Frequently asked questions

A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over a few months. A crown, bridge or denture is then attached to it, giving you a replacement tooth that looks and works like your own.

At Kirkgate Dental Surgery in Tadcaster, a single dental implant costs from £2,750, including the implant, the surgery and the final crown. The £90 consultation includes a CBCT (3D) scan. Multiple implants and full-arch treatments are priced individually after assessment — see our cost page for a full breakdown.

The placement itself is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure — most patients say it feels easier than they expected, often comparing it to having a tooth removed. Afterwards it's normal to have some soreness and swelling for a few days, which usually settles with ordinary painkillers. Everyone heals differently, and Jon will talk you through what to expect for your own treatment.

Most single implant treatments take around three to six months from consultation to finished crown. The implant itself is usually placed in one visit; most of the remaining time is healing, while the implant fuses with your jawbone. Some cases take longer — for example if a tooth needs removing first or bone grafting is needed. You'll get a realistic timeline for your case at your consultation.

With good care, implants can last for many years — studies report high success rates over ten years and beyond. They aren't guaranteed for life: like natural teeth, they depend on healthy gums and good daily cleaning, and smoking or untreated gum disease shortens their lifespan. Regular check-ups and hygiene visits are part of looking after them.

Most healthy adults with a missing tooth or teeth can have implants, but they aren't right for everyone. Suitability depends on your general health, your gum health, and the amount of bone available in your jaw. That's exactly what the consultation and CBCT scan assess. Some conditions — such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking — can make implants less likely to succeed, and Jon will always tell you honestly if another option would serve you better.

A CBCT (cone beam CT) scan is a 3D X-ray of your jaw. It shows the exact height, width and quality of your bone, and where your nerves and sinuses sit — things a normal flat X-ray can't show. It's how an implant is planned safely and precisely. The scanner is on site at Kirkgate Dental Surgery and the scan is included in your £90 consultation.

The main alternatives are a bridge (a false tooth fixed to the neighbouring teeth), a removable partial denture, or leaving the gap. Each has pros and cons: a bridge usually means preparing healthy neighbouring teeth, dentures are removable and can feel less secure, and leaving a gap can allow other teeth to drift. We'll always go through every option — including doing nothing — before you decide anything.

Bone naturally shrinks after a tooth is lost, so this is common — and it doesn't automatically rule implants out. In many cases a bone graft or sinus lift can rebuild enough bone to place an implant safely. The CBCT scan at your consultation shows exactly how much bone you have, so you'll know where you stand before committing to anything.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure because it affects healing and gum health. It doesn't always rule implants out, but we'll be honest with you about the added risk, and stopping — even temporarily around the time of surgery — makes a real difference. Jon can point you towards support to quit if you'd like it.

No — if the gap shows when you smile, we'll arrange a temporary solution, such as a temporary denture or bridge, while the implant integrates. You won't be sent out of the door with a visible gap.

If you've lost most or all of your teeth in one jaw, a small number of implants can secure a full set of replacement teeth. That can mean a denture that clips firmly onto implants (removable for cleaning, but stable when eating and talking) or a fixed bridge that stays in place permanently. Both end the frustration of loose dentures — see our full arch page for how they compare.

Yes — patient finance is available through Tabeo on treatment plans of £3,000 or more. A single implant at £2,750 falls just below that threshold on its own, but plans that include additional work may qualify. We'll give you exact figures with your written treatment plan. [CONFIRM: Tabeo representative example and FCA wording]

Very rarely — the NHS only funds implants in exceptional circumstances, such as after certain cancers or facial injuries. For almost everyone, implants are private treatment. That's why we keep our pricing transparent: you'll see guide prices on this site and get a fixed written quote after your assessment, with no obligation to go ahead.

You'll meet Jon for an unhurried assessment: a conversation about what you want to achieve, an examination of your teeth and gums, and a CBCT (3D) scan of your jaw — included in the £90 fee. You'll leave knowing whether implants are suitable for you, what the options are, and what each would cost. A written treatment plan follows, and there's no pressure to decide on the day.

Sometimes — this is called immediate placement, and it can work well when the socket is healthy and there's enough bone. In other cases it's safer to let the socket heal for a few weeks first. The CBCT scan and the condition of the tooth decide which is right; Jon will recommend whichever gives your implant the best long-term chance.

Much like a natural tooth: brush twice a day, clean between teeth daily (we'll show you exactly how around the implant), and keep up regular check-ups and hygiene appointments. Implants can't decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed if plaque builds up — good daily cleaning is what protects your investment.

Because the dentist who assesses you, places your implant and fits your final tooth is the same person — Jonathan Lane — and he's ten minutes from home rather than an hour down the A64. Follow-up visits and aftercare are easy to get to, parking is free nearby, and you're treated at an established CQC-registered practice, not a sales-led implant centre.