A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. After it joins with the bone, a crown is fixed on top. It looks and works like a natural tooth. Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth or a full set of teeth.
A gap is not only a cosmetic problem. When a tooth is lost:
| Implant | Bridge | Denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it stays | Fixed in the jawbone | Fixed to nearby teeth | Removable, rests on gums |
| Nearby teeth trimmed | No | Yes | Sometimes (partial) |
| Bone protection | Yes | No | No |
| Time needed | Several months | 1 to 2 weeks | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Cost | Higher at first | Medium | Lower |
| Lifespan | Many years, often 15 or more | About 10 to 15 years | About 5 to 7 years |
The best choice depends on your gums, bone, health, budget and the number of teeth missing.
Most healthy adults can. You need:
Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes and untreated gum disease raise the risk of implant failure. Your dentist will check these before planning.
If you need a bone graft or a sinus lift first, this adds several months.
The area is numb during treatment. Afterwards there may be mild pain, swelling and slight bleeding for a few days, controlled with medicine. Eat soft, cool food for the first days, keep the area clean, do not smoke, and follow your dentist’s instructions. Most people go back to normal work in a day or two.
With good brushing, flossing, regular checkups and no smoking, implants can last 15 years or more, and many last for decades. The crown on top may wear and need replacement sooner.
The cost depends on the implant brand, the number of implants, the type of crown, and any bone graft or sinus lift you need. You get the total cost before treatment starts.
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia. You may feel some soreness afterwards, which is usually mild.
Usually 3 to 6 months from placement to the final crown, or longer if a bone graft is needed.
Adults of any age can if the jaw is fully grown and they are healthy. Age itself is not a limit.
Brush twice a day, clean between the teeth, and see your dentist every 6 months.
A bone graft can rebuild the area in many cases.
A small number do, mostly because of infection, smoking or poor cleaning. Regular checkups reduce this.