Dental Implants — what it actually is
A dental implant is a titanium fixture placed in the jawbone to support a crown, bridge or denture. It replaces the missing root as well as the visible tooth.
Suitability depends on bone, gum health, general health and the space available, so careful assessment and imaging come before any procedure.
Signs you may need it
One of these on its own is worth a look. Two or more, and it is worth booking rather than waiting to see whether it settles.
- One missing tooth with healthy neighbouring teeth
- A bridge or denture that repeatedly comes loose
- Difficulty chewing because several teeth are missing
- A recently extracted tooth you want to replace
How it is done here
Planning includes examination, gum assessment and appropriate imaging. The implant is placed under local anaesthetic and allowed to integrate with the bone before the final tooth is fitted. More complex surgical phases may be coordinated with an implant specialist.
What to expect, step by step
These are genuinely sequential — each step depends on the one before it, which is why some treatments cannot be finished in a single visit.
- 01
Assessment
Health, gums, bite and bone are evaluated.
- 02
Placement
The implant is placed under local anaesthetic.
- 03
Restoration
After healing, the final crown or bridge is fitted and checked.
Questions patients ask about dental implants
Is everyone suitable for an implant?
No. Bone volume, gum health, smoking and some medical conditions can affect suitability and healing.
Can an implant be placed immediately?
Sometimes, but only when the bone and infection status make immediate placement predictable.
