Dental Implants: The Basics

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a tooth root, usually made from titanium. The implant is used to support a single tooth restoration or multiple teeth in the form of a bridge. There are many different implant systems available and when competently used they all deliver a highly reliable form of treatment.

How long does treatment take?

For routine cases, from the time of implant placement to the time of placing the first tooth/teeth, treatment times can vary between six weeks and six months.

The availability of better quality bone can help to decrease treatment time, whilst more time and care must be taken with poorer bone, which can therefore extend treatment times beyond six months. Your dentist will take an X-ray to determine the quality and quantity of bone present, prior to treatment.

What should you know before you start treatment?

You should be given a written summary of your treatment planning discussion, highlighting your current dental situation and any alternatives there are to dental implants. This summary should include an overview of the anticipated treatment stages and give you some idea of how long treatment is likely to take, how many implants are required and what the fees are expected to be. Any other issues specific to your case will also be explained and addressed in the written treatment plan.
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