Dental Implants in Leith, Edinburgh
A permanent replacement for a missing tooth, placed by a dentist with a Masters degree in implant dentistry. If you are living with a gap, struggling with a denture, or avoiding certain foods because of missing teeth, a consultation with Fotis Bousis is the best place to start.
OVERVIEW
Newkirkgate Dental Care at 2 Great Junction Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 5LA provides dental implant treatment for patients in Leith, Edinburgh and across the Lothians. Principal dentist Fotis Bousis (GDC 187226) completed a three-year Masters degree in dental implantology in London and has extensive experience placing single implants, implant-supported bridges and All-on-4 full-arch restorations. Dental implants are a private treatment. Finance is available through Tabeo. To book a dental implant consultation in Leith, call 0131 554 3509 or visit newkirkgatedental.co.uk.
Dental Implants in the Heart of Leith, From a Masters-Trained Implant Dentist
Leith sits at the northern edge of Edinburgh, a community that stretches from the waterfront at the Firth of Forth through the busy streets around Great Junction Street and Leith Walk. People here get on with things. They tend not to make a fuss. And that, in our experience, is exactly why so many patients with missing teeth have been living with the situation for longer than they should have been.
A missing tooth is not something to simply get used to. Over time, the bone beneath the gap begins to resorb. Neighbouring teeth shift towards the space. The opposite tooth over-erupts. What begins as one missing tooth can affect the surrounding teeth and your bite in ways that compound over years.
Dental implants stop that process. They replace the root as well as the crown of the tooth, stimulating the jawbone and preventing the bone loss that follows tooth extraction. The result looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth, and most patients find that within a few weeks of the final restoration being fitted, they stop thinking about it entirely.
Fotis Bousis, our principal dentist, completed a three-year Masters degree in dental implantology in London and has been placing implants for patients across Leith, Edinburgh and the Lothians for years. If you are considering implants, there is no better starting point than a conversation with him.
We see implant patients from all across Edinburgh and the wider Lothians region, including patients from Portobello, Musselburgh, Dalkeith, Newhaven, Trinity, Inverleith and the city centre.
So, What Is a Dental Implant and How Does It Work?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone in the position of the missing tooth root. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning the bone grows around and integrates with the implant surface over a period of weeks, a process called osseointegration. Once the implant is fully integrated, a custom-made crown is attached to the top via a small connector called an abutment.
The finished restoration looks like a natural tooth above the gum line and functions like one below it. The implant stimulates the bone with the pressure of biting and chewing, preventing the bone loss that occurs when a tooth and its root are absent.
A single implant replaces one missing tooth. Multiple implants can replace several teeth individually or serve as anchors for an implant-supported bridge. For patients who have lost all or most of their teeth, All-on-4 treatment uses four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of fixed teeth.
Why Dental Implants Are the Gold Standard for Missing Teeth
Permanent and stable
A dental implant is fixed in the jawbone. It does not move, click or require adhesive. You eat, speak and smile with complete confidence.
Preserves jawbone
When a tooth is lost, the bone that supported it begins to resorb within months. An implant acts as a replacement root, stimulating the bone and preventing this loss. It is the only missing tooth replacement that addresses bone health as well as aesthetics and function.
Protects neighbouring teeth
Bridges require the adjacent teeth to be prepared to serve as anchors. Implants are entirely self-supporting and place no additional load or preparation requirement on the surrounding teeth.
Natural appearance
The crown fitted to an implant is custom-made to match the colour, shape and size of the surrounding teeth. Most people who meet an implant patient for the first time cannot identify which tooth is the implant.
Long-lasting
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown component may need replacing after fifteen to twenty years, but the implant itself, once integrated, is designed to be permanent.
What Dental Implant Treatment Involves at Newkirkgate
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1Step 1 — Consultation and PlanningYour implant consultation with Fotis Bousis includes a full clinical assessment, X-rays and in many cases a CBCT cone beam scan to produce a detailed three-dimensional image of the jaw. This allows precise planning of the implant position, angle and depth before any procedure begins. Fotis discusses your suitability for implants, the treatment timeline and the full cost at this stage.
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2Step 2 — Implant PlacementThe implant is placed under local anaesthetic in a straightforward surgical procedure. A small incision is made in the gum, the implant is positioned precisely in the jawbone, and the gum is closed. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and well-managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
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3Step 3 — Healing and OsseointegrationOver the following eight to twelve weeks, the bone grows around and integrates with the implant surface. During this period a temporary restoration may be provided to maintain the appearance of the smile. You return for a review appointment to check that integration is progressing well.
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4Step 4 — Abutment and CrownOnce the implant has fully integrated with the bone, the abutment is placed and impressions are taken for the final crown. The crown is fabricated to match the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth and is then securely attached to the implant, completing the restoration.
Who Is Suitable for Dental Implants?
Most adults with good general health and adequate jawbone are suitable candidates for dental implants. The most important factors are:
Bone volume and density
Sufficient bone needs to be present to support the implant. Patients who have had a tooth missing for a long time may have experienced significant bone loss. In some cases, a bone grafting procedure can be carried out prior to implant placement to restore the required bone volume.
Gum health
Active gum disease needs to be treated and brought under control before implant placement. An implant placed in the presence of active gum disease is at higher risk of failure.
General health
Certain medical conditions and medications affect healing. Fotis will review your full medical history at the consultation to identify any factors that need to be considered.
Smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. Patients who smoke are advised of this at the consultation and encouraged to stop before and after the procedure where possible.
If you are not sure whether you are suitable, the best way to find out is to book a consultation. Fotis will give you a straightforward assessment and an honest recommendation.
You are In Experienced Hands
Dental implant treatment at Newkirkgate is placed by Fotis Bousis, who completed a three-year Masters degree in dental implantology in London. He has placed implants for patients with single missing teeth, patients with multiple missing teeth, and patients who have been struggling with dentures for years and wanted a permanent fixed solution. He has a particular interest in All-on-4 full-arch implant treatment and uses the latest digital planning techniques to maximise precision and predictability.
“Dr Bousis even managed to convince my 16 month old to let him examine her teeth. No hesitation whatsoever in recommending them.”
Lee, Edinburgh
“The principal dentist here is very thorough, gentle and provides a calm, not rushed environment.”
Sherlenne, Leith
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Flexible Payment Options for Dental Implants
Dental implants are a significant investment, and we never want cost to be the reason someone puts off treatment they need. Patient finance through Tabeo makes it possible to spread the cost into manageable monthly payments, with no large upfront commitment required.
- Interest-free and low-cost finance options available
- Fixed monthly payments by direct debit that never change
- Simple, straightforward application process
- No early repayment penalty
- Finance can cover your full treatment plan including any preparatory work
Speak to our team at your consultation and we will walk you through all available options. There is no obligation and no pressure to apply.
REGISTRATION
Register With Newkirkgate Dental Care
Whether you’re new to Leith, new to Edinburgh, or just long overdue a visit, we’d love to have you. We’re accepting new NHS and private patients right now, and getting registered takes just a few minutes. Once you’re with us, we’ll take care of everything else.
- Free NHS check-up every 12 months, no bill at the end
- Same-day emergency slots held back for registered patients every day
- Open Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings
- Every member of our team is trained to work with nervous patients
- NHS and private care, the same warm welcome either way
We’re inside Newkirkgate Shopping Centre on Great Junction Street, right next to Boots. Walk in, give us a call, or register online, whichever feels easiest.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Dental implant fees at Newkirkgate Dental Care in Leith are to be confirmed. Contact the practice on 0131 554 3509 to book a consultation where a full written treatment plan and cost breakdown will be provided. Patient finance through Tabeo is available, allowing you to spread the cost into manageable monthly payments with interest-free options. A consultation with Fotis Bousis is the right starting point to understand the full cost for your specific situation.
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution. The titanium implant post, once fully integrated with the jawbone, can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The crown attached to the implant may need replacing after fifteen to twenty years due to normal wear. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are the most important factors in maximising the lifespan of an implant.
Implant placement is carried out under local anaesthetic and is significantly more comfortable than most patients expect. You will feel pressure during the procedure but not pain. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and well-managed with ibuprofen and paracetamol for the first few days. Most patients return to normal activities the following day. Fotis Bousis's calm, unhurried approach is frequently commented on in patient reviews.
The full treatment timeline depends on your individual situation. A straightforward single implant typically takes four to six months from placement to the fitting of the final crown, allowing time for osseointegration. More complex cases involving bone grafting, multiple implants or All-on-4 treatment may take longer. Fotis Bousis will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation based on your specific plan.
In many cases, yes. Where bone loss has occurred, a bone grafting procedure can be carried out to restore the volume of bone needed to support an implant. This is assessed at the consultation using X-rays and in many cases a CBCT cone beam scan. Fotis Bousis will advise clearly on whether bone grafting is needed in your case and what that involves in terms of timeline and cost.