What Are Dental Implants and How Do They Replace Missing Teeth?
Patients Ask Series: Part 3
By Mariam from OralTalkWithMariam
Hey Smile Squad! 😁
A dental implant is a small post placed in your jawbone to support a replacement tooth. The post is usually made of titanium and shaped like a screw. For one missing tooth, a crown can be attached to the implant after a period of healing. Dental implants may also support a bridge or denture when several teeth are missing.In Part 2 of the Patients Ask series, we looked at how your jawbone may change after a tooth is removed. Because an implant relies on your jawbone for support, your dentist will need to examine the area before deciding whether implant treatment is suitable for you.
What Are the Parts of a Dental Implant?
A completed dental implant replacement usually has three main parts: the implant post that sits beneath your gum, the abutment that connects the post to the replacement, and the replacement tooth or teeth that you can see. For one missing tooth, the visible replacement is usually a crown. When several teeth are missing, implants may support a bridge or denture instead.
Think of building a house. The implant post is like the foundation hidden below the ground, while the abutment connects that foundation to the structure above it. The crown, bridge or denture is the finished part that people can see.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
A dental implant works by becoming stable within your jawbone. After the implant post is placed, the bone gradually heals around its surface and helps hold it in position.
Once your dentist confirms that the implant is stable, the crown, bridge or denture can be attached. The implant post then supports the replacement while you bite and chew, much like the root supports a natural tooth.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Dental Implant?
Dental implant treatment usually takes several months from your first assessment to receiving the final replacement tooth. The implant post often needs at least three months before it is ready to support a crown, bridge or denture, although the complete timeline may be longer.
Most of the waiting happens between appointments while your mouth heals. If your jawbone needs to be built up before the implant is placed, the additional healing time may extend your treatment.
A temporary tooth may be possible while you wait for the final replacement, depending on the position of the gap and your treatment plan. Your dentist can explain whether a temporary option is suitable for you.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Many adults who have lost one or more teeth may be able to have dental implants. Your dentist will examine your mouth and consider your health before deciding whether the treatment is suitable for you.
If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend treating it before your implant treatment begins.
If there is not enough jawbone to hold an implant securely, your dentist may discuss a procedure called bone grafting. During bone grafting, material is placed in the area where the implant is planned to help increase the amount of bone available.
Having a health condition or taking regular medicine does not automatically rule you out. Your dentist will consider your individual health before recommending treatment.
Are Dental Implants Painful and How Long Is Recovery?
Your dentist will use an injection to numb the area before placing the implant, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may notice some pressure or movement while the dentist works.
You may be able to return to work the following day, depending on how you feel and the type of treatment you received. Your dentist will give you advice based on your procedure and how your mouth is healing.
How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?
The cost of a dental implant varies depending on where you receive treatment and what your treatment includes. In Nigeria, there is no single fixed price, and clinics may calculate their fees differently.
When requesting a quotation, ask whether it covers the implant post, abutment and final replacement tooth. Your total cost may be higher if you need additional care, such as bone grafting, before the implant can be placed.
Your dentist can provide a clearer estimate after examining your mouth. A written breakdown will also help you compare quotations fairly, rather than comparing an implant-only price with the cost of complete treatment.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust reports that about 9 in 10 dental implants are still present and working after 10 years. This figure describes what has been observed across patients and cannot predict exactly how long your implant will last.
The implant post and the replacement attached to it may have different lifespans. The post may remain stable while the crown, bridge or denture eventually becomes worn and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Can Dental Implants Look and Feel Natural?
An implant-supported replacement can look and function much like a natural tooth. Your dentist will plan the shape and colour of the visible replacement to help it blend with your surrounding teeth and gums.
Once the area has healed, the implant can provide stable support while you speak and eat. The sensation may not be exactly the same as a natural tooth, but the replacement may begin to feel more familiar with time.
What Are the Risks of Dental Implants?
An infection may develop if bacteria build up around the healing area or the gum surrounding the implant. Following your aftercare instructions and keeping the area clean can help reduce this risk.
In some cases, the implant post may not become firmly held by the surrounding bone. Your dentist will assess the area before treatment and check the implant as your mouth heals.
💙 Mariam's Wrap
If you are considering a dental implant, start by asking your dentist to assess the area where your tooth is missing. Attending an assessment does not mean that you have agreed to treatment. It gives you an opportunity to ask questions and understand the proposed plan before deciding what is right for you.
Stay glowing,
Mariam from OralTalkWithMariam
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