Dental Implants
Dental Implants
A titanium post placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth.
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone to take the place of a missing tooth root. Once the bone has healed around it, a crown is attached to the implant so it functions like a single standing tooth.
Implant treatment is planned before it begins. That planning usually includes a clinical examination, a 3D scan to assess the height and width of available bone, and a discussion of what the finished tooth will look like. Not everyone is a candidate — uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, active gum disease and insufficient bone all affect suitability, and the assessment exists to find that out.
Published long-term studies report implant survival at around 90–95% at ten years, though the figure varies with the site, the patient's general health and how well the implant is maintained afterwards. Your own likelihood is something to discuss at the consultation rather than read off a website.
What happens
The treatment step by step
So you know what each visit involves before you commit to the first one.
Consultation and 3D assessment
Examination, radiographs and, where indicated, a CBCT scan to measure the available bone and locate nerves and sinuses.
Treatment plan and written estimate
You receive the proposed plan, the number of visits, the implant system to be used, and the cost before anything begins.
Implant placement
The implant is placed under local anaesthetic. Most patients return to normal activity the following day, though some swelling and discomfort in the first few days is usual.
Healing
The bone integrates with the implant over roughly three to six months, depending on the site and whether grafting was needed. A temporary tooth can often be worn during this time.
Crown fitting
An impression or digital scan is taken and the final crown is fitted.
Review and maintenance
Implants need cleaning and periodic review like natural teeth. Peri-implantitis is the main long-term risk and it is largely preventable.
Questions
Common questions
More in Dental Implants
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Information on this website is provided for general education and does not replace a professional dental consultation, diagnosis or treatment plan. Outcomes vary between patients.