A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over a period of weeks or months, the bone grows around and bonds to the implant in a process called osseointegration.
Once the implant has integrated, a connector piece (called an abutment) is attached, and a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is fitted on top. The result looks, feels, and functions very much like a natural tooth.
Why might I choose an implant?
Dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options:
They do not require the neighbouring teeth to be cut down or involved in any way
They stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that occurs when a tooth is missing
They are fixed in place and do not need to be removed for cleaning
They can last many years or even decades with good care
They closely replicate the look and feel of natural teeth
Am I suitable for an implant?
Not everyone is immediately suitable for dental implants. Your dentist will assess you carefully. Factors that may affect your suitability include:
Bone volume — sufficient bone in the jaw is needed to place and support the implant. If you have lost bone, a bone graft may be needed first.
Gum health — active gum disease must be treated and controlled before implant treatment begins
General health — some medical conditions and medications can affect healing and implant success. These include:
Uncontrolled diabetes — poor blood sugar control significantly impairs healing and implant integration
Bisphosphonate medications (e.g. alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, zoledronic acid) or denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva) — used for osteoporosis or certain cancers, these affect bone metabolism and increase the risk of a serious condition called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)
Head and neck radiotherapy — previous radiation to the jaw area significantly impairs bone healing and is an important risk factor for implant failure and osteonecrosis
Immunosuppressive conditions or medications — affect the body's ability to heal after surgery
Smoking — smoking significantly reduces implant success rates and increases the risk of complications
Age — implants are not placed in young people whose jaws are still developing. Most centres wait until a patient is at least 18.
Your dentist will take X-rays or a CBCT scan (a 3D dental scan) to assess your bone and plan your treatment precisely.
What does the treatment process involve?
Implant treatment takes place over several months. The general stages are:
Consultation and planning — X-rays, scans, and assessment of your health and suitability
Preparatory work (if needed) — bone grafting or gum treatment may be required before the implant is placed
Implant placement — a minor surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic. A small incision is made in the gum, the implant is placed into the bone, and the gum is closed. This usually takes 30–90 minutes.
Healing period (osseointegration) — you wait for the implant to bond with the bone. This typically takes 6–16 weeks. During this time a temporary tooth may be placed.
Abutment placement — a small connector is attached to the implant
Final restoration — your custom crown, bridge, or denture is fitted on top of the implant
Risks and possible complications
Dental implants have a long-term success rate of around 90–95% over 10 years. However, they are a surgical procedure and carry risks.
Common (affect more than 1 in 10 people):
Swelling, bruising, and soreness for several days after surgery
Minor bleeding from the surgical site
Uncommon (affect about 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people):
Implant failure — the implant does not integrate with the bone. This affects roughly 1 in 20 implants overall, and is more common in smokers. A failed implant is usually removed, and a second attempt may be possible after healing.
Infection at the implant site (peri-implantitis) — requires treatment and can lead to implant loss if not managed
Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the lip, chin, or tongue — more common with lower jaw implants
Damage to adjacent teeth or roots during placement
Perforation of the sinus (upper jaw only) — may require management
Long-term care of your implant
Implants are not maintenance-free. Long-term success depends on good care:
Brush around the implant crown carefully twice daily
Clean between the implant and neighbouring teeth with interdental brushes or floss
Attend regular hygienist appointments — peri-implant gum disease (peri-implantitis) is a serious risk if hygiene is poor
Attend annual implant review appointments so your dentist can check the implant, the bone level, and the restoration
Do not smoke — smoking greatly increases the risk of implant failure and peri-implantitis
If you grind your teeth, tell your dentist — a night guard can protect the implant crown
Questions to ask your dentist
Do I have enough bone for an implant, or will I need a graft?
Does my medical history affect my suitability?
How many appointments will I need and over what period of time?
What will my temporary tooth look like during healing?
What are the ongoing maintenance requirements?
What happens if the implant fails?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dentist about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dentist will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
When to Seek Urgent Help
If you develop severe swelling, high fever, or difficulty swallowing after implant surgery, contact the practice immediately or go to A&E. These can be signs of infection requiring urgent treatment.
References
Aligned with guidance from: FGDP(UK), SDCEP, NICE, ITI (International Team for Implantology).