A dental implant is a fixture placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. It can replace one tooth, support a bridge or help retain a full-arch restoration. Implants can be predictable in suitable patients, but they are not the only option and they still require daily cleaning and professional maintenance.
Who may be suitable?
Assessment includes gum health, available bone, bite, medical history, smoking or tobacco use, medicines and the condition of adjacent teeth. Uncontrolled gum disease or certain health factors may need management before surgery. Age alone does not decide suitability, although growth should be complete.
What are the treatment stages?
Planning may involve photographs, X-rays, digital scans and sometimes CBCT imaging. The implant is placed under appropriate anaesthesia. Depending on stability and the clinical situation, a temporary tooth may or may not be possible. Healing is followed by the restorative stage, in which an abutment and crown, bridge or denture are made.
Is bone grafting always needed?
No. Bone grafting is considered when the available bone cannot support the planned implant position. The need, material, timing and alternatives should be discussed individually. In some cases, a bridge or removable prosthesis may be a reasonable alternative.
Risks and maintenance
Possible complications include infection, failure to integrate, gum recession, damage to nearby structures and inflammation around the implant. Risk varies by case. Long-term success depends on cleaning, gum health, bite control, tobacco avoidance and recall visits. An implant cannot develop a cavity, but the tissue and bone around it can become diseased.
Questions to ask
Ask who will perform the surgical and restorative stages, what records are needed, whether grafting is likely, what implant system is planned, how complications are handled and what maintenance schedule is recommended.
Clinical content should be reviewed before final publication.
Last updated: August 2026