Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant fuses with the bone through a natural process called osseointegration, a custom abutment and crown are attached on top — creating a permanent, fully functional replacement tooth that looks, feels, and performs exactly like a natural one.

Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Unlike bridges or dentures, implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support — they integrate directly into the jawbone, preserving bone density and facial structure for the long term.

Titanium fixture bonds directly to the jawbone – no slipping, no adhesives, no removal needed.

Implants stimulate bone growth and prevent the bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction.

Custom zirconia crown shade-matched to your teeth — completely indistinguishable from natural.

A dental implant is a surgically implanted artificial tooth root made from medical-grade titanium (or zirconia). It is placed directly into the jawbone where a natural tooth root once existed. Over a period of 3–6 months, the bone grows around and fuses to the titanium surface — a process called osseointegration — anchoring the implant as firmly as a natural root.

Once fully integrated, a connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant, and a custom crown (the visible tooth) is secured on top. The result is a three-part system that replaces every component of a natural tooth — root, neck, and crown.

When a tooth is lost, patients have three primary replacement options: a dental bridge, a removable denture, or a dental implant. Here is why implants are considered the superior long-term solution:

Implants vary by material, design, and application. Your oral surgeon or implantologist will recommend the most suitable type based on your bone density, jaw anatomy, and treatment goals.

The most common type. A titanium screw is placed directly into the jawbone. Supports single crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations.

Best for: Most patients with adequate bone

A metal frame placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone. Used when there is insufficient bone depth for a standard endosteal implant.

Best for: Low bone volume patients

Extra-long implants anchored into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone. Used in severe upper jaw bone loss cases.

Best for: Severe maxillary bone loss

A full arch of teeth supported by just 4 or 6 strategically placed implants. A complete teeth-in-a-day solution for patients with multiple missing teeth or failing dentition.

Cost: $12,000–$25,000 per arch

Narrower diameter implants for patients with limited bone width or used to stabilise lower dentures. Less invasive procedure with faster healing.

Cost: $500–$1,500 per implant

The dental implant process typically spans 3–9 months from the initial consultation to the final crown. Here is a complete walkthrough of every stage:

Your implantologist evaluates your oral health, bone density, and anatomy using a cone beam CT scan. They confirm candidacy and create a personalised implant treatment plan.

If the failing tooth is still present, it is removed. In some cases an implant can be placed immediately at the same appointment (immediate implant placement).

If bone volume is insufficient, a bone graft is placed to build up the site. This adds 3–6 months of healing time before the implant can be placed.

Under local anaesthesia (or sedation), a small incision is made in the gum. A precision drill creates a channel in the bone, and the titanium implant post is screwed into place. The gum is sutured closed.

Over 3–6 months, the jawbone naturally grows around and fuses to the implant surface. During this time a temporary crown or flipper may be provided for aesthetics.

Once the implant has fully integrated, a small connector piece (abutment) is attached to the top of the implant. The gum tissue is shaped to form a natural emergence profile around it.

A digital scan or impression is taken of the abutment and surrounding teeth. A custom zirconia crown is milled in the lab and shade-matched to your natural teeth.

The permanent crown is attached to the abutment and checked for fit, bite, and aesthetics. A follow-up appointment at 2–4 weeks confirms healing and occlusion.

The titanium implant fixture, if properly maintained, can last a lifetime. The crown typically lasts 10–20 years before replacement may be needed. Follow these guidelines to protect your implant:

Visit your dentist every 6 months for professional cleaning and implant health checks. Your dentist will assess the implant’s stability, check for any signs of peri-implantitis, and take periodic X-rays to monitor bone levels around the fixture.

Ans. The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, so you will feel no pain during the procedure. Post-surgical soreness, mild swelling, and bruising are normal and typically subside within 3–5 days. Most patients describe the discomfort as less than they expected.

Ans. The titanium implant fixture is designed to last a lifetime with proper care. The crown on top typically lasts 10–20 years before it may need replacement due to wear. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are the biggest factors in long-term implant success.

Ans. Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates. Ideal candidates have adequate jawbone density, healthy gums, and no uncontrolled systemic conditions. Patients with diabetes, osteoporosis, or those who smoke can still receive implants but require careful evaluation. A CBCT scan will determine your suitability.

Ans. Osseointegration is the biological process by which the jawbone grows into and fuses with the titanium implant surface. It takes 3–6 months because bone remodelling is a slow, natural process. Rushing this phase would compromise the stability and long-term success of the implant.

Ans. A single complete implant (fixture + abutment + crown) in the US typically costs $1,500–$3,500. Costs vary by provider, location, and whether bone grafting is needed. Most dental insurance plans provide limited implant coverage, though supplemental plans may cover a portion. Flexible financing is widely available.