Dental Implants

About dental implants

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone, where it acts as an artificial root. Once the bone has bonded to it, a custom crown, bridge or denture is fixed on top.

It may help if you have

• One or more missing teeth
• You would rather not cut down healthy neighbouring teeth for a bridge
• Loose dentures that need more stability
• You want to keep chewing and speaking naturally

Your treatment, step by step

1. Examination and imagingA full check-up with X-rays and 3D imaging to study the bone and plan placement.
2. Personal treatment planYour dentist explains the plan, timeline and options before anything begins.
3. Preparation if neededRemoval of a damaged tooth, or bone grafting if the jawbone is too thin.
4. Implant placementThe titanium post is placed in the jawbone.
5. HealingBone fuses with the implant (osseointegration). This usually takes about 3 to 9 months.
6. Abutment and final toothA connector (abutment) is added and your custom crown, bridge or denture is fitted.

What you can expect

• Chew and speak naturally
• Helps preserve the jawbone
• Neighbouring teeth stay untouched
• Can anchor a bridge or stabilise a denture
• Long-lasting with good care

Types your dentist may discuss

• Endosteal implants, placed in the jawbone (most common)
• Subperiosteal implants, when bone height is limited
• Zygomatic implants, anchored in the cheekbone for the upper jaw
• All-on-4, where four implants support a full arch

Dental Implants: common questions