Single Implants

The procedure itself isn’t painful. We fully numb the area with local anaesthetic before we start, so you shouldn’t feel pain while the implant is placed, and our Enjoyable Dentistry Technique™ is there to keep you calm and comfortable the whole way through. That reassurance matters, especially if you tend to feel anxious about dental treatment.

Most single implants take around three to six months to heal fully. During that time the bone gradually fuses with the implant, turning it into a solid, permanent foundation for your new tooth. It’s this stage that gives implants their long-term strength, so it isn’t one to rush.

How long it takes varies a little from person to person. Your general health, how well you keep the area clean, whether you smoke, and where in the mouth the implant sits all play a part. We’ll go through your likely timeline at your consultation, and if the gap is somewhere visible, such as a front tooth, we’ll talk you through your options so you’re not left self-conscious while everything settles.

Most people who’ve lost a single tooth to injury, decay or gum problems can have an implant, provided a few boxes are ticked. The main ones are healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to hold the implant securely. Your general health matters too, since some conditions affect healing, and smoking can slow it down.

None of these usually rules you out on its own. If you’re a little short of bone, a graft can often build it back up. If your gums need attention, we’ll treat that first. And if an implant genuinely isn’t the best route for you, we’ll say so and talk through the alternatives, such as a bridge.

A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. A hole is then carefully drilled into the bone to create a space for the implant. The implant, which resembles a screw, is then inserted into the hole and secured in place. Over time, the surrounding bone will fuse with the implant, providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth that will be attached to it. The entire process typically requires multiple visits to the dentist’s office, allowing for adequate healing and integration of the implant before the final natural-looking tooth-replacement; the crown, is fitted. None of this should cause distress or discomfort thanks to our Enjoyable Dentistry Technique™.

Yes, looking after an implant is much like looking after a natural tooth. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and keep up your regular check-ups and hygiene appointments. You won’t need any special products or routines.

The crown itself can’t decay, but the gum and bone around the implant still need to stay healthy, and neglecting cleaning can lead to inflammation that puts the implant at risk over time. The good news is that this is very preventable. Keep the area clean and see us for regular reviews, and your implant should serve you well for many years.

Implants are one of the most durable tooth replacements available. The titanium post in your jaw can last for decades, and for many people it lasts the rest of their life. The research is reassuring here, with around 95 in every 100 implants still going strong ten years after they’re placed.

The crown on top does the day-to-day work of biting and chewing, so it may need refreshing or replacing after roughly ten to fifteen years, usually while the implant itself stays put. How long yours lasts comes down largely to how well you care for it, so good cleaning, healthy gums and regular check-ups make a real difference. Smoking and teeth grinding are the main things that shorten an implant’s life.