What is dental implants?
A dental implant is a small screw made of titanium. It is placed in the jaw bone where a tooth is missing. Over a few months the bone grows around it and holds it firmly, just like a natural root.
A crown is then fixed on top of the implant. Implants can replace one tooth, a few teeth, or hold a full set of fixed teeth for people who have lost all their teeth.
Who needs it?
- Adults with one or more missing teeth
- People tired of loose or uncomfortable dentures
- Anyone who does not want healthy side teeth cut for a bridge
- Patients with healthy gums and enough jaw bone (checked with a scan)
How the procedure works
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01
Consultation and scan
We check your gums and take an X-ray or 3D scan to measure the bone and plan where the implant will go.
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02
Placing the implant
Under local anaesthesia, the implant is placed in the bone. For one tooth this usually takes about an hour.
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03
Healing
Over 2–4 months the bone bonds with the implant. You can wear a temporary tooth if the gap is visible.
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04
Fixing the crown
A mould or scan is taken and a custom crown, matched to your tooth colour, is fixed on the implant.
Recovery and aftercare
- ✓Some swelling and soreness for 2–3 days is normal. Use a cold pack and take the prescribed medicine.
- ✓Eat soft food for the first week.
- ✓Do not smoke — it slows healing and can make the implant fail.
- ✓Clean around the implant every day and come for a check-up every 6 months.
Common questions
Does getting an implant hurt?+
The area is numbed during the procedure. Many patients say it felt easier than a tooth extraction. Mild soreness for a few days is normal.
How long does the whole process take?+
Usually 3–5 months from placing the implant to fixing the final crown, because the bone needs time to heal around it.
How long do dental implants last?+
With good cleaning and regular check-ups, implants can last 15–20 years or more.
Can I get an implant if I have diabetes?+
Yes, if your sugar levels are under control. We may ask for a recent blood report before planning.
What does a dental implant cost?+
It depends on the implant system, the crown and whether extra bone is needed. You get a written cost before we begin.