Fixed tooth replacement
Missing a Tooth? Replace It Properly.
A dental implant replaces a tooth's root with a small titanium post that supports a porcelain crown, without touching the healthy teeth beside it. Ours are planned digitally and restored with care.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Sofia Monter, general dentist · Reviewed October 2026
At a Glance
- What it is: a titanium root that supports a crown, bridge or denture.
- Timeline: usually a few months from placement to the final crown, longer if bone needs rebuilding first.
- Ten-year survival: about 93% to 96% of implants in a large research review.
- Upkeep: daily cleaning and regular reviews, for life.
- Not for everyone: gum health, bone, smoking and general health all matter.
Why We Choose Implants With Care
- Tooth-conserving by design. Unlike a bridge, an implant does not require cutting down the neighbouring teeth.
- Careful, considered restoration. Crowns, bridges and implant-supported dentures planned around your bite and long-term comfort.
- Honest candidacy advice. Implants need healthy gums, enough bone and good habits. If a bridge or denture would serve you better, we will say so.
- A written plan. Each stage, who carries it out, the timeline and the cost, in writing before you commit.
What Happens to the Jaw After a Tooth Is Lost
The bone that held a tooth starts to shrink once the tooth is gone. A systematic review found the ridge lost 29% to 63% of its width and 11% to 22% of its height in the first six months after extraction, with most of the change happening early (Tan et al., 2012).
That is why timing matters. If an implant is likely, we plan before the tooth comes out, and in some cases recommend protecting the socket so there is enough bone later.
How Long Do Implants Last?
A systematic review of long-term studies found about 96% of implants were still in place after ten years. When the authors allowed for patients lost to follow-up, the estimate was about 93%, and the risk of losing an implant was roughly doubled in people aged 65 and over (Howe et al., 2019).
Those are strong numbers, but they are averages, not promises. Your own risk depends on your gums, bone, health, habits and how well the implant is looked after.
The Complication Worth Knowing About
The most important long-term problem is peri-implantitis: inflammation and bone loss around an implant, similar to gum disease around a tooth. Across the studies in one major review it affected an estimated 22% of patients on average, with a wide range between studies (Derks & Tomasi, 2015).
A history of gum disease, smoking and difficulty cleaning around the implant all raise the risk. That is why we treat gum disease first, design restorations you can clean, and see you regularly afterwards. An implant is not maintenance-free; it needs the same care as a tooth, and sometimes more.
Implant, Bridge or Denture?
- Implant. Leaves neighbouring teeth untouched and helps keep the bone around it. Involves minor surgery, healing time and usually the highest upfront cost.
- Bridge. Fixed, faster and no surgery, but the teeth either side are shaped to support it, and the bone under the gap keeps shrinking.
- Partial denture. The least invasive and usually the lowest cost. Removable, and needs relining as the gums change.
Good to know
Common Questions
Is a dental implant better than a bridge or denture?
Not always. An implant replaces a missing tooth without cutting down neighbouring teeth, which is why it is often preferred when bone and health allow. Bridges and dentures remain good choices in the right situations. We compare all three honestly for your case, including costs and maintenance.
Does getting an implant hurt?
Placement is done under local anaesthetic and most patients describe less discomfort than they expected, often comparable to an extraction. We plan your comfort and aftercare carefully, and as with any surgical procedure, we discuss the specific risks with you first.
How long does the whole process take?
Usually a few months from placement to the final crown, because the bone needs time to bond to the implant. If bone needs rebuilding first, it takes longer. Your written plan sets out the timeline.
Can I have an implant if I smoke?
Sometimes, but smoking is linked with more implant problems, including inflammation and bone loss around the implant. We will talk through your risk honestly, and stopping or cutting down improves the odds.
How do I look after an implant?
Brush and clean between teeth daily, just as you would natural teeth, and keep regular reviews so early signs of inflammation are caught.
Find Out If an Implant Is Right for You
The research behind this page
- Tan WL, et al. A systematic review of post-extractional alveolar hard and soft tissue dimensional changes in humans. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2012.
- Howe MS, Keys W, Richards D. Long-term (10-year) dental implant survival: a systematic review and sensitivity meta-analysis. Journal of Dentistry, 2019.
- Derks J, Tomasi C. Peri-implant health and disease: a systematic review of current epidemiology. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2015.
Inline Smiles Dental & Orthodontics. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. This page is general information only, not a diagnosis or a personal treatment recommendation. Research findings describe groups, and individual results vary; suitability for any treatment is assessed individually.