Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. With single-tooth implants, individual titanium posts support each prosthetic tooth. Dentists use this procedure to fill a gap after an extraction or a tooth knocked out through injury.

Your dentist places the implant in your jawbone under a local anaesthetic. As the gum heals, the bone gradually grows around the implant, creating a secure anchor for your new prosthetic tooth.

This healing process takes between three to six months for most patients, though it can be quicker in some cases. The dentist will attach a healing cap to the top of the implant and may also fit a temporary crown to wear until your gums have healed.

Your dentist will have your new tooth custom-made to fit the gap and colour-matched to blend in with the rest of your natural teeth. Once the implant is sufficiently stable, your dentist will attach your prosthetic tooth to the implant.

In cases where many teeth are missing, your dentist may recommend “all-on-four” or “all-on-six” dental implants to replace all your teeth in one appointment.