Dental Implants
A permanent, natural-feeling replacement for missing teeth.
About this treatment
A dental implant is an artificial root placed in the jawbone, taking the place of the root of a lost tooth. A crown, a bridge or a removable overdenture is attached to it later.
Between placing the implant and fitting the crown there is a healing period during which the bone attaches to the implant. How long that takes differs from patient to patient and from case to case.
An implant is not possible in every situation. There must be enough jawbone and the gums must be healthy. This is assessed beforehand, including with radiographs.
Who this may suit
This is not a diagnosis. Whether a treatment is appropriate in your situation can only be established during an in-person examination. A conversation may be worthwhile if you recognize the following:
- One or more missing teeth
- A tooth that cannot be saved and has to be removed
- A denture that does not hold well enough
- A situation where you would rather leave healthy neighbouring teeth untouched than use them to support a bridge
Suited to anyone missing one or more teeth who wants a long-term solution rather than a removable one.
Examination and treatment process
The process differs from patient to patient. In broad terms it looks like this:
Examination and planning
We assess the jawbone, gums and bite, and use radiographs to map whether and where an implant can be placed. Your general health and any medication are part of this too.
Preparatory treatment if needed
If the gums are inflamed or there is too little bone, that is treated first. This can extend the overall timeline.
Placing the implant
The implant is placed in the jawbone under local anaesthetic. A period then follows during which the bone attaches to it.
Fitting the crown or bridge
Once the implant is sufficiently stable, an impression or scan is taken and the definitive crown or bridge is made to measure and fitted.
Limitations and realistic expectations
- Not everyone is a candidate. Too little jawbone, untreated gum disease, smoking, and certain conditions or medications all reduce the chance of success.
- An implant can fail to integrate, or come loose later. This is uncommon, but it is not a guarantee that can be given in advance.
- The tissue around an implant can become inflamed (peri-implantitis) if cleaning falls short. This can cause bone loss.
- The overall timeline usually runs over several months. An implant is not a quick solution.
- The gum around an implant can recede over the years, which may become aesthetically visible on a front tooth.
Aftercare and maintenance
- Clean around the implant at least as carefully as around your own teeth, paying attention to the junction with the gum.
- Attend your check-up and hygiene appointments; the health of the tissue around implants is assessed separately.
- Stopping smoking improves the outlook considerably, both during healing and afterwards.
- Tell us if the gum around the implant bleeds, swells or is painful, or if the crown moves.
Frequently asked questions
This page is general information, not medical advice or a treatment plan. Whether a treatment is suitable and feasible depends on your oral health, the clinical situation and an examination at the practice. Outcomes, duration and cost differ from patient to patient. If you have acute symptoms, pain or a dental emergency, call the practice directly rather than using the contact form.