A dental implant is an artificial root, usually made of titanium, placed surgically in the jawbone to support a crown, bridge or denture. It is one way of replacing missing teeth, not the only one, and it is not suitable for everyone. Where collaboration with a specialist colleague is needed, we explain beforehand who will do what.

What it is

After placement, the bone gradually bonds to the surface of the implant (osseointegration). Once this has happened, a connecting part (abutment) and the final restoration are attached to the implant.

Implants can replace:

a single tooth, without preparing the neighbouring teeth,
several teeth, with a bridge on implants,
all the teeth in one jaw, with a fixed restoration or with a removable denture that clips onto implants.

Treatment has two parts: surgical placement and the prosthetic restoration.

When they may be suitable

When one or more teeth are missing.
When a removable denture is not stable enough.
When the neighbouring teeth are healthy and we would rather not prepare them for a bridge.

For an implant to be suitable you need, among other things:

enough bone height and width (otherwise bone grafting may be needed first),
healthy gums with no active periodontitis,
well-controlled general health. Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, certain medicines (for example for osteoporosis) and radiotherapy to the area increase the risk of complications and must be discussed beforehand.

What usually happens

Assessment and planning. Clinical examination, medical history, X-rays and often 3D imaging (cone beam CT) to measure the bone.
Preparation. Treating the gums and other teeth. If an extraction is needed, we discuss when the implant will be placed.
Placement. Under local anaesthetic, the implant is placed in the bone. A small bone graft can sometimes be done at the same time; larger grafts are usually done months earlier.
Healing. The gum heals in 1–2 weeks. Osseointegration usually takes 2–6 months. Where needed, you wear a temporary restoration in the meantime.
Restoration. Impressions, then the crown, bridge or denture is made and fitted.
Follow-up. Regular check-ups and cleans.

Overall treatment usually takes from a few months to around a year, especially if bone grafting is needed.

Afterwards

In the first days after placement there may be swelling, bruising and discomfort. You will be given written instructions on food, mouthwash and painkillers.
Avoid smoking, especially while healing.
Implants cannot decay, but the tissues around them can become inflamed (peri-implantitis), much like the gums in periodontitis. Daily cleaning and regular check-ups are essential for as long as you have the implant.

Frequently asked questions

Is implant placement painful?

It is done under local anaesthetic. In the following days the discomfort is usually managed with common painkillers, as advised by the dentist.

Is there an age limit?

There is no upper age limit if your general health allows it. In young people, implants are not placed until jaw growth is complete.

Can an implant fail?

Yes. In a small percentage of cases an implant does not integrate or is lost later. The risk is higher in smokers and with certain conditions. We will discuss the risks that apply to you before you decide.

How long do implants last?

With good care and regular follow-up, many implants function for many years. How long depends on hygiene, gum health, smoking and general health, so no one can guarantee it.

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Dental implants