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What can implants achieve?

 

Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Depending on the situation, implants can support:

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• Fixed restorations, such as single crowns and bridges

• Removable restorations, such as implant-supported dentures​

 

The number and position of implants needed will depend on the final restoration we are planning. This is why I plan implants with the final result in mind, rather than considering the implant separately from the restoration it will support.

 

When might implants be appropriate?

 

Implants may be appropriate if you have a single missing tooth or several missing teeth.

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They can be particularly useful when several adjacent teeth are missing and you would prefer a fixed restoration. In these situations, implants can provide support for the definitive restoration without relying entirely on the remaining natural teeth.

 

Implants can also be useful when all of the teeth on an arch have been lost. Where there is limited bone available or a denture has insufficient stability, implants can provide additional support and reduce movement of the denture.

 

For a single missing tooth, an implant can also avoid the need to involve the adjacent teeth in a restoration. This can be particularly useful where the neighbouring teeth are heavily restored or would not be suitable to support a bridge.

 

 

When might another approach be better?

 

An implant is not always the best way to replace a missing tooth.

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For example, in the front of the mouth, where the neighbouring teeth are healthy or minimally restored, it may be possible to support the replacement tooth using one of the adjacent teeth. This can avoid surgery and may allow treatment to be completed more quickly.

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The right approach depends on the condition of the teeth and gums, the available space and bone, how the teeth come together, and what we are trying to achieve with the final restoration.

 

 

How I approach treatment

 

Implant treatment requires careful planning. As with much of my restorative work, I begin with the end in mind.

It is not simply about replacing a missing tooth. We need to understand where the replacement tooth needs to sit in three dimensions, how it will look, how it will function and what forces it will be subjected to.

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I work alongside an implant surgeon who carries out the surgical placement of the implants. Together, we assess the available bone and whether any additional treatment, such as bone grafting, may be needed to achieve the planned result.

Your implant treatment will also be considered alongside the rest of your dental needs.

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In some cases, tooth alignment may be helpful before implant treatment to create the appropriate amount of space. If other teeth in the area require restorations, these can also be planned at the same time so that the different parts of your treatment work together as one cohesive plan.

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What does treatment involve?

 

Implant treatment can involve several stages, depending on your individual circumstances. In some cases, additional treatment may be needed first to optimise the amount or shape of bone available for the implant. The implant is then surgically placed into the bone.

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Once the implant has been placed, there is a period of healing to allow it to integrate with the surrounding bone. This is typically around three months before the implant is restored, although the timing will depend on the individual case.

For this reason, implants are not usually a quick treatment option. From implant placement to the final restoration, treatment will routinely take several months.

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I will explain the stages involved in your treatment and the expected timescale as part of your treatment planning.

 

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Longevity and maintenance

 

Implants are designed to provide a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth, but, like all dental treatments, they do not last forever. The implant itself can remain functional for many years, while the restoration attached to it will generally have a shorter lifespan and may eventually need to be replaced because of wear, chipping or other changes.

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Porcelain restorations may require replacement after approximately 15 years, although this varies between individuals and depends on factors such as function, maintenance and the restoration itself.

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Implant-supported removable dentures may require more regular maintenance or refurbishment, potentially every 1–5 years.

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If an implant itself fails and needs to be removed, replacing it is more involved and may require further surgery. It is not always possible to place a new implant in exactly the same position.

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Good home care, regular dental reviews and appropriate maintenance are therefore an important part of protecting your implant treatment over the long term.

 

Frequently asked questions

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How quickly can I get a tooth placed on my implant?

The timing depends on the condition of the site, the planned restoration and whether any additional treatment is needed before or during implant placement. I will explain the expected sequence and timescale during your treatment planning.

 

What's the difference between implant treatment in the UK and in Turkey?

Implant treatment involves more than the surgical placement of an implant. The planning, restoration, maintenance and management of any complications are all important parts of treatment.

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If you are considering treatment abroad, it is important to understand who will be responsible for the different stages of your care and what happens if further treatment or maintenance is required when you return to the UK.

 

How long does implant treatment take?

Implant treatment generally takes several months. This can be longer if additional procedures, such as bone grafting, are required.

 

Can I have implants given my medical history?

This depends on your individual circumstances and medical history. Your overall health, medications, oral health and the condition of the proposed implant site will all be considered when assessing whether implant treatment is appropriate.

 

Do you place the implants yourself?

I work alongside an implant surgeon who carries out the surgical placement of the implants. I focus on the restorative planning and restoration of the implants, working closely with the surgeon to ensure that the surgical and restorative stages are planned together.

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Related treatments

 

Removable Dentures
A removable option for replacing multiple missing teeth, with or without implant support.

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Porcelain Restorations
For fixed restorations supported by natural teeth or dental implants.

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Tooth Alignment
Where tooth movement can help create or redistribute space before replacing a missing tooth.

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Routine Dental Care
Ongoing care and maintenance to help protect your natural teeth, gums and implant restorations.

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