Restorative Dentistry
Dental Implants
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up. A small post is placed in the jaw to act as a sturdy anchor, and a custom crown is attached on top — giving you a replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
At a glance
- Overall timeline
- Three to six months
- Visits needed
- Several, spaced apart
- Comfort
- Local anaesthetic
- Lifespan
- Built as a long-term replacement
What it is
Patients sometimes wonder whether a missing molar is worth replacing, since the gap does not show. It generally is, and the reason is that teeth hold each other in place. When a molar is lost, the teeth beside it can gradually tip or drift toward the space, and the tooth opposite it, with nothing to meet, can drift down or up out of line. The bite shifts, chewing moves onto the other side, and the newly tilted teeth become harder to clean. Filling the space keeps the whole arrangement stable.
Implants are a long-lasting solution that doesn't rely on neighbouring teeth for support. They restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably, and they help keep your remaining teeth and smile in great shape.
Who it's for
- Anyone missing one or more teeth
- People who want a fixed alternative to a removable denture
- Patients with healthy gums and good overall oral health
- Anyone wanting to restore comfortable chewing and a complete smile
What to expect
- 1
Consultation & planning
We examine your mouth, review imaging, and create a plan tailored to your needs and goals.
- 2
Placing the implant
The implant post is gently placed in the jaw during a comfortable, focused appointment.
- 3
Healing
Over the following weeks, the implant bonds securely with the bone to form a stable foundation.
- 4
Your new tooth
Once healed, we attach a custom crown matched to your natural teeth, completing your smile.
Recovery & aftercare
Most people are comfortable with over-the-counter pain relief after implant placement and return to normal activities within a day or two. Mild swelling or tenderness for a few days is normal.
While the implant heals and bonds with the bone, we'll guide you on diet and care. Once your crown is placed, simply brush, floss, and keep up regular checkups to help your implant last for many years.
Common questions
- How long do dental implants last?
- With healthy gums and good care, implants are designed to be a long-term — often lifelong — solution. The crown on top may eventually need replacement, like any dental work.
- Are implants better than a bridge?
- Implants don't rely on the neighbouring teeth and help preserve the jawbone, which makes them an excellent option for many people. We'll help you compare implants, bridges, and dentures to find the best fit.
- Is getting an implant painful?
- The procedure is done with numbing so it's comfortable, and most patients describe only mild soreness afterward that's easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
- Is it worth replacing a molar nobody can see?
- Usually, yes — the case for it is function rather than appearance. A molar does a large share of the chewing, and it also holds its neighbours in position. Leave the space and the teeth on either side can tip toward it while the tooth opposite drifts out of line, which changes your bite and makes those teeth harder to clean. Replacing the tooth keeps things where they belong.
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment should always be determined by a qualified dental professional based on your individual condition.
Talk to us about dental implants
Have questions or ready to get started? Book a visit and we'll examine, explain your options clearly, and care for your smile from start to finish.