A lasting, natural-looking solution for missing teeth: how implant treatment works and what to keep in mind.
What is an implant?
An implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone that takes over the role of the tooth root. A porcelain or zirconia crown on top replaces the missing tooth in both function and appearance.
Unlike a bridge, the neighbouring teeth do not need to be reduced, so healthy tooth tissue is preserved.
Who is it suitable for?
It is considered for people who have lost one or more teeth, have enough bone and whose general health is suitable for a surgical procedure. Suitability is always decided after an examination and imaging.
- A single missing tooth
- Loss of several teeth
- Patients unhappy with removable dentures
How does the process go?
- Examination and imaging: your mouth, bone condition and treatment options are assessed.
- Planning: the position and size of the implant are worked out with your dentist.
- Surgery: the implant is placed in the jawbone under local anaesthesia.
- Healing: the time the implant needs to fuse with the bone varies from person to person.
- Prosthesis stage: the permanent crown is fitted and follow-up visits are planned.
What to know for success
Regular oral care, cutting down on smoking and attending your check-ups all play an important part in how long an implant lasts. Healing and results can differ from person to person.
The information on this page is for general purposes only. The treatment that suits you is decided by your doctor after the examination.
