Dental Implants

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with a fixed implant. Unlike a denture, the implant is permanent and is implanted into the jawbone via a titanium root. 

The dental implant uses a crown to match the colour, shape and alignment of your existing teeth. 

Once complete, the dental implant looks, feels and functions just like your natural teeth. 

Dental implants are popular for a range of reasons. They include: 

• The ability to withstand greater bite pressure than dentures
• Prevent bone loss in the jaw
• Reducing the risk of loosening of adjacent teeth
• Correct the formation of hollowed or collapsed cheeks that can occur after loss of a tooth or extraction
• Superior comfort over dentures
• Use the same dental hygiene requirements as natural teeth 

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth entirely.

A dental bridge, as the same suggests, fills the gap created by a missing tooth above the gum-line. The bridge is suspended between existing teeth and fills the missing gap. 

A dental implant is stronger than a dental bridge as the foundations are mounted in the jawbone. 

A dental implant procedure is usually completed over several appointments. Key stages include: 

• X-rays provide your dentist with a picture of where the proposed implant will be located
• The health of the jawbone is assessed
• The dental implant is inserted into the jaw bone

After allowing the treatment area to heal, the procedure moves onto:

• Preparing the newly position root to accept the dental crown
• Creating a mould of your mouth to create the crown
• Attaching the crown to the root

Follow-ups may be required to ensure timely healing of the treatment area.

Dental implant are considered a minor procedure. Discomfort may be experienced and is typically managed with with anaesthetic during the procedure, and oral pain management during the healing stage. 

Discomfort will subside and, once healed, the dental implant will function just as well as your natural teeth. 

While it’s natural to be apprehensive about dental implants, discomfort is well tolerated by most patients. Many patients mention the end result being worth any temporary discomfort.

Looking after your dental implants starts with getting your dental hygiene basics right. 

Brushing, flossing and regular check-ups with your dentist will keep your dental implants looking great and keep your mouth healthy. 

While dental implants are stronger than bridges or dentures, care to avoid chewing hard foods and not to chewing things such as ice, pencils or anything else that may damage your veneers. 

Some of our patients prefer to avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth, such as coffee. Lifestyle choices such as cigarettes will negatively affected the appearance of your veneers. 

Your dentist will assess gum health, bone volume/density, bite, and oral hygiene. They’ll also review medical history and medications (e.g., for bone or blood conditions) and discuss lifestyle factors like smoking. Imaging (such as x-rays or a 3D scan) helps plan the position and size of the implant.

Typically: assessment and planning → implant placement → a healing period so the implant can integrate with bone → placement of an abutment and a custom crown. Timeframes vary depending on your healing, whether bone or gum grafting is needed, and the location of the tooth.

Yes. Options may include an implant-supported bridge (using fewer implants to replace several teeth) or an implant-retained denture for full arches. Suitability depends on bone support, bite, and your hygiene routine; your dentist will outline pros/cons for each option.

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean around the implant with floss or interdental brushes, and attend regular reviews. If you clench or grind, a night guard may be recommended. Avoid using teeth to open packets and maintain healthy gums to support the implant over time.