Dental implants, including the aesthetic zone.

The implant fixture — a small titanium screw — is placed in the jawbone where the tooth root used to be. Bone grows around it over a healing period of three to six months (osseointegration). Once integrated, an abutment and crown are fitted on top, and the tooth functions as if it were natural.

Implants are not the only option for a missing tooth — bridges and partial dentures remain valid — but they are the most durable, do not depend on neighbouring teeth for support, and prevent the bone loss that naturally follows tooth removal.

• Chewing becomes uneven; you favour the other side
• Neighbouring teeth shift into the gap over time
• The opposing tooth over-erupts toward the gap
• Bone in the gap area recedes — the jawline changes shape
• Speech and aesthetics are affected if the gap is visible

None of these are emergencies. All of them compound over years. The earlier a missing tooth is replaced, the less reconstructive work is needed later.

Suitable candidates are generally in good overall health, with periodontal disease under control and enough healthy bone to support the implant. Where bone has been lost — particularly in the upper jaw near the sinus — grafting can build the foundation up.

Heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, some medications affecting bone metabolism, and active periodontal disease are factors that can complicate or delay implant placement. We discuss all of this at the consultation and are honest if implants are not the right choice for your specific case.

First consultation. A thorough examination of the area, your overall oral health, your medical history, and a discussion of options. A 3D scan (CBCT) is taken where bone volume needs to be assessed.

Preparation. Any source of infection is dealt with first, whether we treat it in-house or refer it. A professional clean is usually scheduled before the procedure. If bone grafting — or soft tissue (gum) grafting — is needed, that is a separate visit with its own healing time.

Placement. The implant is placed under local anaesthetic (intra-oral injections) — most patients describe the appointment as easier than expected. You'll leave the practice the same day with aftercare instructions.

Healing and crown fitting. Three to six months for the implant to integrate. We place the healing abutment; the crown itself is made and fitted by your referring dentist or prosthodontist.

• Single and multiple implants
• Aesthetic-zone front-tooth implants
• Bone augmentation and grafting where the bone is insufficient
• Sinus floor elevation for upper-jaw implants
• Soft-tissue management around implants
• Implant-supported dentures (full and partial)
• Infected or failed implants — treatment, and/or removal with possible replacement

Implants need the same brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning as natural teeth. The tissue around them can develop inflammation (peri-implantitis) if home care or maintenance is neglected — so the same long-term recall schedule applies.