Dental implants are small titanium posts (fixtures) surgically placed into your jawbone to act like artificial tooth roots. Once in place, a crown, bridge, or denture is then attached, providing a replacement planned around your needs.

Dental implants can support a crown, bridge or denture to replace missing teeth. Depending on your circumstances, they may help with chewing and appearance while avoiding preparation of neighbouring teeth. Suitability, likely benefits and alternatives vary by patient and are discussed during an assessment.

An implant is placed in the jawbone and allowed to heal. If healing allows, an abutment and a crown, bridge or denture can then be fitted. The stages and timing depend on your treatment plan.

Suitability depends on your oral and general health, bone condition, healing and other individual factors. An assessment is needed before a clinician can advise whether implants are appropriate and discuss alternatives.

Your clinician will assess the available bone and explain whether additional treatment, a referral or another option may be appropriate. If bone grafting or another procedure is considered, the team will explain where it can be provided, the expected costs and any alternatives before you decide.

The number of implants depends on your clinical needs, bone condition and the design of the replacement teeth. Your clinician will discuss suitable options after an assessment.

Treatment can take several months, but the timeline varies with your treatment plan, healing and any preparatory care. Your clinician will discuss the expected stages and timing with you.

Implant placement is usually carried out with local anaesthetic. Some discomfort or swelling can occur afterwards, and the amount varies between patients. Your clinician will discuss pain relief, recovery and any sedation options that may be suitable for you.

With good oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and maintenance, implants can last many years. Longevity varies between patients, and the crown or abutment may need review or replacement over time.

Temporary replacement options will be discussed as part of your treatment plan.

The cost depends on your treatment plan, including the number and type of replacements and any additional care. We will explain the fees and provide an estimate after assessment. Current consultation and CBCT scan fees are listed on our pricing page.

Full-arch replacement may be an option for some patients, but it is not suitable for everyone. A clinician will discuss whether it is available and appropriate for you, along with alternatives and an individual estimate after assessment.

Dental implants are usually only available privately, though NHS treatment may be provided in limited circumstances. Taverham Dental is a private practice and does not provide NHS treatment.

Implants can support biting and chewing, but they do not feel or behave exactly like natural teeth. Their function depends on the restoration, healing and ongoing care.

Implant outcomes vary between patients and depend on factors such as bone health, healing, oral hygiene and maintenance. These factors are assessed during your consultation.

Ask about the clinician's training and experience, what assessment and imaging may be needed, who will provide each stage of treatment, the likely risks and alternatives, aftercare, and the full fees. You can also ask whether any additional treatment would be provided at the practice or require a referral.

Care includes: brushing and flossing like natural teeth (using interdental brushes, floss threaders); regular hygiene visits and check-ups; avoiding smoking and minimising risk habits; and protecting them from trauma (for example, avoiding chewing hard materials).

An implant may be placed soon after extraction if conditions allow, but implants can also be fitted later. Timing is planned based on your jaw health and any preparatory work needed.

Implants may be considered to replace one or more missing teeth or to support some dentures. Your clinician can discuss whether they may help with your needs and explain other options, such as bridges or dentures.

The clinicians involved depend on your treatment needs. Your treatment plan should explain who will provide each stage and whether a referral or input from another clinician is appropriate.