
A gap left by a missing tooth doesn't just affect how your smile looks. Over time, neighbouring teeth can shift into the empty space, your bite can become uneven, and the jawbone beneath the gap can start to lose density since it's no longer being stimulated by a tooth root. This is why dentists usually recommend replacing a missing tooth sooner rather than later.
Unlike a bridge or a denture, a dental implant replaces the root of the tooth, not just the visible crown. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once healed, a custom crown is fixed on top โ giving you a replacement tooth that looks, feels and functions like a natural one.
This is usually the first question patients ask, and the honest answer is: not during the procedure itself. Implant placement is done under local anaesthesia, so you won't feel pain while it's happening. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is normal and manageable with basic pain relief.
The implant post typically needs a few months to fuse properly with the jawbone before the final crown is attached. This healing period varies from person to person, which is why a proper consultation and imaging beforehand is so important โ it lets us set realistic expectations from day one.
Most healthy adults with adequate jawbone density are good candidates for implants. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or very low bone density can affect suitability, which is exactly why we start with a detailed scan and consultation rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach.
Considering an implant? Book a consultation and we'll walk you through whether it's the right fit for your case.
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