Dental Implants in Dundee: What the Process Involves and Why Oris Dental & Implant Studio Is the Right Place to Start
Dental Implants in Dundee: What the Process Involves and Why Oris Dental & Implant Studio Is the Right Place to Start
Dental implants are the most permanent and natural-feeling solution available for replacing a missing tooth, and for patients who are suitable they are almost always the first recommendation. But the process is more involved than most people expect when they first start researching, and the quality of the result depends enormously on the skill and experience of the team delivering it.
Oris Dental & Implant Studio is based on the High Street in Monifieth, just east of Dundee, and is part of the Pain Free Dentistry Group. With a dedicated implant team, award recognition at the 2024 and 2025 Dentistry Awards, and a pain-free guarantee backed by a money-back promise, the practice is one of the most experienced implant providers in the Dundee area.
Why Choose Oris Dental & Implant Studio for Dental Implants Dundee?
Choosing the right provider for implant treatment is one of the most significant dental decisions you will make. At Oris Dental & Implant Studio, the Lead Implant and Cosmetic Dentist is Gerard Skeffington, whose clinical credentials are among the most impressive in Scotland for this field.
Gerard graduated from Dundee Dental School where he was awarded the prize for Best Student in Dental Hospital Practice. He subsequently gained his Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, completed a Diploma in Dental Implants from the Royal College of Surgeons, and has undertaken advanced postgraduate training in the UK, Brazil, and Europe, including an advanced hard and soft tissue grafting course in Hungary as recently as 2023. He has worked in both maxillofacial surgery and general dental practice, treating complex cases including oral cancer, facial trauma, and reconstruction, and he regularly treats complex referral cases from other dentists. His implant success rate is 90 to 95%.
Gerard’s clinical work at Oris focuses exclusively on implant and restorative dentistry, meaning every patient he treats is receiving the full benefit of that specialised focus.
Patients describe the practice and its team in consistent terms. One patient wrote: “They got me over the fear of going to the dentist. She talked through all my options, created a great plan and I’m incredibly happy with the results so far. Melissa and the rest of the team at front of house are super friendly too, which makes a big difference.” Another: “I had never gone private before and the staff, especially Rajitha, understood my complex dental history and managed to aid me immensely. I can’t recommend enough.”
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed surgically into the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Over several months, the bone grows around and fuses with the post in a process called osseointegration. Once that bond is confirmed, a custom-made crown is attached on top.
The result is a replacement tooth anchored directly into the jaw. It does not move, does not rely on neighbouring teeth for support, and requires no special maintenance beyond normal brushing and flossing. Most patients describe the finished result as completely indistinguishable from their natural teeth.
Why Implants Are the Gold Standard for Missing Teeth
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone at that site begins to lose density. A natural root transmits biting forces into the bone every time you eat, and without that stimulation the bone slowly resorbs. Over time this affects the shape of the jaw, the stability of neighbouring teeth, and in cases of multiple missing teeth, the appearance of the face.
Dentures and bridges replace the visible tooth but do nothing to prevent this bone loss. An implant is the only tooth replacement that replicates the function of a root, stimulating the bone and maintaining the structure that would otherwise be lost.
Beyond bone preservation, implants offer a level of stability and natural function that other restorations cannot match. With proper care, they are designed to last a lifetime.
Who Is Suitable for Dental Implants in Dundee?
Most healthy adults who are missing one or more teeth are potentially suitable for implants. The key requirements are sufficient bone volume at the implant site, healthy gums, and good general health to support healing after a minor surgical procedure.
Patients who have had a missing tooth for some time may have experienced bone loss at the site. In many cases this can be addressed with bone grafting before or at the time of implant placement. Gerard Skeffington has advanced specialist training in hard and soft tissue grafting, meaning complex cases requiring bone work can be handled entirely within the practice.
Active gum disease needs to be treated and stable before an implant is placed. Uncontrolled gum disease around an implant is one of the main causes of failure, so this is always addressed first. The practice’s hygiene team supports patients in achieving and maintaining the gum health required for long-term implant success.
Smoking increases implant failure rates and your dentist will discuss this honestly with you at your consultation. Medical conditions that affect healing require individual assessment. For patients with significant dental anxiety, sedation is available to support more involved procedures.
The only reliable way to know whether implants are right for your situation is a thorough clinical assessment. At Oris Dental & Implant Studio, that process begins with a complimentary consultation with the treatment coordination team, who will walk you through your options with no commitment and no pressure.
The Dental Implant Process at Oris Dental & Implant Studio
Your Complimentary Consultation
Your first step is a complimentary consultation at Oris Dental & Implant Studio. Treatment coordinators Nikki Purvis and Caitlin Heath are experienced in guiding patients through the implant process, answering questions clearly, and ensuring you understand exactly what is involved before any clinical assessment takes place. There is no commitment and no pressure at this stage.
Clinical Assessment and Planning
Gerard Skeffington will carry out a full clinical examination including digital X-rays and 3D imaging to assess bone volume and anatomy at the implant site. A detailed treatment plan is built from this assessment covering every stage, the full timeline, and a complete written breakdown of costs before anything moves forward. Written quotations are provided as standard.
Any Preparatory Treatment
If the tooth is still present it is extracted first. If bone grafting is needed, it is carried out at this stage and given time to heal before implant placement. Gerard’s advanced training in hard and soft tissue grafting means this work is handled in-house to the highest standard.
Implant Placement
The titanium post is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic using the practice’s five-step pain-free protocol: numbing gel applied first, warmed anaesthetic, the shortest and finest needles, a slow injection rate, and a computer-assisted delivery system. Sedation is available for patients who prefer additional comfort throughout the procedure.
Healing and Osseointegration
The implant is left to fuse with the bone over three to six months. Check-up appointments monitor progress during this period but there is no active treatment. A temporary restoration keeps the gap closed while healing takes place.
Your Crown
Once osseointegration is confirmed, a digital scan or impressions are taken to fabricate your custom crown. The crown is matched to the colour, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. When it is fitted, the implant is complete and fully functional.
Advanced Implant Expertise and Complex Cases
Gerard Skeffington’s background goes well beyond standard implant placement. Having worked in maxillofacial surgery treating oral cancers, facial trauma, and reconstruction cases, he brings a depth of surgical knowledge that is rarely available in a general dental practice setting. He regularly treats complex referral cases from other dentists across the region, and his focus at Oris Dental is exclusively on implant and restorative work.
For patients who have been told they are not suitable for implants elsewhere, or whose case involves significant bone loss or complex anatomy, a consultation with Gerard is worth having before accepting that verdict.
Full Mouth Dental Implants in Dundee
For patients who are missing multiple teeth or who require a full arch restoration, Oris Dental & Implant Studio offers comprehensive full mouth implant solutions including implant-supported dentures and same-day teeth on implants.
A full assessment and treatment plan will give you a clear picture of what is involved and what the cost looks like before any decisions are made. Gerard Skeffington has treated single tooth to full arch cases throughout his career and brings that full spectrum of experience to every consultation.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, the implant post is designed to last a lifetime. The crown may need replacing after 15 to 20 years depending on wear, but the implant itself rarely requires intervention once it has successfully integrated.
Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are the main requirements for long-term success. Hygienist Yvonne Ramsay and dental therapist Hannah Riddoch support patients in maintaining the health of both their implants and their natural teeth throughout their ongoing care at the practice.
Dental Implant Costs and Finance Options in Dundee
The cost of a dental implant depends on how many are being placed, whether preparatory work is needed, and the type of crown used. A complete written breakdown of costs is provided before any commitment is made. This is one of the practice’s five written promises to every patient.
Finance options are available to help spread the investment and are discussed at your complimentary consultation so you have a clear picture of your monthly commitment before agreeing to anything.
Book Your Complimentary Consultation at Oris Dental & Implant Studio
Oris Dental & Implant Studio is at 27C High Street, Monifieth, Angus, Dundee, DD5 4AA. The practice is open Monday until 5pm, Tuesday until 7pm, Wednesday and Thursday until 5pm, Friday until 4pm, and Saturday until 1pm. Call 01382 530916 or book your complimentary consultation online at oris-dental.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who carries out dental implants at Oris Dental & Implant Studio in Dundee?
Implant treatment is led by Gerard Skeffington (GDC 83305), Lead Implant and Cosmetic Dentist. Gerard graduated from Dundee Dental School with the best student prize, holds a Diploma in Dental Implants from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, and has completed advanced training in hard and soft tissue grafting. He has worked in maxillofacial surgery and general practice treating complex cases, regularly accepts referral cases from other dentists, and reports an implant success rate of 90 to 95%.
Are dental implants painful in Dundee?
Oris Dental & Implant Studio guarantees pain-free treatment backed by a money-back promise. Implant placement is carried out using a five-step pain-free protocol and sedation is available for patients who want additional comfort. Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild and manageable.
How long does the dental implant process take in Dundee?
From consultation to fitted crown, most single-tooth cases take between six and twelve months. The majority of that time is the osseointegration phase rather than active appointments. Cases requiring bone grafting take a little longer but the final result is the same.
Can I get a dental implant if I have been told I am not suitable elsewhere?
It is worth having a consultation with Gerard Skeffington before accepting that verdict. His advanced training in hard and soft tissue grafting means bone loss at the site can often be addressed, and his background in maxillofacial surgery means he is experienced with complex anatomy that may have presented challenges for other providers.
Does Oris Dental & Implant Studio offer finance for dental implants?
Yes. Finance options are available to help spread the cost of implant treatment. These are discussed at your complimentary consultation so you know your full monthly commitment before agreeing to anything.
Are dental implants available on the NHS in Dundee?
NHS provision for dental implants is very limited and typically restricted to specific clinical criteria. In most cases implants are provided privately. Oris Dental & Implant Studio offers finance options to help make the investment manageable.
What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?
Leaving a gap leads to gradual bone loss at the site, drifting of neighbouring teeth, and changes to your bite over time. These effects compound and make future treatment more complex. Replacing a missing tooth promptly is considerably simpler and more cost-effective than addressing the secondary problems that develop if the gap is left untreated.
