Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium screw placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the bone has fused around it, the implant supports a crown, bridge, or denture that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Implants are a long-lasting way to replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch.

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, dental implants can last 15 to 20 years or more, and the implant itself often lasts a lifetime. The crown attached to it may need replacing eventually due to normal wear. Smoking and untreated gum disease can shorten how long an implant lasts.

Implant placement is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some soreness, swelling, or bruising is normal for a few days afterwards and is usually managed with ordinary painkillers. Most people find the discomfort milder than they expected.

Dental implants are rarely available on the NHS and are usually only funded in specific medical cases, such as tooth loss following an accident or illness. For routine tooth replacement, implants are almost always a private treatment. A dentist can confirm whether you might qualify.