restoration: Once the area has healed sufficiently, a healing cap may be attached to help shape your gum before your final crown, bridge or denture is fitted.
Advantages of dental implants
Dental implants can provide several benefits when replacing missing teeth. For you, this can mean:
- Supporting your jawbone: An implant can help preserve bone in the area where your tooth has been lost.
- Eating more comfortably: Because the implant is held firmly in your jaw, it can give your replacement tooth the support needed for comfortable chewing.
- Protecting neighbouring teeth: A single dental implant can replace your missing tooth without relying on the teeth beside the gap for support.
- Making daily cleaning manageable: You can care for your implant as part of your normal oral hygiene routine, and we’ll show you how.
- Restoring your smile: Your replacement tooth or teeth can be designed to complement your surrounding teeth for a natural looking result.
How much do dental implants cost?
| Treatment |
Fee |
| Dental implant placement |
From £1,700 |
| Implant crown |
£1,600 |
| Implant retainer bridge |
From £2,200 |
The placement of your dental implant and your final replacement tooth or teeth, such as a crown or bridge, are separate parts of your treatment and have different fees.
Private dental implants are the usual route for treatment because implants are only available through the NHS in limited circumstances. The NHS guidance on dental treatments explains that implants may sometimes be available for patients who cannot wear dentures because of an accident or mouth cancer.
You can view our full treatment fees for more information about our current prices. You can also contact us or call us on 0191 584 3247 to arrange a dental implant consultation. If you’re travelling from Durham, you can visit us here at Church Street Dental Practice in Houghton-le-Spring. We’ll assess your teeth and give you a personalised estimate, so you know what your treatment is expected to cost before deciding to go ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Am I suitable for dental implants?
You may be suitable for dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth. Before recommending treatment, we’ll check that your mouth and jawbone are healthy enough to support an implant and ask about your general health and any medical conditions that may affect your treatment. If you smoke, we’ll discuss this with you too, as smoking can affect healing and increase the risk of implant complications. It does not necessarily mean you cannot have implant treatment.
How long does dental implant treatment take?
Dental implant treatment commonly takes place over several months because your implant needs time to become stable in the jawbone before your replacement tooth or teeth can be fitted. We’ll explain the expected timeframe for your treatment, although this can vary depending on how you heal.
Where can I get dental implants in Durham?
If you’re based in Durham and need dental implants, you can get treatment with us at Church Street Dental Practice in nearby Houghton-le-Spring.
Where can I get dental implants near Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead?
You can get dental implant treatment with us at Church Street Dental Practice in Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne & Wear. We welcome patients travelling from Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead.
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