A missing tooth affects more than your smile. Here is how implants work, who they suit, and what recovery really looks like.
A gap left by a missing tooth doesn't just affect how your smile looks. Neighbouring teeth can gradually drift into the space, your bite can shift, and the jawbone beneath the gap can start to shrink without a tooth root to keep it stimulated.
A dental implant replaces the whole tooth — root and crown — rather than just the visible part. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over a few months in a process called osseointegration, before a custom-made crown is fitted on top.
Because the implant behaves like a natural tooth root, it helps preserve the surrounding bone in a way that bridges and dentures can't. It also doesn't rely on neighbouring teeth for support, so healthy teeth either side stay untouched.
Treatment typically happens in stages over a few months, though the day-to-day disruption is minimal — most people are back to normal activities within a day or two of the placement procedure. We plan carefully with examinations and imaging so the implant is positioned for long-term strength and a natural-looking result.
Aftercare is straightforward: brush and clean around the implant as carefully as you would a natural tooth, keep up with hygienist visits, and avoid smoking, which can affect healing and long-term success rates.
Implants aren't the right solution for absolutely everyone — factors like bone density, gum health and general health all play a part — which is why we always start with a thorough assessment before recommending them over a bridge or denture. If you'd like to explore your options, book a restorative consultation and we'll talk through every step clearly.
Written by
Dr. Rajesh Patel
Associate Dentist at Larkfield Dental Aesthetics
