The long lasting alternative to missing teeth
Missing teeth aren’t just unsightly, they can affect the way you chew and lead to problems in the healthy teeth nearby. Our permanent implants look and feel so natural, they’re the nearest thing to your original teeth – but unlike them, they won’t ever decay.
At East Park Dental, our implants are made of titanium. Once it’s in your mouth, new bone cells will grow onto the surface of the titanium, fusing the implant with the bone in your jaw for good.
Dr Chris Young
“Implants can be a highly effective, permanent alternative to either dentures or a bridge. Because it’s fixed, it’ll be with you forever – the closest thing to a real tooth.”
Pat Britton, Abington Park
“I had to have a molar tooth taken out after an infection. I lived with the gap for a while, but food was always getting stuck in it. So I went for an implant, which feels just like
my natural tooth – it’s amazing. I spent very little time in the dentist’s chair, and felt much less discomfort than I was expecting after it was put in… less than having tooth taken out! It’s great to be able to chew normally again.”
“ just like my natural tooth – it’s amazing”
East Park Dental, where our patients are at the heart of everything we do. We’re Northampton’s leading dental team, offering the widest range of care – from a simple filling to a completely new smile. Our treatments are backed by advanced dental insights, techniques and technologies to make sure we’re the very best practice at the heart of our community. And it’s all delivered by the friendliest team, with over 100 years experience between us. So go on, smile… you’re in great hands!
We use local anaesthetic and many of our patients report that having an implant placed is more comfortable than having the tooth removed in the first place.
Implants are widely believed to be the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Current studies show that 93% of implants are still present after 10 years, although good, long-term oral hygiene and regular appointments with the hygienist are essential. You can’t get tooth decay in a dental implant. But you can get gum disease, which causes the bone underneath to shrink, so if you keep your implant clean, it should last for many years.
The placement of an implant takes 60 to 90 minutes on average, although the whole course of treatment can vary from three to six months depending on what you need.
Dental implants are widely used and supported by long-term clinical research. When placed by a qualified professional, they have a strong safety record. Careful planning, sterile techniques, and proper aftercare all play a role in reducing risks. At East Park Dental, suitability is assessed thoroughly to help ensure treatment is appropriate for each patient.
After implant placement, a soft diet is usually recommended for the first few days to allow early healing. As the area settles, foods can gradually be reintroduced. Normal eating typically resumes once healing has progressed and the final restoration is fitted, following guidance provided by your dental team.
Dental implants are designed as a long-term solution. The implant itself can last many years, often decades, when oral hygiene is maintained and regular dental reviews are attended. While the crown attached to the implant may need replacement over time due to wear, the implant post is intended to remain in place.
Smokers can receive dental implants, but smoking may affect healing and long-term success. Reduced blood flow to the gums can slow recovery and increase complications. Dentists often advise reducing or stopping smoking before and after treatment. At East Park Dental, these factors are discussed clearly during planning.
Teeth move gradually in the mouth, even in adults. So filling a gap stops the adjacent teeth moving into it and ruining your smile. It will also help your ability to chew.
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. The main requirement is good general and oral health, along with sufficient jawbone to support the implant. Younger patients must have completed jaw growth, but older adults are commonly suitable. An individual assessment is always needed to confirm eligibility.
Implants are fixed in the jaw and do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support, unlike bridges. Compared with dentures, they are more stable and do not need to be removed for cleaning. Many patients find implants feel closer to natural teeth and allow normal chewing without movement or adhesives.
