Dental implants are a permanent solution to replace missing teeth. More durable than traditional dentures or bridges, implants offer a longer-lasting and more natural-looking alternative to replace a missing tooth.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant replaces the root of your tooth. A piece of metal (usually a titanium post) is attached directly into the bone of your jaw during an initial surgery. Over time, your natural bone grows around the implant to keep it in place. It can take around three months for the bone to grow around the implant.

The final procedure is to attach an artificial tooth known as a crown to the implant. This crown is matched to the size, shape and colour of your natural teeth.

When are dental implants recommended?

Dental implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. The different kinds of implants include:

• Single implant – replaces one tooth with a single metal post.

• Implant bridge – two or more implant screws are used to support an implant bridge made of several crowns side by side.

• Implant supported denture – multiple implant posts are used to support a full upper or lower dental prosthesis (usually between 10-14 teeth).

Dental implants are not suitable for everyone as they rely on a successful bone implant.

Our dentists can discuss whether a dental implant is right for you based on your age, the health of your surrounding teeth and gums, and whether you have any other medical conditions that may affect how your jaw bone will respond to the implant procedure.

Benefits of implants

There are many benefits of using dental implants to replace missing teeth. These include:

• Being made to look exactly like your natural teeth.

• Helping to restore your smile and confidence after an injury or other health condition that has affected your teeth.

• Providing a more durable and permanent solution to traditional dentures or bridges.

• Preventing bone loss from missing teeth by keeping the jaw solid and stopping your face from changing shape and aging prematurely.

• Being easy to care for – the same way you look after your natural teeth.

Dental implants can last many decades when managed carefully. And while implants are not susceptible to tooth decay, it’s important to look after your surrounding teeth and gums carefully to avoid any issues with gum disease.