A dental implant is effectively a titanium screw which is placed directly into your jawbone, replacing the missing root. Your body then fuses to the titanium over the subsequent months anchoring it in place. A false tooth, bridge or denture is then fitted to the top of the implant.

Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone under local anaesthetic, so the procedure is not painful.

Just like with any other dental procedure, local anaesthetic takes away any painful sensation for a number of hours so that you can comfortably undergo the procedure without the risks that are carried by the use of general anaesthetics (where you are not conscious).

Following the procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort for 2-3 days after which symptoms should begin to resolve. In this time, you should carefully follow postoperative instructions to ensure quick and uneventful healing.
Over-the-counter painkillers (analgesics) are often recommended and are sufficient to get you through this period comfortably. After a few days, and from thereon in, you will feel no sensation from your implant.

It is possible to use dental implants (the screw that remains inside the jawbone) to support many types of restorations in the mouth.

An implant could support a single crown or a small number of teeth (called a bridge). Multiple implants could work together to support many teeth that are joined together. These are restorations that remain fixed inside the mouth and are cleaned like your natural teeth.

Dental implants can also be used to support removable teeth (known as dentures) which must be taken in and out and cleaned at home daily. A removable denture attached to implants provides function that is far superior to a conventional denture.

Because the type, size and materials used for the restorations listed above can vary, the price that is quoted for the implant often does not include a crown unless specified.