Why Trust Your Implants to a Specialist Prosthodontist?

Dental implants have revolutionised the way we restore missing teeth, offering unparalleled functionality and aesthetics. However, achieving the best outcomes with dental implants requires not just advanced technology but also the expertise of a highly trained clinician. At 

Woodborough House Dental Practice, we are proud to have Dr Nick Fahey, a GDC-registered specialist in prosthodontics, leading the way in delivering exceptional implant treatments.

But why entrust your care to a specialist prosthodontist, and how does their expertise differ from that of a general dental practitioner (GDP)? Let’s explore the value of advanced training and what it means for patients seeking long-lasting, beautiful smiles.

What is a Specialist Prosthodontist?

A specialist prosthodontist is, in essence, an expert in replacing and restoring missing or damaged teeth. Their role goes beyond general dentistry, as prosthodontists dedicate years of additional training to mastering complex restorative and reconstructive procedures.

Specialist Training and Qualifications

Dr Nick Fahey is not only a co-owner of Woodborough House but also one of only a few GDC-registered specialists in fixed and removable prosthodontics in the UK. 

After earning his dentistry degree from Otago University in New Zealand, Dr Fahey pursued advanced studies at the prestigious Eastman Dental Institute at University College London.

His additional qualifications include a Master of Clinical Dentistry (MClinDent) and Membership in Restorative Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

This specialised training allows Dr Fahey to provide sophisticated solutions for restoring teeth, such as dental implants, complex bridgework, and full-mouth rehabilitations. His deep understanding of oral anatomy and prosthetics ensures implant treatments that are both highly functional and visually stunning.

By contrast, a general dental practitioner (GDP) is trained to provide a broad range of routine dental care, including preventive treatments, fillings, and extractions. While GDPs are fully qualified and capable of performing straightforward procedures, they typically do not undergo the additional years of focused training that a prosthodontist completes.

Advanced Skillset

As a prosthodontist, Dr Fahey is an expert in managing complex cases, including those involving significant bone loss, gum disease, or the need for full-mouth restorations. This depth of expertise ensures that even challenging implant procedures are approached with precision and care, dramatically improving the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Aesthetic and Functional Excellence

Prosthodontists are uniquely positioned to create dental restorations that look natural and optimise the function of your teeth. Every implant crown or bridge Dr Fahey places is tailored to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, ensuring a harmonious smile. This level of precision and detail cannot always be guaranteed by GDPs, who may lack the advanced restorative training that a specialist prosthodontist offers.

Specialist Prosthodontist vs General Dental Practitioner: What’s the Difference?

Choosing between a specialist or a GDP for your dental implants can feel confusing, especially if you’re unsure what distinguishes one from the other. Here’s a breakdown of these distinctions to help clarify.

General Dental Practitioners (GDPs)

GDPs, often referred to as “family dentists,” are qualified to provide a broad spectrum of services, including:

• Routine dental check-ups
• Fillings and extractions
• Basic cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening
• Simple prosthetics, such as dentures

While GDPs can undertake short courses to provide dental implants, their experience and knowledge usually fall short of a prosthodontist’s. Implant dentistry is a specialised discipline requiring a deep understanding of oral anatomy, materials science, and advanced surgical techniques—areas in which GDPs may have limited exposure.

Prosthodontists

In contrast, prosthodontists undergo years of rigorous additional training focusing specifically on restorative and reconstructive dentistry. Their expertise includes:

• Complex treatments, such as full-mouth rehabilitation
• Advanced implant solutions, including cases involving bone grafting or sinus lifts
• Customised prosthetic design for superior aesthetics and functionality

At Woodborough House, Dr Nick Fahey’s extensive training and over 20 years of experience on London’s Harley Street ensure our patients benefit from world-class care. With his background in advanced prosthodontics and implantology, Dr Fahey provides solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

The Benefits of Choosing a Specialist Prosthodontist for Implants

Dental implants are an investment in your long-term oral health and well-being. Given the complexity of this procedure, choosing a specialist prosthodontist offers numerous benefits:

Expertise in Complex Cases

Patients with advanced bone loss, gum issues, or missing multiple teeth often require advanced techniques to achieve successful outcomes. As a prosthodontist, Dr Fahey is exceptionally skilled in computer-guided implant placement—a cutting-edge technique that ensures precise and minimally invasive treatment.

For patients who have been told they aren’t suitable candidates for implants due to insufficient bone density, Dr Fahey’s knowledge of complex restorative procedures, such as bone grafting or all-on-4 implants, can often offer new hope.

Customised Treatment Plans

Every patient’s dental anatomy and needs are unique. At Woodborough House, we use state-of-the-art technology to plan implant treatments down to the finest detail. Dr Fahey’s expertise ensures that each implant and prosthetic is positioned and designed for optimal aesthetics and functionality.

Long-Term Success and Durability

Studies show that well-placed implants can last a lifetime, with success rates exceeding 95% when performed by experienced clinicians. By entrusting your care to Dr Fahey, you ensure your implants are placed with the highest level of precision, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing longevity.

The Implant Process at Woodborough House

We understand that the decision to have dental implants can feel overwhelming. Our team at Woodborough House prioritises patient comfort and education, ensuring you feel confident and well-informed throughout your journey.

Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment

Your implant journey begins with an in-depth consultation, during which Dr Fahey will evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals. Advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D CBCT scans, are used to assess your jawbone density and plan the ideal positioning of your implants.

Step 2: Implant Placement

Our state-of-the-art surgical techniques, including computer-guided implant placement, allow for precise and minimally invasive procedures. Dr Fahey’s experience ensures that even the most challenging cases are handled with care, setting the stage for excellent outcomes.

Step 3: Custom Prosthetics

Once your implants have healed, we attach custom-designed crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dr Fahey works closely with leading dental technicians to ensure these restorations match your natural teeth perfectly, providing both comfort and confidence.

Why Choose Woodborough House for Your Implants?

Woodborough House Dental Practice, located in Pangbourne, is widely recognised for delivering exceptional dental care. With a focus on clinical excellence and patient-focused service, we are proud to be home to Dr Nick Fahey, one of the UK’s leading specialists in prosthodontics.

Our practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and we remain committed to ongoing education to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry. Whether you need a single implant or a full-mouth restoration, you can trust us to deliver results that exceed your expectations.

Your Smile Deserves Specialist Expertise

When it comes to dental implants, expertise matters. By choosing a specialist prosthodontist like Dr Nick Fahey, you are ensuring your treatment plan is handled with precision, care, and unrivalled attention to detail.

If you’re considering dental implants, why not schedule a consultation with us at Woodborough House Dental Practice? Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and guide you on the path to a healthier, more beautiful smile.

We look forward to welcoming you!