Implants

A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a tooth root, usually made from titanium. Implants are a safe, well-established treatment.

Dental implants can be used to replace one or several missing teeth. All the usual forms of tooth replacement, such as bridges or dentures can be supported by dental implants.

Implants, much like natural teeth, will last for as long as you care for them. How well you look after your implants – and whether you go for your regular dental appointments – will have the biggest impact on how long they will last.

If your implants are well looked after, and if the bone they are fitted to is strong and healthy, they are expected to last for many years. However, just as with other surgical implants (such as a hip replacement) there is no lifetime guarantee.

Placing an implant is often easier than taking a tooth out and is usually done using a simple local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain at the time but, just like after an extraction, you may feel some discomfort during the week after the surgery.