Dental implants, from titanium root to finished crown.
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a small titanium post, which then carries a crown made to match the teeth around it. Done well, it is the closest thing modern dentistry has to giving a natural tooth back.
Overview
An implant has three parts: the fixture (the titanium root placed in the bone), the abutment (the connector), and the crown (the visible tooth). Because the fixture fuses with living bone — a process called osseointegration — the result is stable enough to bite and chew normally.
Implants can replace a single tooth without touching its neighbours, support a bridge, or anchor a full arch on as few as four posts.
The treatment, step by step
- Planning. A 3D scan maps the bone and nerves so the implant position is decided before any surgery.
- Placement. The titanium fixture is placed into the bone under local anaesthetic — usually more comfortable than people expect.
- Healing. Over roughly three to four months the bone grows around the fixture and locks it in.
- The crown. Once integrated, an abutment and a custom crown are fitted, matched in shape and shade to your other teeth.
Recovery and how long they last
Discomfort after placement is usually mild and short-lived. The longer healing phase is mostly invisible — you carry on normally while the bone integrates.
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, implant fixtures routinely last many years; the crown on top may eventually need replacing through normal wear. Healthy gums and not smoking are the biggest factors in long-term success.
Frequently asked questions
Are dental implants painful?
Placement is done under local anaesthetic. Most patients report mild soreness for a few days afterwards, comparable to a tooth extraction.
How long do dental implants last?
The titanium fixture is designed to be permanent and often lasts decades. The crown may need replacing over time due to normal wear.
Am I too old for implants?
There is no upper age limit. What matters is general health, healthy gums and enough bone — which a graft can often rebuild if needed.
Not a substitute for professional advice. This article is general patient information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Always consult a qualified dentist about your own situation.
References & sources
Illustrations © Tantalya Dental Clinic — original diagrams created for this article. Educational content references public-domain health information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Not affiliated with or endorsed by any third party.
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