Dental implants
A titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root, topped with a crown, bridge or denture.
How long
3–9 months across several visits
How long it lasts
15+ years, often lifelong
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic, sedation optional
What's involved
The implant post is placed into the bone and left to integrate — a process called osseointegration — before the final crown is attached.
Treatment starts with a 3D CT scan to check bone volume. Some people need a bone graft or sinus lift first, which adds time.
Implants don't rely on neighbouring teeth the way a bridge does, and they stop the bone shrinking where a tooth is missing.
Common questions
- Is it painful?
- The placement is done under local anaesthetic and most people compare recovery to an extraction — sore for a few days.
- Why does it take months?
- The bone has to fuse to the implant before it can carry biting force. Rushing that stage risks failure.
- Can anyone have one?
- You need enough healthy bone and gums. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes lower success rates.