Dental Implant

Overview

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a small titanium post that fuses with your jawbone, then supports a custom crown designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. Unlike a bridge, an implant does not rely on cutting down the healthy teeth next to the gap, and it helps preserve the surrounding bone that tends to shrink after a tooth is lost.

A finished implant tooth has three parts: the implant fixture (the titanium screw placed in the bone), the abutment (the connector), and the crown (the visible tooth). Being clear about all three matters — a low headline price often covers only the screw, not the abutment and crown that actually complete the tooth. We quote the whole tooth, itemised, so you know exactly what your plan includes.

Suitability depends on your gum health, bone volume, general health, and habits such as smoking, rather than your age alone. We assess all of this carefully and explain the stages, healing time, alternatives, and maintenance involved before any treatment begins.

Implant options we offer

The right approach depends on how many teeth are missing, your bone, and your goals. After assessing you, we’ll recommend one of the following.

Who is it for?

• Implants suit patients missing one, several, or all of their teeth who want a fixed replacement that does not rely on cutting down neighbouring teeth or on a removable denture.
• They are a good fit when there is enough healthy bone to support the implant (or where bone grafting can build it up), when the gums are healthy, and when general health allows minor oral surgery and normal healing.
• They may not be the first choice where there is untreated gum disease or active decay, which we stabilise first; where heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or certain medications reduce healing (we discuss the impact honestly); or where bone volume is very limited and grafting is not suitable — in which case a bridge or denture may serve you better.
• Growing children and teenagers are usually advised to wait until the jaw has finished developing.
• This isn’t a self-diagnosis checklist — we assess your bone, gums, and health in person, often with an X-ray or 3D scan, and explain what result is realistic for your case before recommending treatment.

What to expect

1. 01Assessment & planning — we examine your mouth, review your medical history, and take an X-ray or 3D (CBCT) scan to measure bone and plan the implant position precisely. We discuss options, staging, healing time, and an itemised cost for the whole tooth.
2. 02Implant placement — under local anaesthesia, the titanium implant is gently placed into the jawbone. Most patients report this feels more comfortable than they expected, often on par with a tooth extraction. A temporary tooth may be provided where appropriate.
3. 03Healing & osseointegration — over roughly 3–6 months, the implant fuses with the bone to form a stable foundation. We check in during this period and keep you comfortable with clear aftercare.
4. 04Abutment & final crown — once healing is confirmed, the abutment is fitted and a custom crown is made to match your natural teeth in shade and shape. We check your bite so the finished tooth feels secure for everyday eating and speaking.
5. 05Review & maintenance — we show you how to clean around the implant and set a review schedule to help it last, since implants need the same ongoing care as natural teeth.

Benefits

• Fixed and stable — implants are anchored in the bone, so they don’t slip or need removing like a denture, and let you eat and speak with confidence.
• Protects your other teeth — unlike a conventional bridge, an implant doesn’t require reshaping the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
• Helps preserve bone — the implant stimulates the jawbone where a tooth root used to be, helping to limit the bone loss that follows tooth loss.
• Natural look and long-term value — a custom crown blends with your smile, and with good care implants have a high success rate and long lifespan.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants are a well-established, extensively studied treatment with a high long-term success rate when they are properly planned, placed, and maintained. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, and most patients experience only mild swelling or soreness for a few days afterwards.

Careful planning is what keeps treatment safe and predictable. We use imaging to map bone and avoid nearby nerves and sinuses, stabilise any gum disease or decay before surgery, and are honest about factors such as smoking or uncontrolled diabetes that can affect healing. Cutting corners on assessment — or chasing the cheapest quote that only covers the screw — is where implant problems more often begin.

Aftercare & making your implant last

• For the first few days, stick to softer foods, avoid the surgical site when chewing, and follow the pain-relief and rinsing instructions we give you.
• Don’t smoke during healing if at all possible — smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for implant failure and slower healing.
• Clean around the implant daily, just like a natural tooth, using the brushing and interdental technique we show you. Well-maintained implants can last many years.
• Keep your regular checkups and cleanings so we can monitor the implant, gums, and bite and catch any issue early.

Dental implants vs. bridges vs. denture

Implants are one of several ways to replace missing teeth. Here’s how they compare so you can weigh what fits your situation.