A dental implant is a small titanium post that a dentist places into your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Once the bone heals around it, the implant holds a custom-made replacement tooth (a crown), bridge or denture firmly in place, giving a stable, natural-looking way to replace one or more missing teeth.
If you are considering dental implants, it helps to understand what they actually are and how they work before you decide. Below, the Stella Dental team explains the parts of an implant, how it bonds with your jaw, what to expect from treatment, and how to tell whether implants are right for you.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. It has three parts that work together:
- The implant post: a small titanium screw placed into the jawbone, where it takes the place of the natural tooth root.
- The abutment: a connector that sits on top of the post, just at or above the gum line.
- The crown: the visible replacement tooth, made to match the colour, size and shape of your natural teeth so it blends in.
Because the post is anchored in the bone rather than resting on the gum, an implant is a fixed, standalone replacement, it does not rely on the neighbouring teeth for support the way a conventional bridge does.
How do dental implants work?
Implants work through a natural process called osseointegration, where the jawbone gradually grows onto and around the titanium post. Titanium is used because the body accepts it well, so over a period of healing the bone forms a strong bond with the implant surface. This is what gives an implant the stability to cope with biting and chewing.
Osseointegration usually takes around three to six months. Once the post has fully integrated, your dentist attaches the abutment and the final crown. Replacing the tooth root this way also helps keep the jawbone stimulated in the area where a tooth has been lost.
What do dental implants look like?
Once treatment is complete, an implant looks like a natural tooth. The crown is matched to the shade, size and shape of the teeth around it, so in most cases it is hard to tell which tooth is the implant. Only the crown is visible, the post and abutment sit hidden beneath the gum.
Do dental implants hurt?
The implant is placed under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb during the procedure and most people are comfortable throughout. Afterwards, it is normal to feel some tenderness or swelling for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Your dentist will talk you through what to expect and how to look after the area while it heals. If you feel anxious about treatment, let the team know, they can explain each step and help you feel at ease. For more detail, see our guide on whether dental implants are painful.
How long do dental implants last?
With good care and regular check-ups, many dental implants last well over a decade, and often longer. Their lifespan depends on things like your oral hygiene, whether you smoke, the health of the surrounding bone and gums, and keeping up with routine dental visits. You can read more in our guide on how long dental implants last.
How successful are dental implants?
Dental implants are a well-established treatment with a good track record. Published figures often report success rates of around 95% when implants are placed and cared for properly, though individual results vary and no treatment can be guaranteed. Success depends heavily on healthy bone to support the implant, good oral hygiene, and avoiding smoking, which reduces blood flow to the gums and can slow healing.
Are dental implants right for me?
Implants suit many adults who have one or more missing teeth and are in reasonable general and oral health. A few things affect whether they are a good option for you:
- Bone support: there needs to be enough healthy jawbone to hold the implant. If bone has been lost, a graft may be needed first.
- Gum health: healthy gums give the implant a strong chance of lasting well.
- General health and habits: smoking and some medical conditions can affect healing.
The only way to know for certain is an assessment. If a single implant is not the right fit, there are other options, including implants to replace several missing teeth.
The dental implant process at Stella Dental
Treatment usually follows a few clear stages: a consultation and assessment (including scans) to plan your treatment and confirm implants are suitable; placement of the implant post; a healing period while the bone integrates; and finally fitting your custom crown. Throughout, the team will explain what is happening and how to care for your smile.
You can start your treatment at whichever of our clinics is closest to you: Stafford, Stourbridge or Nottingham. To find out whether implants are right for you, or to ask about costs, book a consultation with the Stella Dental team.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dental implant made of?
The post is usually made of titanium, which the body accepts well and which bonds with the jawbone. The visible crown on top is typically made of porcelain or ceramic, matched to your natural teeth.
How long does implant treatment take?
From placement to the final crown, treatment often takes several months, mainly because the implant needs around three to six months to bond with the bone before the crown is fitted.
Is the implant procedure painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during it. Some tenderness afterwards is normal and can usually be eased with over-the-counter pain relief.
How much do dental implants cost?
Costs depend on how many teeth you are replacing and whether you need any preparatory treatment. You can read our full guide on how much dental implants cost, and get an exact figure at a consultation.
Can anyone have dental implants?
Many adults are suitable, but it depends on having enough healthy bone, good gum health and general health. A consultation with the team will confirm whether implants are right for you.
Written by the Stella Dental team. This article is general information, not personal dental advice. Please book a consultation to discuss your own treatment.
