What is an implant?
A small titanium screw placed in the jawbone that takes the place of the missing tooth's root. Titanium has an unusual property: the bone accepts it and grows against it until the two become one — a process called osseointegration. The crown, the only part you see, is fitted on the healed implant.
When is it worth it?
When you have lost one or more teeth — through deep decay, gum disease or an injury. The classic alternative, a bridge, requires grinding down two neighbouring teeth that are perfectly healthy. An implant leaves them untouched.
It is not for everyone. If the bone has receded a lot, bone must be built up first — and that lengthens the process. We say so at the first consultation, not after you have started.
How long it takes and what you feel
- Visit 1Consultation and assessment
About 30 minutes. We look at the bone, talk about your expectations and give you the plan with the price.
- Visit 2Placing the implant
30–60 minutes under local anaesthetic. You feel no pain during the procedure. There may be some swelling in the first days.
- 3–6 monthsHealing
The bone fuses with the implant. You eat and live normally; we only see you for check-ups.
- Visit 3The crown
We take the impression and fit the final crown, in the colour of your teeth.
After treatment
An implant needs the same care as a real tooth: brushing twice a day, flossing and a professional clean twice a year. What damages it fastest is not eating — it is neglected gums. With regular care, modern implants last many years.