Appletree Dental Care, 3 Crow Road, Glasgow, G11 7RT

Tel: 0141 339 1961

Dental Implants Glasgow

Dental implants involve an artificial tooth root which is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or dental bridge. This makes it a really good long-lasting alternative to dentures and the perfect solution for missing teeth. An implant may not be the same as having your own tooth but it’s the next best thing.

I recently had a dental implant with Dr Brendan Murphy at Appletree Dental Care. If you are looking for an implant I would highly reccomend Brendan and Appletree dental care. I recieved excellent dental care, which was good value for money. The whole team were very friendly and Brendan explained everything clearly. My dental implant feels and looks great, to the extend that I feel like I have my own tooth back! Tim Martin, Glasgow patient

What happens when you get dental implants?

In this video Glasgow dentist Dr Brendan Murphy explains what is involved when you get a dental implant at his practice in Glasgow.

He also talks about implant aftercare and explains what you can and cannot eat after a tooth implant.

Dr Murphy is an experienced implantologist, attending international courses and with a particular interest in the latest advances in implant technology.

implant testimonials patient 1

I've just finished my first three implants and because I am so happy with them I'm getting more done now.

Innes: Implant Patient

implant testimonials patient 2

Brendan stuck with me and for the first time in many years I don't have any pain in the lower part of my mouth.

May: Implant patient

implant testimonials patient 3

I had very bad teeth at the top and now I have a beautiful smile! The staff have been wonderful, very welcoming.

Alison: Implant patient

What does implant surgery feel like?

Innes, a dental implant patient in Glasgow describes his experience at Appletree Dental Care, how he damaged his own front teeth, how he felt about his missing teeth and how he found the experience of getting dental implants fitted.

Benefits of dental implants

  • They help protect your other healthy teeth
  • They help keep the natural shape of your face
  • They have become a very successful form of dental treatment
  • They last a long time and tend to prove very stable
  • You worry less about what you eat
  • Closest thing to getting your original teeth back

The implant procedure

dental implant screw illustration

Your implant treatment involves at least two visits to the dental surgery:

  1. First of all we prepare the correct size of cavity in the bone. This prepares the tooth for the implant.
  2. The implant itself is like a hollow screw. It is usually made of titanium and is available in different sizes to ensure an accurate fit.
  3. This then attaches itself to the bone over a few weeks.
  4. The next part is what goes onto your tooth implant. This could be a porcelain crown or a bridge or even a denture. It depends on your requirements.
  5. Our dental laboratory partners are closely involved in shading the finished porcelain work to match your existing teeth as closely as possible. This ensures the final result is very cosmetic and long lasting.

Implant Reviews

The whole process of an implant was well explained as were the time frames.The time and effort he put into the process was incredible.

Matt - 5 star review on Google

Review of implant for front upper tooth After number of years my front upper tooth root had resorbed which left it unstable and loose. This was pretty traumatic for myself. After researching a number of options and going for a number consultations, Brendan and his team really stood out making me feel at ease. The process was excellent and result is I have an implant that feels and looks better than I could hope for. I can't recommend the guys highly enough. If you are looking for an implant go see them straight away! Finance option was very easy process. I would give 6 out of 5!

Tom Mitchell - 5 star review on Google

I recently had an implant at this practice after a recommendation from a friend. Brendan was charming and I felt extremely confident that he was going to do a great job from the first consultation and that was indeed the case. I'm absolutely delighted with my new implant and the treatment and service I received at this practice. Of the rest of the staff, the dental nurses are great and the receptionists are really helpful and go out of their way to accommodate appointments.

I only came to this practice for an implant as my original dentist didn't do implants but I have now changed to this dental practice. Also Laura the Hygienist is the best and most effective hygienist I have ever been to. I have since recommended my husband who has also had an implant and had an equally good experience with Appletree Dental Care.

Marnie Black

I had an implant fitted by Brendan after an implant fitted abroad had failed. Brendan was meticulous in ensuring that everything was done to make the new implant take after the damage caused with the previous attempt. I can’t thank him enough for his work and the attitude of all the staff I dealt with along the way. Fantastic.

David Holmes

I’m half way through the implants process. The staff at Appletree build a trusting relationship with the patient so that helped reduce anxiety. The biggest procedure was no worse than going to the hairdresser. The aftercare advice & follow up is superb.

Carol Hainey

After losing my front tooth to an abscess and being fitted with a dental plate, I was at my wit's end trying to tolerate the denture. I hated it! After some internet research I made an initial free consultation appointment with Dr Brendan Murphy to inquire about an implant. After his clear and concise explanation I decided to go ahead with the implant and I can say that i'm really glad I did. Six months after starting treatment I had my final appointment today to check the tooth that was fitted two weeks ago and was discharged until a years time for a follow up. I am delighted with the result. Brendan and his staff were welcoming, professional and highly skilled in what they do. They put me at ease and made sure I was fully informed of all stages of the procedures being carried out at the time. Would highly recommend them to anyone thinking about implants. Thank you for restoring my smile.

Lesley Kavanagh - Glasgow

Went to various different dentist for consolations on implants and Brendan gave me the best advice. The procedure was well explained before hand and was painless throughout. Brendan and his team made me feel very welcome and I would highly recommend him.

George McFadyen

I chipped my tooth and Appletree dental was recommended to me by my dentist as he believed they would be able to do a grand job based on what I was looking for.. at first I was a bit unsure due to the fact that every dentist terrifies me however.. This is by far a dental Practice I’ll be coming back to over and over again if I need any treatment. The staff was first class and very well mannered and polite.. The girls at reception took time out their day to Make sure I was comfortable anytime I came in. Brendon who was my dentist took an interest in my person life and we spoke as if we have been Friends for years. I had to get the chipped tooth removed and replace with an implant which he completed and managed the whole process from start to finish amazingly. It was a long process however he made sure each stage was done to perfection, he made sure I was booked in at the appropriate times and communication was spot on. Even when I was late to an appointment he waited and ensured I was able to complete the treatment.. Surprisingly my fear of the dentist is gone and I’m truly at ease when I think about going to the dentist. Nothing but praises for this dental care!

Smart Osadolor - Glasgow dental patient

How much are dental implants in Glasgow?

Let's break down the cost of dental implants:

  1. The tooth implant is placed first. This costs £1250 per implant.
  2. Some time later you may return for porcelain work to be added on top. This is likely to cost from £1000 per tooth depending on the type of porcelain. It is important to note, these fees include all laboratory costs such as shade matching as well as component costs such as gold or zirconium abutments. There are no hidden fees.

 

It is possible to fix dentures or removable appliances to implants and this offers considerably greater resistance to movement when eating more challenging foods such as steak or biting into apples. Appliances vary in cost from £2000 depending on whether they involve gold abutments or a titanium bar to lock the denture in situ. They are fabricated with the very best technical expertise to offer highly cosmetic, anatomically formed acrylics and individually placed teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry involves much more than simply replacing enamel with composite or porcelain. The facial profile, lip support and gum positions must be considered after tooth loss. This is particularly true when teeth were removed many years ago or the event was preceded by advanced gum disease and associated bone loss.

The best dental implants are technically very advanced and we constantly review our the technology we use to make sure our patients get great service and value for money.

Does it hurt to get an implant?

Most patients would say no. Implants are placed with a lot of irrigation using saline which helps to keep them nice and cool.

The treatment is done in a very controlled environment. and you’re also 100% numb when we’re placing implants.

There may be swelling afterwards, possibly some bruising and discomfort for two or three days but that will usually settle

We will usually supply you with some anti-inflammatories and perhaps some antibiotics to reduce any post operative infection, swelling or pain.

Carry on as normal

After you’ve had an implant, you can more or less carry on as if the implant is one of your own teeth.

Dental implant gallery

case10-before
implant case10-after

There are some good photographs of implant work before and after dental surgery for you to view in our gallery.

Many of these pictures of dental implants illustrate the challenges and rewards of modern tooth replacement.

If you have any questions about these cases or would like to know more about the different types of implants please contact our Glasgow practice today.

What is the process for getting an implant?

The exact timetable might vary by patient but generally it looks like this:

  1. Initial consultation, usually free of charge* to discuss implant treatment
  2. X-rays, scan, dental impressions as required to scope the treatment
  3. Extraction of the infected or broken tooth if necessary. Or preparation where there is a missing tooth.
  4. Placing of the dental implant once the infected area is healed
  5. Fitting of the restoration, which may be a crown or bridge or even denture.
  6. Follow up appointment and often a visit to the dental hygienist

Implant consultation

The implant process always involves a full consultation. We may not take the X-rays at this first consultation itself but we do like to have a good picture of things before we commit to the longer appointments. There may be a scan as well and impressions of your teeth so that we can take a look at the ridge of gum ready, hopefully to accept an implant

Placing the implant

The appointment for the implant itself will usually come six to eight weeks if possible after the tooth comes out. This is so that any infection settles and the area is well-healed.

Total treatment time will very often be as long as four or five or even six months. Sometimes we can turn things around in three months but the gums have to heal after implants are placed and they have to be in the final resting place before the crown or bridgework.

Implant restorations

The next major appointment is for the fitting of the restoration, whether it is a crown or bridgework, on the implants. Sometimes it might actually be dentures that are fixed onto implants with other components, precision attachments.

The fitting of the restoration is an important moment for the patient. You’ll be given a mirror as we go along so that you can see the quality of the result and to make sure you are happy before go ahead and fit the crown, bridge or denture finally into place.

Patient implant case studies

Replacing loose dentures

This patient came to our Glasgow practice unhappy with his loose dentures and wanting implant work.

It also discusses the tricky issue of dental work and smoking.
Read more

Implant alternative to dentures

This patient could not bear to wear her dentures.

She was much happier once they were replaced with more cosmetic and long lasting implants.
Read more

Replacing a decaying tooth

This patient had a tooth which could not be saved.

The satisfactory alternative was an implant fitted with a porcelain crown.
Read more

Teeth in a Day

A classic and very well-established dental restoration is to fix several teeth onto four implants, often referred to as All-on-4. What are the advantages of getting Teeth in a Day?

      1. Full arch restoration:
      All-on-4 implants provide a complete solution for patients if you are missing all of your teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or even both. We use just four strategically-placed dental implants to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. The result is a fixed, permanent solution that looks and feels and functions like your natural teeth.
      2. Faster treatment and recovery:
      Traditional dental implant methods often mean you need multiple surgeries over several months. By contrast, All-on-4 typically involves just one surgical procedure to place all of your implants. Happily this significantly reduces your overall treatment time and allows for a quicker recovery. There’s a good chance you can resume normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure.
      3. Immediate function:
      One of the most appealing aspects of All-on-4 is the "teeth in a day" idea. Patients usually receive a temporary set of fixed teeth on the same day as their implant surgery. This means they leave the dental practice with a functional, good-looking smile even as their implants heal. We then fit the final permanent prosthesis a few months later.
      4. Bone preservation:
      Our All-on-4 technique cleverly utilises available bone by tilting the two posterior implants at an angle (usually 30 to 45 degrees). This allows longer implants to be used and increases bone-to-implant contact. At the same time, it also often eliminates the need for bone grafting, which you might otherwise require before getting implants.
      5. Cost-effective:
      While still a significant financial investment, All-on-4 can be more economical than other full-arch methods. The reduced number of implants, avoidance of bone grafts in many cases and fewer surgical procedures all contribute to lower overall costs. Additionally, the potential for the implants to last a lifetime makes them a cost-effective long-term solution. Remember to ask about our dental finance plans.
      6. Improved quality of life:
      All-on-4 implants can dramatically improve your quality of life. They restore your ability to eat a wide variety of foods, often including those that were previously a problem with dentures or missing teeth. Your speech clarity can improve as well. But perhaps most importantly, many patients report increased self-esteem and confidence with their new natural-looking smile.
      7. Long-lasting results:
      With proper care and regular dental check-ups here at the surgery, All-on-4 implants can last for decades, potentially even a lifetime. The implants integrate with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the prosthetic teeth. While the prosthesis itself may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear, the implants themselves can last much longer.
      8. Easier maintenance:
      Unlike removable dentures, which require tiresome nightly removal and cleaning, you care for All-on-4 implants much like natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing (we’ll tell you about special tools designed for implants), and dental check-ups are typically all that's needed to maintain them. This fixed nature makes your daily oral hygiene simpler and more convenient.
      . Prevents further bone loss:
      When you lose teeth, your jawbone begins to resorb or shrink due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants, including All-on-4, mimic your natural tooth roots and provide stimulation to the jawbone. This helps us maintain bone density and facial structure, preventing the sunken appearance often associated with long-term denture use.
      10. Suitable for many patients:
      Our value-for-money All-on-4 technique has made implant treatment accessible to a wider range of patients. Even those who have been previously told they lack sufficient bone for traditional implants may be candidates for All-on-4. The technique's ability to make use of available bone means that patients who would otherwise need extensive bone grafting can avoid this additional procedure.

Appletree Dental Care is where I refer patients for implants, cosmetic dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. Every one has been delighted with their new smile - Louise Richardson, Glasgow Dentist

Looking after your implants

When you visit our Glasgow dental clinic we try to give you as much information as possible about implant surgery and always take time to help you understand the importance of aftercare and routine hygiene. We will advise you on the best dental implants for your situation and make sure we spell out the cost of implants and your finance options.

Once your implants and surrounding soft tissues are seen to be healthy and your new teeth are comfortable and correctly adjusted, it is the quality of your home care, and willingness to present for regular maintenance reviews, that will most influence how long they will last and whether you end up with a healthy smile.

Danger of gum infection

When poorly cared for, implants develop a covering of deposits similar to that found on neglected natural teeth. Left untreated, these can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort, just as can occur around natural teeth.

We often say tooth implants, much like natural teeth, will last for as long as you care for them.

Care and maintenance

Well-maintained implants, placed into adequate bone, can be expected to last for many years. However, just as with other surgical implants such as hip replacements there is no lifetime guarantee.

Once successfully placed, integrated and restored, they should provide many years of satisfactory appearance and function. We provide you with up to date percentage success rates to assist you in making an informed decision.

Cleaning after tooth implants

Long term results of this type of cosmetic dentistry are dependent on good oral hygiene, regular professional cleaning and monitoring as advised. Patients should clean between their teeth and implants once daily, in addition to normal brushing.

This interdental cleaning should be with floss or interdental brushes. Without regular checkups, hygiene visits and X-rays (to monitor bone levels), patients risk the long term health of the gums and bone around implants.

Smoking and its effects on your replacement teeth

This is a key issue in implant dentistry. We often discuss the effect of smoking on teeth generally but more specifically nowadays on implant healing.

While some dentists report that there is a small increased risk of an implant failing to integrate, the major effect of smoking is on the long-term health of the gums around the implants.

Smokers and gum disease

We certainly see an increased incidence of gum disease around implants in smokers and this mirrors the effect of nicotine on the gums around natural teeth. This is something you must be aware of and smokers run the risk of increased long term failures. The best advice is always to stop smoking.

Smoking cessation often involves nicotine replacement. Unfortunately nicotine in any form is detrimental to gums and bone when used for a sustained period.

What to do after implant surgery

Our implant patients tend to experience only mild discomfort after surgery and the dentist will always give instructions on how manage any pain which might occur. Here are a few other recommendations for patients who have just had implants:

  • Rest for the first 24 hours after you get home and avoid strenuous exercise.
  • Sleep with an extra pillow under your head for a couple nights to reduce any swelling.
  • You could hold an ice pack, carefully, over the are to reduce swelling. Do this for five minute at a time but for no more than an hour so so for two days after surgery.
  • Try to avoid alcohol for two weeks after the operation as it might impair the healing process.
  • Also avoid hot drinks for the first 24 hours after the surgery.
  • It is permissible to use warm water to rinse your mouth, gently, after your meals.
  • It is better to avoid brushing your teeth over the implant area for a week or so.
  • Do not poke at the implant area with your tongue in case you loosen any stitches.
  • As far as food is concerned, go for soft foods in the first week.

However these are general post-surgery recommendations. Check with the dental clinic team after your own implant surgery.

Why and how often do implants fail?

Implant surgery generally has a success rate of better than 95% over 5 years according most current clinical research. Of course that still means 5% are failing within that time.

Over recent years we have seen success rates in our Glasgow clinics increase slightly to around 97%. We have placed several hundred implants over the last ten years - long enough to see a few failures in amongst all the successes.

We are very fortunate that last year we had absolutely no failures of implants. We didn’t remove one single fixture as a result of infection or pain or any issues at all.

However our stated aim is always to ensure that we replace any failed implant free of charge within the first year. And if it integrates well beyond that first year there tend not to be problems.

Replacing dental implants over time

In the case of a failing implant it is usually possible to replace it after a few months and this will normally be done (within one year of placement) at no additional cost to you.

It is extremely rare for two successive implants to fail and if failure occurs it is usually in the first or second year.

Implant integration

Dental surgeons in our clinic prefer to wait until they are confident of implant integration before restoring it in order to secure the best prognosis for your new tooth.

Once integrated and functioning, the overall research shows that you have in excess of a 90% chance of any implant still performing well after 25 years. Implants are therefore a long term and predictable treatment option, often for a lifetime.

Risks of implant treatment

There is around a 20% risk of swelling +/- bruising following implant surgery and a slight risk (of 1%) that an adjacent tooth can be damaged leading to requirement of root canal treatment. This compares to a risk of 20% during crown or bridge preparation.

When working in the lower molar area there is a chance of damage to adjacent nerves. This can cause temporary numbness or pain and is very rarely permanent. A scan is advisable when bone levels are limited in this and other areas.

Free consultation

If you are interested in hearing more about dental implant surgery please contact us today to talk it through with one of our dentists.
*Please note although the consultation is free we require a £25 depoist to secure the booking

Links

For more information on implants take a look at the Association of Dental Implantology website.

The British Dental Health Association also has advice on dental implants.