What is a dentist who does implants, and what can they do for missing teeth?

What is a dentist who does implants, and what can they do for missing teeth?

A dentist who places dental implants surgically fixes a titanium post into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, then attaches a crown on top. The result is a permanent, bone-supported replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Implants are now the clinical gold standard for treating tooth loss.

Key takeaways

• A dental implant consists of three parts: a titanium post (the root), an abutment (the connector), and a porcelain crown (the visible tooth).
• Osseointegration – the process by which the implant fuses to the jawbone – typically takes three to six months and is what makes implants permanent rather than removable.
• Unlike dentures or bridges, implants preserve jawbone density by transmitting bite forces directly into the bone.
• Implants carry an average clinical success rate above 95% over ten years, according to widely cited peer-reviewed literature.
• Candidates must have sufficient bone volume and controlled general health; a formal assessment with a qualified dentist is always required before treatment begins.

How does a dental implant actually work?

A dental implant replaces the whole tooth structure, not just the visible part. The titanium post is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic, where it gradually fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once that bond is secure – typically after three to six months – a custom-made porcelain crown is fixed on top, completing the restoration.

This root-level anchoring is what separates implants from every other tooth-replacement option. Because the post integrates with living bone, the implant becomes structurally part of the jaw rather than simply sitting on top of it.

What happens to your jaw when you lose a tooth?

Bone loss begins within weeks of losing a tooth. The jawbone needs the stimulation of biting and chewing forces to maintain its density; when a tooth root is absent, that section of bone starts to resorb. Over time, this can alter facial structure, cause neighbouring teeth to drift, and make future implant placement considerably more complex.

Importantly, implants are the only tooth-replacement method that replicates this root stimulation. Dentures and bridges restore the visible tooth but do nothing to arrest bone resorption beneath the gum line.

Dental implants vs the alternatives: which option fits your situation?

Option	Best for	Approximate cost (London)	Key limitation
Single dental implant	One missing tooth with healthy surrounding bone	£2,000–£3,500 per tooth	Requires sufficient bone; longer treatment timeline
Dental bridge	One or two adjacent missing teeth	£800–£2,000	Neighbouring teeth must be filed down to support the bridge
Full or partial denture	Multiple missing teeth; limited budget	£500–£1,500	No bone preservation; can slip during eating and speaking
Implant-supported bridge	Multiple missing teeth without replacing each individually	£4,000–£10,000+	Higher upfront cost; still requires adequate bone volume

The right choice depends on bone volume, the number of missing teeth, overall oral health, and personal priorities around permanence and cost. A thorough clinical assessment – including X-rays or a CBCT scan – is the only way to determine which option is genuinely suitable.

Who is and isn’t a candidate for dental implants?

Most healthy adults are candidates. Good candidates have adequate jawbone density, healthy gums, and no uncontrolled systemic conditions such as unmanaged diabetes or active periodontal disease. Non-smokers tend to achieve higher success rates because smoking impairs the healing process around the implant site.

Patients who have experienced significant bone loss may require a bone graft before implant placement – this is routine but adds time and cost to treatment. Teenagers are generally not candidates until jawbone growth is complete, typically in the late teens or early twenties.

What are the honest risks and limitations of implants?

Implant failure, while uncommon, does occur. The most frequent cause is peri-implantitis – an infection of the tissue surrounding the implant – which parallels gum disease around natural teeth and is largely preventable with good oral hygiene. Implants also represent a significant upfront investment compared with dentures or bridges.

The treatment timeline can span six to twelve months from consultation to final crown fitting, which is longer than most patients expect. For anyone who needs an interim solution while the implant heals, a temporary crown or partial denture can be worn during osseointegration. At Islington Smiles, the full treatment plan is discussed at the consultation stage so patients understand every step before committing.

How should you decide whether to pursue implants?

Ask these three questions before proceeding. First, is the gap permanent – have you lost a tooth that will not be replaced by natural eruption? Second, do you want a fixed rather than removable solution? Third, can you commit to the six-to-twelve-month timeline and the associated cost? If the answer to all three is yes, implants are almost always the clinically superior option.

If cost is a barrier but permanence matters, an implant-supported bridge covering multiple teeth can reduce the per-tooth cost. If timeline is the constraint, discuss interim restorations with your dentist. Patients considering implants alongside other restorative work – such as Composite Bonding or Veneers on surrounding teeth – should sequence treatments carefully to avoid redoing cosmetic work after the implant crown is fitted.

For patients in north London, Islington Smiles provides formal implant consultations including full imaging and a written treatment plan before any clinical work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

The surgical placement is performed under local anaesthetic, so patients feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Post-operative soreness typically lasts three to five days and is managed with over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

How long do dental implants last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, implants can last for decades — many studies report functional lifespans of 20 years or more. The porcelain crown may require replacement after ten to fifteen years due to normal wear.

Can I get an implant immediately after a tooth extraction?

In some cases, yes — this is called immediate implant placement and is performed on the same day as the extraction. It’s only appropriate when the socket is infection-free and bone volume is adequate; your dentist will assess this during the consultation.

Will my implant look natural?

A well-made implant crown is shaped and shaded to match surrounding teeth and is indistinguishable from a natural tooth to an outside observer. The crown is custom-fabricated from photographs and impressions taken of your existing dentition.

What if I need other dental treatment alongside implants?

Any active decay, gum disease, or infection must be resolved before implant surgery. Cosmetic treatments such as Teeth Whitening should be completed before the crown is shade-matched, so the final restoration blends with your whitened teeth rather than your pre-treatment shade.

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