Dental implant FAQ

A small titanium or zirconia post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once it has integrated with bone — osseointegration, which takes three to six months — it provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthetic.

A 2019 review of 18 studies (Howe et al.) found 96.4% of implants still in place after ten years, and a 2026 review of 10 studies (Lupi et al.) found 93.0% after twenty years. For the crown on top, a 2012 review of 46 studies (Jung et al.) found 89.4% still in place after ten years.

Sources: Howe M-S, Keys W, Richards D. “Long-term (10-year) dental implant survival: a systematic review and sensitivity meta-analysis.” Journal of Dentistry 2019;84:9–21. · Lupi SM, Agolli J, Isola G, Scribante A. “Dental implant survival and marginal bone loss after a minimum of 20 years: systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.” International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2026;55(11):1360–1369. · Jung RE, Zembic A, Pjetursson BE, Zwahlen M, Thoma DS. “Systematic review of the survival rate and the incidence of biological, technical, and aesthetic complications of single crowns on implants reported in longitudinal studies with a mean follow-up of 5 years.” Clinical Oral Implants Research 2012;23 Suppl 6:2–21.

Dental implants are highly predictable when properly planned, placed by an experienced clinician, and maintained properly, and computer-guided surgery improves that predictability further. Your own outlook depends on bone quality, general health, and long-term maintenance — which we will discuss honestly at consultation rather than reduce to a headline figure.

Most adults with missing teeth are. The key requirements are sufficient bone volume — or willingness to undergo grafting — reasonably good general health, and healthy gums. Age alone is not a disqualifier.

In many cases bone grafting, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentation can rebuild the jawbone to the volume needed. A 3D CBCT scan shows exactly what preparation is required. This is rarely a permanent barrier.

Most chronic conditions — including diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune conditions — do not disqualify you. What matters is coordination with your physician and careful management during treatment.

Placement is performed under local anesthesia and most patients report less discomfort than expected. IV sedation with our dental anaesthetist is available for anyone who prefers to be fully relaxed. Post-operative discomfort is typically manageable with prescribed medication and resolves within days.

From consultation to final restoration, typically three to six months — most of which is healing time while the implant integrates. Some cases qualify for immediate loading, or Teeth-in-a-day, where a provisional restoration is placed the same day.

A full-arch implant solution replacing all the teeth in an upper or lower jaw using four strategically placed implants. A permanent prosthetic is attached, giving a fixed, natural-feeling result. For many patients, it significantly changes how they look, eat, and speak.

It depends on the number of implants, the type of restoration, whether bone grafting is needed, and whether sedation is included. A single implant with a crown is the simplest case; a full-arch All-on-4 is a considerably larger investment. We provide a detailed, itemised estimate at consultation.

Many plans cover a portion, particularly the restoration phase. Our team verifies your benefits and submits claims electronically. For CDCP or employer plans we coordinate benefits to reduce out-of-pocket cost wherever possible.