What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone to take the place of a missing tooth root. A crown is fitted onto it later, once the bone has grown tightly around the post.
That is the important distinction. A bridge rests on the teeth on either side, which means preparing two healthy teeth. An implant stands on its own and leaves the neighbouring teeth alone.
How long does the whole process take?
Usually three to six months from placement to the final crown, because the bone needs time to heal around the post.
The appointments themselves are short. It is the healing between them that sets the timeline, and it cannot be rushed without risking the result. If a front tooth is missing, a temporary is normally arranged so there is no visible gap while the healing happens.
Is it painful?
The placement is done under local anaesthetic, so it is not painful at the time. Most people describe the days afterwards as soreness rather than pain, and manageable with ordinary pain relief.
Anyone who has had a difficult extraction often expects worse than they get. A planned implant placement is a more controlled procedure than a complicated removal.
What can go wrong?
The main risk is the implant not integrating with the bone. That is uncommon but real, and more likely where there is smoking, uncontrolled diabetes or untreated gum disease.
This is worth saying plainly rather than glossing over. Gum disease in particular should be treated before an implant is placed, not after. An implant sitting in unhealthy gum is a problem waiting to happen.
If there is not enough bone to hold the implant, bone grafting or a sinus lift may be needed first, which adds time.
How do I know if I am suitable?
An examination and a scan will show whether there is enough bone, and whether the gums are healthy enough. That assessment is the honest starting point.
Be wary of anyone who quotes for an implant before looking at a scan. The bone is what decides the plan.
Common questions
How long does a dental implant take?
Usually three to six months from placement to the final crown, because the jawbone needs time to heal around the post. The appointments are short; the healing sets the timeline.
Is a dental implant painful?
The placement is done under local anaesthetic and is not painful at the time. Afterwards most people report soreness for a few days rather than pain.
Can anyone have a dental implant?
Not always. There must be enough jawbone to hold the implant and the gums must be healthy. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and untreated gum disease all reduce the chance of success.
Is an implant better than a bridge?
They solve the problem differently. A bridge is supported by the teeth on either side, which means preparing two healthy teeth. An implant stands alone and leaves them untouched.