One of the most difficult conversations patients face is being told that a front tooth cannot be saved. The reason may be a fracture. A failing root canal treatment. Advanced infection. Trauma. Or sometimes years of gradual deterioration that have finally reached a point where keeping the tooth is no longer predictable. Yet despite the clinical diagnosis, most patients tend to ask the same question:

“Will I be left with a gap?”

It is an entirely understandable concern.

The good news

Front teeth are not just important for eating and speaking. They are part of how we present ourselves to the world. For many patients, the thought of losing a front tooth is often more worrying than the treatment itself. The good news is that in suitable cases it may be possible to remove a failing front tooth, place a dental implant immediately and provide a temporary tooth on the same day. This approach is commonly known as immediate implant placement. However, despite the name, successful immediate implant treatment is rarely about speed.

Immediate Does Not Mean Rushed

One of the biggest misconceptions in implant dentistry is that immediate treatment is simply the faster option. In reality, some of the most careful planning often takes place before the procedure begins. When replacing a front tooth, the challenge is not simply placing an implant. The challenge is preserving what nature has already created. The surrounding gum tissue. The underlying bone. The symmetry of the smile. The small details that people may never consciously notice but immediately recognise when they are missing.

This is why immediate implant treatment requires careful assessment and case selection. The goal is not simply to replace a tooth quickly. It is to achieve a result that remains stable and natural-looking for many years.

Preserving What Is Already There

One of the advantages of immediate implant placement is that, in carefully selected cases, it may help preserve the existing gum and bone architecture following extraction. This can be particularly important in the aesthetic zone, where even small changes to the tissues can affect the final appearance of the smile.

The implant itself is only one part of the treatment. The surrounding tissues are often just as important. In many ways, successful implant dentistry is as much about preserving biology as it is about replacing teeth.

The Temporary Tooth Matters More Than Patients Often Realise

Patients are often relieved to hear that they may not need to wear a removable denture or leave with a visible gap during healing. In suitable cases, a temporary tooth can frequently be fitted immediately after implant placement. While this provides an obvious aesthetic benefit, its role extends beyond appearance alone. The temporary restoration helps support and guide the healing soft tissues around the implant. This stage of treatment is often underestimated. Yet the way the tissues heal during the first few months can have a significant influence on the final result.

Not Every Patient Is Suitable

One of the most important parts of any consultation is deciding whether immediate placement is genuinely the right option. Factors such as bone quality, gum thickness, infection, smoking, grinding habits and the position of the failing tooth all influence long-term predictability. For some patients, immediate placement may be an excellent option. For others, a staged approach may provide the safer and more predictable outcome. This can occasionally be disappointing for patients who arrive hoping for immediate treatment. However, good implant dentistry is not about doing what is quickest. It is about doing what is most likely to succeed.

The Goal Is Not to Replace a Tooth

This may sound surprising coming from an implant dentist. But the goal is not simply to replace a tooth. The goal is to restore confidence, function and appearance in a way that feels natural and remains stable over time. Some of the most challenging cases in implant dentistry involve single front teeth. Patients compare them directly to the natural teeth beside them.

Tiny differences in gum shape, tooth position or symmetry can become noticeable. The aim is not merely to fill a space.

It is to create a result that belongs naturally within the smile. In many cases, the best implant work is the dentistry nobody notices.

Looking Beyond the Day of Surgery

Patients understandably focus on what happens immediately after treatment. As clinicians, we also think about what happens five, ten and fifteen years later. Long-term gum health. Bite stability. Oral hygiene. Maintenance. These factors often play just as important a role in success as the surgery itself. At Implant & Perio Clinic in Marylebone, near Harley Street, every immediate implant consultation begins with careful assessment, digital planning and a discussion about what is realistically achievable.

Sometimes immediate placement is possible. Sometimes a staged approach is the wiser decision. The most important thing is not replacing a tooth quickly. It is replacing it well.

About the Author

Dr Pedram Negahban, DDS (Germany), is Clinical Director of Implant & Perio Clinic in Marylebone, Central London.

A significant part of his work involves replacing failing teeth in the aesthetic zone. He believes that successful implant dentistry is not measured by how quickly a tooth is replaced, but by how naturally it functions and feels for years afterwards.

Implant & Perio Clinic is located on Portland Place, Marylebone, near Harley Street, London W1

Dr. Pedram Negahban

Dr. Pedram Negahban

Principal Dentist

DDS (Germany)

GDC: 82959

Dr Pedram Negahban is a Principal Dentist at Implant & Perio Clinic in Marylebone, London, near Harley Street, where he works alongside his wife, Dr Sanaz Tehrani.

Born in Iran and educated in Germany, Dr Negahban graduated as a dentist from RWTH Aachen University in 2003. Fluent in English, German and Persian (Farsi), he has been caring for patients for more than 23 years.

Following graduation, he pursued extensive postgraduate education and was awarded a Diploma in Implantology. Over the course of his career, he has developed a particular interest in implant dentistry, restorative dentistry and complex treatment planning, dedicating much of his professional life to helping patients restore function, comfort and confidence.

Patients often meet Dr Negahban when they are facing significant decisions about their oral health. Some have failing teeth, some have been told they need extensive treatment, and others are simply unsure which option is right for them.

What many patients notice very quickly is that he takes his time.

For Dr Negahban, one of the most important parts of dentistry happens before any treatment begins. Reviewing scans, studying records, considering different options and carefully planning treatment are not tasks to be rushed. He believes that thoughtful planning is often the difference between a good result and a successful result that continues to serve a patient well for many years.

One of the qualities patients frequently comment on is his calm and measured approach. He believes that good dentistry is not about doing more treatment. It is about making the right decisions. Sometimes that means proceeding with treatment. Sometimes it means preserving what is already there. Sometimes it means waiting.

Over the years, he has helped patients with everything from replacing a single missing tooth to more complex implant and full-mouth rehabilitation cases. While he enjoys the technical aspects of dentistry, what continues to motivate him is finding the most appropriate long-term solution for each individual patient.

Even after more than two decades in practice, he remains committed to continuing education and professional development. He believes that experience is invaluable, but that good clinicians never stop learning.

Together with Dr Sanaz Tehrani, he has helped shape Implant & Perio Clinic around a philosophy of careful diagnosis, honest advice and treatment designed to serve patients well into the future.

What motivates Dr Negahban most is helping patients regain comfort, confidence and quality of life while knowing that the decisions made today will continue to benefit them many years from now.

His philosophy is simple:

The right treatment is not always the most complex treatment. It is the treatment that is right for the individual patient.

Dr. Federico Tinti

Dr. Federico Tinti

Specialist Periodontist

DDS (Italy), MSc Periodontology

GDC: 78429

Dr Federico Tinti is a Specialist Periodontist at Implant & Perio Clinic in Marylebone, London, near Harley Street.

Originally from Italy, Dr Tinti qualified as a dentist in 1998 and has dedicated more than 25 years of his professional career to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. Following graduation, he pursued postgraduate training in periodontology in both New York and London before completing a Master of Science in Periodontology. He later joined the GDC Specialist Register in Periodontology and has since focused his clinical practice on helping patients preserve their teeth and maintain long-term oral health.

Patients are often referred to Dr Tinti when they are experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth or advanced periodontal disease. Others seek his opinion because they have been told they may lose teeth and want to understand whether there are alternatives.

For Dr Tinti, periodontics is about much more than treating gums. It is about preserving the biological foundations that support every tooth, every restoration and every smile. He believes that healthy gums are the foundation of successful dentistry and that preserving natural teeth whenever possible should always be a priority.

One of the aspects of periodontology he finds most rewarding is that treatment can often help patients keep their teeth healthy and functional for many years longer than they expected. Through careful diagnosis, patient education and long-term maintenance, many conditions that were once considered inevitable can be stabilised and successfully managed.

Patients frequently comment on his calm and thoughtful approach. He believes that understanding why a condition has developed is just as important as treating it. Taking the time to explain findings, answer questions and involve patients in decisions about their care is an important part of his philosophy.

Throughout his career, Dr Tinti has remained committed to continuing education and evidence-based practice. He believes that successful periodontal care is built on a combination of scientific knowledge, clinical experience and a long-term partnership between clinician and patient.

At Implant & Perio Clinic, he works closely with Dr Sanaz Tehrani and Dr Pedram Negahban as part of a multidisciplinary team, helping patients achieve and maintain healthy foundations for both natural teeth and dental implants.

What continues to motivate Dr Tinti is helping patients preserve their teeth, comfort and confidence for as long as possible. He believes that some of the most valuable dentistry is not replacing teeth, but preventing the need for replacement in the first place.

His philosophy is simple:

Healthy gums are not separate from good dentistry. They are the foundation of it.

Dr. Sanaz Tehrani

Dr. Sanaz Tehrani

Principal Dentist

DDS (Germany)

GDC: 84955

Dr Sanaz Tehrani is a Principal Dentist at Implant & Perio Clinic in Marylebone, London, near Harley Street, where she works alongside her husband, Dr Pedram Negahban.

Born in Iran and educated in Germany, Dr Tehrani graduated as a dentist from RWTH Aachen University in 2004. Fluent in English, German and Persian (Farsi), she has been caring for patients for more than 22 years and has continued to pursue postgraduate education throughout her career.

Over the years, she has developed particular interests in Invisalign, aesthetic dentistry, tooth whitening and minimally invasive treatments. She enjoys helping patients improve their smiles in ways that feel natural, appropriate and tailored to the individual, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Despite advances in dentistry, one belief has remained constant throughout her career: good dentistry begins with listening.

Many patients arrive feeling anxious, embarrassed or worried about being judged. Others have not seen a dentist for years and are unsure what to expect. Creating a calm and welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions is something she considers just as important as the dentistry itself.

Whether a patient is attending for a routine examination, considering Invisalign, composite bonding, whitening or more complex treatment, her aim is always the same: to help people understand their options and make decisions they feel comfortable with.

Dr Tehrani particularly enjoys building long-term relationships with patients and their families. One of the greatest privileges of practising dentistry for more than two decades has been caring for patients over many years and, increasingly, welcoming their children and families into the practice as well.

Together with Dr Pedram Negahban, she has helped shape Implant & Perio Clinic around a simple belief: that patients should never feel rushed, judged or pressured. Instead, they should feel listened to, respected and cared for.

What continues to motivate her after more than 22 years in dentistry is not only the clinical side of the profession, but the people. Every patient has a story. Taking the time to understand that story has always been one of the most rewarding parts of dentistry.

Her philosophy remains simple:

Treat people the way you would hope a member of your own family would be treated.

Hayley Azopardi

Hayley Azopardi

Dental Therapist and Dental Hygienist

GDC: 5922

Hayley is a dedicated dental hygienist and therapist with over 19 years of experience in the dental field. She holds a Diploma in Dental Hygiene and a Diploma in Dental Therapy from the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Hayley is passionate about providing patients with a comfortable and supportive environment, helping them achieve optimal oral health without judgment.

In her free time, Hayley enjoys gardening, reading, exploring natural health practices, walking, following world affairs, and keeping up with Formula 1.

Kerrie Barker

Kerrie Barker

Dental Hygienist

GDC: 5133

Kerrie qualified as a dental nurse from King’s College, London, in 1995. She remained at King’s College to undergo a qualification in Dental Hygiene, graduating in 1996 with the top award for pre-clinical exam.

Kerrie joined the practice in 2003 and is an integral part of the team. She loves talking to and getting to know her patients, as well as helping them to maintain their oral health.

Outside of dentistry, Kerrie is interested in psychotherapy, and achieved her Master’s degree in Psychotherapy in 2014. She also enjoys keeping fit with pilates and bike riding, watching documentaries, socialising and eating out with friends, and talking with her family back in Canada.

Jane Dyas

Jane Dyas

Dental Hygienist

GDC: 2403

Jane qualified as a dental nurse in 1980, and went on to qualify as a dental hygienist from the Royal Dental Hospital, London, in 1982. She started working at 57 Portland Place in January 2007.

Jane finds working in a perio practice very rewarding, as she is not just cleaning teeth, but treating patients with varying degrees of gum disease. She enjoys being able to teach them how to look after their mouths and save their teeth.

Jane’s patients mean so much to her, and she has treated many loyal patients for over 30 years! She strives to keep up-to-date with advances in dentistry and improves her knowledge by attending conferences in the UK and across Europe.

Outside of work, Jane loves to travel, and enjoys spending time in her home in Spain. She also loves interior design and property renovation, and has recently finished renovating a property in Spain. Her other interests include painting, gardening and keeping fit.

Diane Telot

Diane Telot

Dental Nurse

GDC: 133903

Diane is a dedicated Dental Nurse with many years of experience working in dental practices. She gained her SAAD Conscious Sedation qualification in 1996 at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

Diane’s favourite part of her role is interacting with patients and continually learning new aspects of the job, ensuring every patient feels comfortable and well cared for. She brings a wealth of experience to the team, having spent over 11 years across her previous two practices before joining us.

Outside of work, Diane enjoys cooking, interior design, and walking, which help her relax and stay inspired.

Samaneh Sadri

Samaneh Sadri

Trainee Dental Nurse

Samaneh Sadri is an enthusiastic Trainee Dental Nurse. Originally studying IT in Iran and graduating in 1999, she is now dedicated to pursuing her new career path in dental care. As a trainee, she is working diligently to gain the experience necessary for her professional registration.

Samaneh’s favourite part of her role is learning new clinical skills and helping patients, ensuring everyone who visits the practice feels supported and well-cared for. She is passionate about expanding her clinical knowledge and providing high-quality assistance to the rest of the dental team.

Outside of work, Samaneh enjoys baking, reading, and meditation . She also enjoys regular exercise, which helps her stay balanced and active.

Martin Goodson

Martin Goodson

Practice Manager

Martin holds a degree in Philosophy and has completed CIPD Training Skills and Counselling Skills with Westminster Pastoral Foundation. He has been part of the practice team since 2011.

Martin loves interacting with patients, offering support for those who are feeling anxious or needing a bit more help. He is a large part of the day-to-day running of the practice, and is always on hand to answer questions or help in any way he can.

Outside of dentistry, Martin teaches meditation and mindfulness as well as Buddhist philosophy at a temple in London. He also supplies articles and podcasts to The Zen Gateway, a website he co-founded on meditation, mindfulness and philosophy.

Martin enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, walking, going to the cinema, and weight training.

Louise Scott-Hoffmann

Louise Scott-Hoffmann

Finance Manager

Louise joined the practice as Finance Manager in 2013. She loves working with numbers and is an integral part of the day-to-day running of the practice. She also enjoys being part of a great team.

Outside of work, Louise enjoys reading and watching rugby. She also has fun raising her teenage daughters!

Pamela Wilson

Pamela Wilson

Receptionist

Pamela joined the practice team in May 2023 and is the cheerful face on reception, welcoming our patients to the clinic with a smile. She loves working as part of a friendly and professional team to ensure the smooth running of the practice, and enjoys seeing the other side of dentistry, having previously only experienced it as a patient.

Outside of work, Pamela loves anything to do with the arts, particularly theatre and opera. She is a long term practitioner of iyengar yoga and a keen walker, both in the town and countryside.