What Are Dental Implants? Procedure, Types, UK Costs & Care

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Think of it as a sturdy foundation that holds an artificial tooth in place. The implant fuses with your bone over time, creating a permanent anchor for a crown, bridge, or denture. Unlike removable dentures or traditional bridges that sit on top of your gums, implants become part of your jaw structure.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about dental implants. You'll discover why they've become such a trusted solution for missing teeth, how to work out if they're suitable for your situation, and what the treatment process actually involves. We'll break down the different types available, explain what you can expect to pay in the UK, and share practical advice on caring for your implants so they last. Whether you're missing one tooth or several, understanding your options helps you make the right choice for your smile and confidence.

Why dental implants are a popular option

Dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they address problems that other solutions simply can't fix. When you understand what are dental implants and how they work, it becomes clear why so many people choose them over dentures or bridges. They offer permanent stability without damaging your healthy teeth, and they feel remarkably natural when you eat, speak, or smile.

Natural look and function

Your implant functions just like a real tooth root, which means your replacement tooth stays firmly in place during everyday activities. You can bite into an apple, laugh confidently at dinner, and speak clearly without worrying about slipping dentures or clicking sounds. The crown attached to your implant is colour-matched to your natural teeth, making it virtually impossible for others to spot which tooth is artificial.

Implants restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence.

Protecting your jawbone and facial structure

When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported it begins to deteriorate because it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that prevents this bone loss by acting like natural tooth roots. This preservation matters more than you might think because it maintains your facial shape and prevents the sunken appearance that often develops with missing teeth or long-term denture use. Traditional bridges and dentures sit on top of your gums without stimulating the bone, so they can't offer this crucial benefit.

How to decide if dental implants are right for you

Your suitability for dental implants depends on several health factors and practical considerations that your dentist will assess during a consultation. Not everyone qualifies for this treatment straight away, and some people need additional procedures first to create the right conditions for success. Understanding what makes you a good candidate helps you set realistic expectations and plan your journey with confidence.

Health factors that affect suitability

Your jawbone needs to be thick enough and strong enough to support the titanium post, which is why your dentist will take X-rays or 3D scans during your initial assessment. Some people have experienced bone loss from missing teeth for years, and they require a bone graft before implant placement becomes possible. Your dentist evaluates the quality and quantity of your existing bone to determine if you can proceed immediately or need preparatory treatment first.

Certain health conditions make implant surgery more complicated, though they don't automatically rule you out. Uncontrolled diabetes can slow healing and increase infection risk, whilst heavy smoking significantly reduces success rates because nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums and bone. You'll need to discuss any medications you take, particularly blood thinners or drugs that affect bone density, as these may require adjustments to your treatment plan.

Practical considerations to think through

Dental implant treatment takes several months from start to finish because your bone needs time to fuse with the implant. You must commit to multiple appointments and allow adequate healing between each stage, which means patience becomes essential for achieving the best results. Most patients find the timeline manageable when they understand what are dental implants and why each step matters for long-term success.

The investment in time and money pays off with a permanent solution that can last decades.

Your budget plays a role in your decision because implants cost more upfront than dentures or bridges, though many clinics offer 0% finance options to spread payments over time. Consider the long-term value rather than just the initial price, as implants rarely need replacement whilst dentures require adjustments and eventual renewal every few years.

What happens during dental implant treatment

Understanding what are dental implants means knowing the step-by-step process that transforms a gap in your smile into a permanent tooth replacement. Your treatment unfolds in distinct stages over several months, with each phase building on the previous one to create a stable foundation for your new tooth. The exact timeline varies depending on your individual needs, but your dentist maps out a clear plan before you begin.

Initial consultation and planning

Your journey starts with a thorough examination where your dentist assesses your oral health, takes detailed X-rays or 3D scans, and discusses your goals. These images reveal the condition of your jawbone, the position of nerves and sinuses, and whether you need any preparatory work like bone grafting. Your dentist uses this information to create a personalised treatment plan that outlines each stage, expected timescales, and total costs. This appointment gives you the chance to ask questions and understand exactly what lies ahead.

The surgical procedure

On the day of your surgery, your dentist numbs the treatment area with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain during the procedure. They make a small incision in your gum to expose the bone, then drill a precise hole where the titanium implant post will sit. The post gets carefully positioned into your jawbone at the correct depth and angle, and your dentist closes the gum tissue over or around it. Most patients find the procedure less uncomfortable than they expected, with manageable soreness afterwards that responds well to over-the-counter painkillers.

The actual surgery typically feels easier than having a tooth extracted.

Healing and osseointegration

Your body needs three to six months to complete a process called osseointegration, where your bone grows around the implant and fuses with it. During this time, you might wear a temporary denture to fill the gap whilst your implant integrates. This healing period cannot be rushed because it creates the permanent stability that makes implants so successful.

Placing the crown

Once your implant has fully integrated, your dentist attaches a small connector called an abutment to the top of the post. They take impressions of your teeth to create a custom crown that matches your natural tooth colour and shape perfectly. After a few weeks, your dentist fits the final crown onto the abutment, and you can immediately use your new tooth for eating and speaking normally.

Types of dental implants and typical UK costs

Your choice of implant type depends on your bone condition, the number of teeth you need to replace, and your budget. Most patients receive endosteal implants because they suit the majority of situations, but alternative options exist for people with insufficient jawbone. Understanding what are dental implants and the various types available helps you discuss the best solution with your dentist during your consultation.

Endosteal implants (the standard choice)

Endosteal implants are the most common type and work for nearly everyone who has adequate bone density. These titanium posts get screwed directly into your jawbone, where they integrate over several months to create a permanent foundation for your replacement tooth. Your dentist can place a single implant to support one crown, or use multiple implants to anchor a bridge or full denture. The versatility of endosteal implants makes them the go-to option for straightforward cases where your jaw structure is healthy and strong enough.

Zygomatic implants (for complex cases)

Zygomatic implants offer a solution when your upper jawbone lacks sufficient density for standard implants. Instead of anchoring into your jaw, these longer implants attach to your cheekbone (the zygoma), which provides a solid foundation without requiring bone grafting. Specialists typically reserve this advanced technique for patients who would otherwise need extensive bone grafting procedures, making it a time-saving alternative for complex situations. Your dentist refers you to an implant specialist if this option suits your needs better than conventional treatment.

Zygomatic implants can avoid months of bone grafting procedures.

What you can expect to pay in the UK

Dental implant costs vary significantly based on the complexity of your case and whether you need additional procedures like bone grafting. A single implant with its crown typically ranges from £2,000 to £3,500 at most UK clinics, whilst full mouth reconstruction using multiple implants can cost between £15,000 and £30,000. These prices reflect the expertise required, the quality of materials used, and the longevity of your results.

Your investment covers several components:

• Initial consultation and scans: £100-£300

• Surgical implant placement: £1,200-£2,000 per implant

• Abutment and custom crown: £800-£1,500

• Bone grafting (if needed): £400-£1,200 per area

Many practices offer 0% finance plans that spread the cost over 12 to 24 months, making treatment more accessible without waiting years to save the full amount. Your dentist provides a detailed breakdown during your consultation so you can plan your budget with confidence. Remember that implants represent a one-time investment that can last decades, unlike dentures that require replacements and adjustments over time.

Looking after implants and how long they last

Your dental implants can serve you for decades with proper care, but their longevity depends entirely on how well you maintain them. The titanium posts themselves rarely fail once integrated, yet the surrounding gum tissue remains vulnerable to infection if you neglect your oral hygiene routine. Understanding what are dental implants and how to protect your investment ensures you get maximum value from your treatment.

Daily cleaning and maintenance routines

You must brush your implant crownstwice daily just as you would natural teeth, paying special attention to where the crown meets your gumline. Plaque builds up around implants exactly like it does on natural teeth, and bacteria can cause peri-implantitis, an infection that damages the bone supporting your implant. Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique to clean all surfaces thoroughly without damaging your gums.

Flossing becomes essential for removing debris from between your implant teeth and preventing gum disease. Your dentist might recommend interdental brushes or special floss designed for implants, as these tools reach areas that regular toothbrushes miss. Water flossers offer another effective option that many patients find easier to use consistently than traditional floss.

Your daily cleaning routine protects both your implants and your remaining natural teeth.

Professional check-ups and monitoring

Regular dental appointments allow your dentist to spot early warning signs of problems before they become serious. You should attend check-ups every six months for professional cleaning and examination of your implant sites, gum health, and bone levels. Your dentist uses X-rays periodically to check that your bone remains stable around each implant and that no infection has developed beneath the gumline.

Expected lifespan and replacement considerations

Most implants last 25 years or longer when you maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend regular check-ups. The crown attached to your implant might need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear, but the implant post itself typically remains functional for life. Factors that shorten implant lifespan include smoking, poor oral hygiene, grinding your teeth at night, and untreated gum disease. Your commitment to aftercare determines whether your implants serve you for a few years or several decades.

Moving forward with dental implants

You now understand what are dental implants, how the treatment unfolds, and what commitment they require in terms of time, cost, and aftercare. This knowledge puts you in a strong position to decide whether implants suit your situation better than alternative solutions like bridges or dentures. Your next step involves booking a consultation where a dentist examines your jawbone condition, discusses your specific needs, and creates a personalised treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Taking action means getting professional advice about your individual case rather than making assumptions based on general information. Book a consultation at Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics to receive a thorough assessment, see your X-rays or 3D scans, and ask questions about finance options that make treatment affordable. Your journey towards a complete, confident smile starts with that first appointment.