A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It's placed into your jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the bone to form a stable foundation. Once it has healed, we fix a crown, bridge or denture on top, giving you a replacement that looks and works like a natural tooth. Titanium is used because the body accepts it well and bone bonds to it naturally.

Implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth. They stay fixed in place, so nothing slips, clicks or has to come out at night. Because the post replaces the root, it keeps the jawbone active and helps prevent the bone shrinkage that usually follows tooth loss. You can eat, speak and smile without a second thought, and with good care they can last for decades.

Most adults in good general health, with healthy gums and enough jawbone, are suitable for implants. A few things need a closer look first. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and anything that affects healing or bone can all influence how well an implant settles, but they don't automatically rule you out. If you've been told you don't have enough bone, treatments like bone grafting or a sinus lift can often build the area up beforehand. The only way to know for sure is an assessment, which is why we take a 3D scan at your consultation to check the bone and plan around it.

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain while the implant is placed. Most people are surprised by how straightforward it is, and many say it was easier than having a tooth taken out. Afterwards you can expect some mild soreness or swelling for a few days, which usually settles with ordinary over-the-counter painkillers. We'll go through exactly what to expect, and how to care for the area, before you leave.

With good care, the implant itself can last twenty years or more, and often a lifetime. The crown or bridge on top takes the daily wear of biting and chewing, so that part may need replacing after roughly ten to fifteen years. Brushing, cleaning between your teeth and keeping up with check-ups all make a real difference to how long everything lasts.

Implants are a well-established treatment with a strong safety record. As with any minor surgery there are small risks, including infection, occasionally an implant that doesn't fuse as hoped, and in rare cases some nerve or sinus involvement. Careful planning is how we keep those risks low. The 3D scan maps the exact position of your nerves and sinuses before surgery, so the implant is placed precisely. We'll talk through anything specific to your case at your consultation.

Most implant treatment takes somewhere between three and six months from start to finish. After the implant is placed it needs time to fuse with the bone, usually a couple of months, before the final tooth is fitted. Cases that need a bone graft or sinus lift first will take a little longer. In many cases we can fit a temporary tooth so you're not left with a gap while everything heals. We'll map out your personal timeline at the planning stage.

Dental implants are one of the most predictable treatments in modern dentistry. Research generally reports success rates of around 95 to 98 percent, with the best outcomes coming from careful planning and good aftercare. Your general health, the quality of your bone and habits such as smoking all play a part, which is why we assess these properly before recommending treatment.

Your first visit is about understanding your situation and whether implants are right for you. Dr Aziz examines your mouth, talks through what you'd like to achieve and takes a 3D cone beam scan, which shows the bone and the position of nerves and sinuses in detail. From there you'll get a tailored treatment plan with clear costs and timings, and time to ask questions. The consultation is free with no obligation to go ahead.