A carefully planned option for replacing missing teeth. Explore who may be suitable, how treatment progresses and what long-term care involves.
A dental implant is a fixture, commonly made from titanium, placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. Once it has healed, a crown, bridge or other prosthesis can be attached. It may be considered after tooth loss from decay, gum disease, injury or a tooth that never developed.
The implant is one part of a complete restoration. Your dental professional assesses the teeth, gums, jawbone and general health before explaining whether an implant, bridge or removable prosthesis is appropriate. PG Clinics coordinates the consultation and care journey with the treating provider.
Implants may replace a single missing tooth without preparing neighbouring healthy teeth, support a bridge for several missing teeth, or help stabilise a larger restoration. For patients with extensive tooth loss, the dentist may discuss full-arch approaches supported by multiple implants, including four- or six-implant plans when suitable.
The clinician checks bone quantity and quality, gum health, bite and medical history, usually with imaging. Insufficient bone may require grafting and more healing time. Active gum problems or incomplete jaw development can affect suitability; an individual assessment determines the options.
An implant-supported crown may fill a gap without using adjacent teeth as bridge supports.
Implants may support a fixed bridge where the position and available bone allow.
A clinician may discuss a full-arch fixed or removable restoration supported by a planned number of implants.
An implant-supported restoration can help restore chewing and appearance. A single-tooth implant may preserve neighbouring teeth that would otherwise be prepared for a conventional bridge. Implants can also provide support for certain multi-tooth restorations.
Placement requires surgery and a healing period. Infection, failure to integrate, damage to nearby structures or later problems around the implant can occur. Bone grafting may be necessary, adding time and cost. No restoration is guaranteed to last for life.
The original treatment description gives a healing estimate of roughly 2–5 months before a final crown stage. Timing varies with the site, bone, health and treatment plan; your clinician will provide a personal schedule.
The dentist examines the mouth, gums and bone, discusses alternatives and plans implant position and the final restoration.
The clinician places the implant in the jaw with appropriate anaesthesia, commonly local anaesthesia, and provides aftercare instructions.
The implant is allowed to heal in the bone. This often takes several months; grafting or other procedures may extend the schedule.
After healing is assessed, the clinician fits an abutment and a custom crown, bridge or denture, checks the bite and plans follow-up.
Good oral hygiene, healthy gums and regular dental reviews are important after treatment. Follow the treating team’s instructions during healing and clean around the implant and restoration as directed. Contact the clinician if you notice persistent pain, swelling, looseness or bleeding.
This information is general. A qualified dental professional must assess your individual suitability, alternatives, healing plan and possible risks.
