What are dental implants, and how do they work?

Dental implants are tiny, strong titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots, surgically placed directly into your jawbone. They work through a process called osseointegration, where your natural bone gradually fuses with the implant, creating an incredibly secure and stable foundation. Once this bond is solid, a custom-made crown or other prosthetic is attached to the implant, restoring the appearance and function of a natural tooth. This allows individuals to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, offering a long-lasting and effective solution for missing teeth.

How much do dental implants cost in Orkney and Shetland?

The cost of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure and the materials used. We can provide a detailed cost estimate at your initial consultation. In many situations, the cost of the treatment is only a little more than the cost of more conventional private dental treatment with crowns and bridges. Over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost-effective and satisfactory option.

How long does the dental implant process take from start to finish?

The whole dental implant process takes several months, as the implant needs time to heal and fuse to your bone before fixed permanent teeth can complete your smile. The implant surgery itself is a relatively quick procedure, but healing can take up to six months in some cases. Your new smile will be worth the wait!

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Determining if you’re a good candidate for dental implants involves a thorough assessment in our consultation. Generally, ideal candidates have healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density to support the implant, and are committed to good oral hygiene. Factors that might affect candidacy include uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, heavy smoking, or certain medical conditions and medications that can hinder healing. However, even if you have some of these challenges, advancements like bone grafting can often make implants a viable option. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a comprehensive consultation with us as we have various options and vast experience in dental implants.

Do you offer payment plans to help manage dental implant cost?

You can spread the cost of your dental implant treatment with our payment plans, arranged using our finance partner Medenta. Talk to us about our payment options today.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants have the potential to last for the rest of your life, providing they are properly looked after. As they are fused into your jawbone, they mimic natural tooth roots exactly. You need to remember to brush and floss twice a day, look after your overall health and visit your dentist for regular check-up appointments. The replacement tooth fixed on top of your implant may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear.

Dental Implants Shetland Islands - Teeth Implants Orkney

Discover how dental implants can transform your smile and increase your confidence to smile once more. We are open to patients travelling for dental implants from Orkney and the Shetland Isles. Book a consultation with our friendly team and get premium quality dental implants and impeccable service from our highly experienced dentist Geoff Gordon.

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Restore your smile with dental implants in Orkney & Shetland

Losing a tooth can be a tough experience, whether it’s due to gum disease, dental decay, or even an injury. It can significantly knock your self-confidence, especially if that gap is noticeable when you smile. While there are several ways to replace missing teeth, dental implants in Orkney and Shetland truly stand out as the most effective and beneficial solution. They’re not just about filling a space; they’re about giving you back a strong, beautiful smile that feels completely natural.

Restoring your smile with dental implants is seen as the next best thing to a natural smile. If you have a single tooth missing, or multiple missing teeth, and live in Orkney and Shetland, we could be the solution to restore your smile.

To get to us from Shetland

The flight from the Shetland Isles to Aberdeen takes just 1 hour and we are a 20-minute drive from Aberdeen airport to our dental practice. Alternatively, you can reach us by car and ferry.

To reach us from Orkney

The flight from Orkney to Aberdeen takes only 50 minutes, and we are a 20-minute car ride from Aberdeen airport. Alternatively, you can reach us by car and ferry.

Book a consultation with our team today to find out more.
Here’s a happy patient who did just that!

“Travelled from Orkney for a Consultation appointment and Dr Geoffrey very quickly appraised my situation after a high definition scan. He provided detailed solutions. I am very grateful to Dr Geoffrey who adjusted his very busy work day and performed a complex extraction to relieve me of a chronic infection. I was given a ‘goody bag’ with follow up antibiotics and anti -inflammatory and pain killers. I am delighted my wife was accepted as an NHS patient and given an appointment for routine check up. If anyone from Orkney or Shetland read this ,when i walked across the road from the clinic ,a Number 8 bus took us back to Union Square shopping area ! Without hesitation i have signed up for an Implant bridge.Many thanks to all the Staff and for the huge cup of tea on arrival. Looking forward to next visit.”

Gordon Kynoch

After having crooked front Teeth and crowns and bridges it was time to get these sorted. I got Willie and Geoff to have a look at what we could do. They came up with a plan to give me implants to give me a nice set of front teeth (6 front). After a lot of work and healing I have finally got my new front teeth. I am very impressed with the final results I could not have asked for better, the way both Willie and Geoff have treated me and gone through the process I cannot fault them. I would definitely recommend getting any work done here, And I will be looking to get more work done in the near future. Never had any issues at that practice, great bunch of people and very accommodating.

Steven Angus

Always friendly and helpful staff who go out of their way to assist you. Dentists are first class and every treatment I’ve had have been completely painless even the implants.

Raymond Simpson

Benefits of dental implants to replace teeth

Overall, dental implants provide a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional solution for replacing missing teeth, significantly improving your quality of life, including:

Improved appearance: This is a major benefit as dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth. Because they are fused to your bone, they become permanent, and restore your smile, and reduce any facial sagging caused by missing teeth.

Enhanced speech: Missing teeth can affect your ability to speak clearly. Dentures, if they are poorly fitting, can also slip and affect speech. Dental implants provide a way for you to speak without worry.

Easier eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain.

Improved oral health: Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth. More of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving your chances of good flossing techniques and brushing.

Increased comfort: Dental implants become a part of your body, so you won’t even notice any difference to your natural teeth once they are healed.

Preservation of jawbone: Implants stimulate bone growth, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure.

Durability and longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. They are a long-term solution to replace teeth.

High success rate: Dental implant treatment has a high success rate. You are in safe hands with our experienced dental implant surgeon.

Find out more about dental implants today

Why choose Portlethen dental for dental implants?

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Choosing the right implantologist is a big decision. You want someone who is highly skilled and has vast experience. Here at Portlethen Dental Practice, we’re committed to providing outstanding dental implant treatment in a professional and safe environment. But don’t just take our word for it, see what our patients say about their experiences with us.

Meet your implant surgeon & practice principal – Dr Geoff Gordon

GDC No. 85373

With over 5000 successfully restored dental implants under his belt, Geoff now also mentors and trains other dentists in this field. He has over 12 years of postgraduate studying, including the Royal College of Surgeons Diploma in Restorative Dentistry and is currently studying for a postgraduate in Implant Dentistry and an ITI diploma, you know you are in safe hands with Geoff.

Read Geoff’s profile

What is the treatment process for dental implants?

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Step 1 – Consultation

We start with an initial consultation where we discuss in detail your treatment plan and how long we envisage the treatment will take. We will assess your oral health and discuss your treatment options.

Step 2 – Assessment

In your assessment, we take detailed X-rays and scans of your mouth. Think of it like mapping out the perfect spot for your new tooth.

These images are incredibly important because they allow us to see the bone density in your jaw. For an implant to be strong and stable, it needs enough healthy bone to support it, just like a natural tooth root. Our scans help us pinpoint the ideal location, ensuring your implant has the best possible foundation.

Step 3 – Implant placement

Placing an implant is often easier than taking a tooth out and is usually done using a simple local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain at the time but, just like after an extraction, you may feel some discomfort during the week after the surgery.

After your implants have been placed, the bone in your jaw needs to grow onto them and fuse to them. This usually takes a few months. Sometimes the implants may be stable enough when they are placed for the false teeth to be fitted sooner than this.

Step 4 – Healing period

Your jawbone will fuse with the implants during the healing period, a process known as osseointegration.

Step 5 – Permanent teeth

Once the implants have fully integrated, a permanent denture, crown or bridge will be attached to the implants. The fitting makes the treatment worth the wait when you can see yourself with a full smile again. We test the crowns or bridge before fitting them in place to check the fit and make sure that you are happy with the result. We then fix them in place to the implant abutment using a special dental adhesive.

Aftercare

Aftercare is important if you are going to have a long-lasting, successful implant. We will give you detailed advice on how to look after your implants. Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, there may be areas that are difficult to reach, and you’ll be shown how to clean them.

Finance options available

We are pleased to offer flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your dental implant treatment. (Subject to suitability, minimum spend applies).

Find out more about finance

Book your dental implant consultation today!

To book your dental implant consultation please call us on 01224 781 776 or click here to book online.

Book today

Frequently asked questions

Dental implants are tiny, strong titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots, surgically placed directly into your jawbone. They work through a process called osseointegration, where your natural bone gradually fuses with the implant, creating an incredibly secure and stable foundation. Once this bond is solid, a custom-made crown or other prosthetic is attached to the implant, restoring the appearance and function of a natural tooth. This allows individuals to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, offering a long-lasting and effective solution for missing teeth.
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure and the materials used. We can provide a detailed cost estimate at your initial consultation. In many situations, the cost of the treatment is only a little more than the cost of more conventional private dental treatment with crowns and bridges. Over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost-effective and satisfactory option.
The whole dental implant process takes several months, as the implant needs time to heal and fuse to your bone before fixed permanent teeth can complete your smile. The implant surgery itself is a relatively quick procedure, but healing can take up to six months in some cases. Your new smile will be worth the wait!
Determining if you’re a good candidate for dental implants involves a thorough assessment in our consultation. Generally, ideal candidates have healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density to support the implant, and are committed to good oral hygiene. Factors that might affect candidacy include uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, heavy smoking, or certain medical conditions and medications that can hinder healing. However, even if you have some of these challenges, advancements like bone grafting can often make implants a viable option. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a comprehensive consultation with us as we have various options and vast experience in dental implants.
You can spread the cost of your dental implant treatment with our payment plans, arranged using our finance partner Medenta. Talk to us about our payment options today.
Dental implants have the potential to last for the rest of your life, providing they are properly looked after. As they are fused into your jawbone, they mimic natural tooth roots exactly. You need to remember to brush and floss twice a day, look after your overall health and visit your dentist for regular check-up appointments. The replacement tooth fixed on top of your implant may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear.

Dental Implants in Shetland & Orkney