Dental implants
A surgical treatment that places a small titanium post into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth, bridge or denture.
✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review
In short
- An implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw to support a replacement tooth, bridge or denture, fitted after the bone heals around it.
- Treatment usually takes several months across stages, because the bone needs time to bond to the implant before the tooth is fitted.
- Success is good but not guaranteed; smoking, gum disease, poor oral hygiene and some health conditions raise the risk of failure.
- Implants need lifelong cleaning and dental checks, and should be placed by a suitably trained, GDC-registered dentist or surgeon.
A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.
At a glance
A general guide. Your surgeon will give you advice for your situation.
Replaces missing teeth in a way that can look and work like natural teeth
People with active gum disease or poor oral hygiene until this is treated and controlled.
Expect some pain, swelling and bleeding. Use any prescribed pain relief, keep the area clean as advised, and eat soft foods.
A clear staged plan with review at each stage and stitch removal if needed.
Expect some pain, swelling and bleeding. Use any prescribed pain relief, keep the area clean as advised, and eat...
Swelling settles and any stitches may be removed at around a week. Most people return to normal activities within...
The gum heals over the implant. You continue gentle cleaning and avoid putting heavy force on the area.
The bone bonds to the implant. Once healing is confirmed, the abutment and final tooth are fitted.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small post, usually made of titanium, that a dentist or surgeon places into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over a few months the bone grows around it and holds it firmly, a process called osseointegration. A replacement tooth (crown), a bridge or a denture is then fixed onto it.
Implants are used to replace one tooth, several teeth, or to anchor a full denture. They are an alternative to conventional bridges and dentures, and can feel and work much like natural teeth.
Implant treatment is usually done in stages over several months, because the bone needs time to heal around the implant before the final tooth is attached. Some cases allow a temporary tooth sooner, but the timeline is rarely quick.
Implants have good long-term success in suitable people, but they are not guaranteed. They can fail, and they need ongoing cleaning and dental care; gum disease around an implant (peri-implantitis) is a real risk, particularly in smokers and people with poor oral hygiene.
Types & techniques
There isn't one single operation. The right approach depends on you — which is something to discuss with your surgeon.
Options at a glance
These are the main approaches described in this guide. The right option depends on the diagnosis, your goals and what your clinician thinks is safe.
Single tooth implant
One implant supporting one crown to replace a single missing tooth, without altering the neighbouring teeth as a conventional bridge would.
Implant bridge
Two or more implants supporting a bridge to replace several missing teeth in a row.
Implant-retained denture
A small number of implants used to clip or fix a denture in place, so it is more stable than a conventional denture.
Full-arch implants
A full set of upper or lower teeth supported on several implants (sometimes called 'all-on-4' or similar). A larger, more complex treatment.
Preparing for your surgery
- Have a full assessment with a GDC-registered dentist or surgeon, including X-rays or a 3D (CBCT) scan to check the bone.
- Discuss whether you have enough bone, or whether a bone graft or sinus lift may be needed first.
- Be honest about smoking, as it significantly raises the risk of implant failure; stopping improves your chances.
- Tell the clinician about diabetes, gum disease, medicines (including bone medicines such as bisphosphonates) and any health conditions.
- Get any gum disease or tooth decay treated first, as healthy gums are important for implant success.
- Understand the treatment is staged over months and ask for the full plan, timeline and what is included.
- Plan for good oral hygiene, as implants need careful daily cleaning to last.
What happens
Treatment is usually done in stages. After assessment and planning, the implant is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic (sometimes with sedation). The gum is opened, a space is prepared in the bone, the implant is inserted, and the gum is stitched. The appointment usually takes around one to two hours depending on how many implants are placed.
The implant is then left for roughly three to six months to allow the bone to bond to it (osseointegration). In some cases a temporary tooth is provided in the meantime.
Once healed, a small connector (abutment) is attached and an impression or scan is taken. The final crown, bridge or denture is then made and fixed onto the implant. You will be shown how to clean it and will need regular dental reviews afterwards.
Is this operation right for me?
A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.
May not be suitable if…
- People with active gum disease or poor oral hygiene until this is treated and controlled.
- Heavy smokers, who have a significantly higher risk of implant failure.
- People with insufficient bone who do not want or cannot have a bone graft.
- People with poorly controlled diabetes or certain medical conditions affecting healing.
- People on some bone medicines (such as bisphosphonates), who need careful specialist assessment.
Delay surgery if…
- You have untreated gum disease, tooth decay or a mouth infection.
- You are still healing from a recent tooth extraction and delayed placement is planned.
- You are pregnant and elective surgery can reasonably wait.
- Your diabetes or another condition is not well controlled.
- You are not yet able to commit to stopping smoking or to good daily cleaning.
Alternatives to discuss
- A conventional bridge using the neighbouring teeth.
- A removable denture (partial or full).
- Leaving a gap untreated where it does not affect function or health.
- An adhesive (resin-bonded) bridge in suitable cases.
- Treating underlying gum disease and reassessing later.
Before you decide
Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.
What matters most to me?
Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.
What are all my options?
Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.
What would make me pause?
Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.
What happens if I do nothing today?
For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.
Anaesthetic choices
The safest option depends on the operation, your health, the facility and your surgeon/anaesthetist. Ask what is planned and why.
Benefits
- Replaces missing teeth in a way that can look and work like natural teeth
- Does not require grinding down neighbouring teeth as a conventional bridge does
- Can make dentures much more stable and comfortable
- Helps maintain the jawbone where a tooth has been lost
- Has good long-term success in suitable, well-maintained patients
Risks & complications
- Pain, swelling, bruising and bleeding around the implant site for a few days
- Soreness of the gum and jaw while it heals
- Temporary difficulty eating on that side
- Infection at the implant site
- Gum disease around the implant (peri-implantitis), which can develop later
- The implant not bonding to the bone and needing removal
- Loosening or fracture of the crown, screw or implant over time
- Damage to a neighbouring tooth
- Lasting numbness or altered feeling in the lip, chin, gum or tongue from nerve injury (mainly lower jaw)
- For upper back teeth, the implant entering the sinus or causing sinus problems
- Jawbone problems in people on certain bone medicines (such as bisphosphonates)
- Significant bone loss leading to implant loss
The main risks are infection, the implant failing to bond, and gum disease around the implant over time. Smoking, diabetes, gum disease and poor oral hygiene all raise the risk of failure. In the lower jaw there is a small risk of nerve injury causing lasting numbness; in the upper back jaw the sinus is nearby. Careful planning with a 3D scan, an experienced clinician, and good long-term cleaning are the best ways to reduce these risks.
Published figures to discuss
Implant survival is generally high in suitable, well-maintained patients, but it is not guaranteed and varies with the individual. Smoking, diabetes, gum disease, bone quality, implant position and whether the implant is placed immediately after extraction all affect the risk of failure. Rates from specialist studies are often better than those seen in everyday general practice, and most figures describe implant survival rather than freedom from all complications such as peri-implantitis.
| Figure | Reported range | How to interpret it | Source / confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implant survival at 10 years | Around 95% or more in pooled long-term reviews of suitable patients | Survival means the implant is still in place; it does not mean free of all gum or bone problems, and everyday-practice figures can be lower. | Survival rates and risk factors of dental implants — study (PMC)pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPublished figure |
| Early implant failure | Low single-figure percentages in many studies; higher with immediate placement and in smokers | Exact rates vary with patient health, technique and setting; immediate placement after extraction can carry higher early risk. | Survival rates and risk factors of dental implants — study (PMC)pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govSource-linked context |
| Peri-implantitis or progressive bone loss | Common enough to require lifelong maintenance; published prevalence estimates vary widely | Implants need cleaning, periodontal stability and review; they are not fit-and-forget teeth. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
| Nerve, sinus or adjacent-tooth injury | Uncommon with proper 3D planning, but important | Lower-jaw implants risk lip/chin numbness; upper back implants can involve the sinus. | Survival rates and risk factors of dental implants — study (PMC)pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govSource-linked context |
These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.
Recovery — what to expect, and when
Recovery from each surgical stage is usually quick, with soreness and swelling for a few days. The longer wait is for the bone to bond to the implant, which takes months before the final tooth is fitted.
- Soreness, swelling and minor bleeding for a few days after surgery
- Bruising of the gum or face
- Eating on the other side for a while
- A healing cap or temporary tooth visible during the bonding period
- A months-long wait between placing the implant and fitting the final tooth
Aftercare
- Take prescribed pain relief and any antibiotics as directed.
- Keep the area clean using the cleaning method and mouthwash your clinician recommends.
- Eat soft foods at first and avoid chewing hard on the implant while it heals.
- Do not smoke, as smoking greatly increases the risk of failure.
- Avoid strenuous activity for a day or two after surgery if advised.
- Attend all review appointments through the healing and after the tooth is fitted.
- Maintain excellent daily cleaning around the implant for the long term.
- Prescribed pain relief and any antibiotics collected
- Recommended cleaning aids (soft brush, interdental brushes) and mouthwash
- Soft foods for the first days
- Time off booked for each surgical stage
- All staged appointment dates noted
- A contact route for problems such as infection or a loose implant
Scars and how they heal
Implant surgery is done inside the mouth, so there is no visible facial scar. The gum is stitched and heals over the implant. You may have soreness, swelling and bruising of the gum while it heals.
⚠ Get urgent help if…
- Increasing pain, swelling, redness or pus around the implant (signs of infection)
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
- A high temperature or feeling generally unwell after surgery
- Lasting numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, gum or tongue
- The implant or tooth feeling loose or moving
- For upper implants: nosebleeds, sinus pain or air or fluid passing between mouth and nose
Who to contact: your surgeon or clinic first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your surgeon gives you.
Results & realistic expectations
A successful implant feels stable and works much like a natural tooth, and the crown, bridge or denture is matched to your other teeth. The result is judged once the implant has bonded and the final tooth is fitted, several months after surgery.
Implants have good long-term survival in suitable people, but success is not guaranteed and depends on healing, your health, smoking and ongoing cleaning. They can still develop gum problems or fail later, which is why regular dental care matters.
Many implants last for many years; published long-term reviews report implant survival of around 95% or more at ten years in suitable patients, though success rates over longer periods and in everyday practice can be lower. The crown or denture on top may need repair or replacement sooner than the implant itself. How long an implant lasts depends heavily on oral hygiene, not smoking, control of conditions such as diabetes, and regular dental reviews.
Combining with other procedures
Implant treatment is often combined with other procedures. A bone graft or sinus lift may be needed first if there is not enough bone. A tooth may be removed and an implant placed at the same visit in some cases. Gum disease must be treated beforehand. Your clinician should explain the full sequence, timeline and cost of any additional steps rather than presenting only the implant.
Follow-up & long-term care
After each surgical stage you are reviewed for healing, with stitches removed at around a week if used. Once the final tooth is fitted, you should have regular dental check-ups and hygiene visits to monitor the implant and gums and catch any problems, such as peri-implantitis, early.
- Clean around the implant daily as shown, including between teeth.
- Attend regular dental check-ups and hygienist visits.
- Do not smoke, to protect the implant and gums.
- Report any looseness, bleeding, pain or gum changes promptly.
- Expect the crown or denture to need maintenance or replacement over time, even if the implant lasts.
Revision and secondary surgery reality
- A failed implant can sometimes be removed and replaced after the site heals, occasionally with a bone graft.
- The crown, bridge or denture on top may need repair or replacement before the implant itself does.
- Peri-implantitis may need treatment to control gum and bone loss, and is not always fully reversible.
- Replacing or revising implants adds time and cost and is not always straightforward.
Ask your surgeon for their own revision rate, what counts as a revision, and what is included in the written aftercare policy.
What good aftercare looks like
- A clear staged plan with review at each stage and stitch removal if needed.
- Instruction in how to clean around the implant, with the right tools.
- Regular dental check-ups and hygienist visits to monitor the implant and gums.
- A named contact and route for problems such as infection or a loose implant.
- An honest policy on maintenance, repair and what happens if the implant fails.
What affects the cost
Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:
- The number of implants and the type of restoration (single crown, bridge or full arch)
- Whether a bone graft or sinus lift is needed first
- The experience and qualifications of the dentist or surgeon
- Scans (such as CBCT), the implant brand and laboratory work
- Sedation if used, and the number of appointments
- Clinic location and follow-up care included
- The clinician's fee and confirmation they are GDC-registered
- Whether scans, the implant, abutment and final tooth are all included
- Whether any bone graft or sinus lift is included or extra
- Sedation costs if used
- What is covered if the implant fails or needs replacing, and any guarantee
- Follow-up appointments and cancellation policy
On the NHS? Dental implants are rarely funded by the NHS and usually only for specific medical reasons (such as after cancer treatment or major injury); most implant treatment is private.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including aftercare and any revision — before you decide.
Consent traps and marketing red flags
These are not small details. They are often where patients lose choice, time to reflect, or realistic expectations.
Consent traps
- No discussion of smoking, gum disease or oral hygiene and how they affect success.
- Not explaining the months-long, staged timeline before quoting a fast result.
- No mention of nerve injury risk (lower jaw) or sinus involvement (upper jaw).
- Treating a bone graft or sinus lift as a hidden extra rather than part of the plan.
- No clear policy on what happens, or what it costs, if the implant fails.
Marketing red flags
- 'Teeth in a day' or 'permanent teeth' claims with no mention of healing time or failure risk.
- Fixed low prices that do not include scans, grafts, the final tooth or follow-up.
- No assessment of bone, gums or general health before quoting.
- Pressure to commit quickly or to travel abroad for a cut-price package.
- No discussion of long-term cleaning, maintenance or peri-implantitis.
Choosing a surgeon safely
- Check your surgeon is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
- Make sure they practise at a CQC-registered location, and look for membership of bodies like BAAPS or BAPRAS.
- You're entitled to a two-stage consent process with time to reflect (a cooling-off period). The surgeon who will operate must consent you — not a salesperson.
- Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers, discounts or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
- You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including aftercare and any revision — before you decide.
Questions to ask your medical professional
Take this to your consultation. A good surgeon will welcome every one of these.
- Am I a suitable candidate, and do I have enough bone or will I need a graft or sinus lift?
- What is the full treatment plan, timeline and cost, including all stages?
- What are my personal risks given my health, smoking and gum condition?
- How will you protect the nerve in my lower jaw, or the sinus in my upper jaw?
- What happens, and what does it cost, if the implant fails or needs replacing?
- What are your qualifications and experience with implants, and how many do you place?
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
- Will you be the surgeon who carries out my operation, and who looks after me afterwards?
- What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
- What does a realistic result look like — and what can this operation not achieve?
- What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
- Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
- What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?
Frequently asked questions
Are dental implants available on the NHS?
How long does the whole treatment take?
Is it painful?
How long do implants last?
Can anyone have implants?
What is peri-implantitis?
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How we made this page
Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →
Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.
Sources & standards: GDC — Information for patients and the public NHS — How much NHS dental treatment costs Oral Health Foundation — Dental implants Long-term (10-year) dental implant survival — systematic review/meta-analysis Survival rates and risk factors of dental implants — study (PMC)
Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.
Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.
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