Oral health information Oral health library Implants A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone. It replaces the root of a missing tooth and can support one or more replacement teeth. Dental implants are designed to look, feel and function like natural teeth. What is a dental implant? A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root. Once it has healed and bonded with the bone, it can hold: A single crown. A bridge. A denture. Implants are fixed in place and cannot be removed. How long do dental implants last? Dental implants are a well-established treatment. With good care, they can last many years. Looking after implants is essential. If plaque builds up around the implant, it can cause a condition called peri-implantitis. This can lead to: Red, sore or swollen gums. Bleeding around the implant. Infection. Loosening or loss of the implant. There is no lifetime guarantee, but implants that are well cared for often last a very long time. Are implant teeth hard to clean? No. Cleaning implants is similar to cleaning natural teeth. You should: Brush for two minutes last thing at night and at least once more time during the day. Use fluoride toothpaste. Clean the area around the implant carefully every day with interdental brushes. Attend regular dental and hygiene appointments to check that the implant stays healthy. Your dental team will show you the best way to clean around your implant. Can I have an implant if I still have some natural teeth? Yes. Dental implants can be used to: Replace one missing tooth. Replace several teeth. Support a full set of teeth. Your dentist or implant specialist will assess what is suitable for you. What does the implant procedure involve? The process usually happens in stages. First, you will have a consultation. Your implant dentist will: Examine your mouth. Check the health and strength of your jawbone. Confirm whether implants are suitable for you. You should always receive a clear treatment plan that explains: Each stage of treatment. The costs involved. The next step is placing the implant. This involves gently positioning the titanium implant into the jawbone. After placement, the implant is left to heal. This usually takes around four months. Once healed, a crown, bridge or denture is attached. In some cases, it may be possible to place the replacement tooth on the same day. Your implant dentist will tell you if this option is suitable for you. Need advice? If you are missing teeth and want to know whether dental implants are right for you, speak to your dental team. They can explain the benefits, risks and alternatives, and help you decide. Thank you to Oral-B, who have kindly provided us with an Educational Grant for this information. Oral-B's support does not only allow us to develop and maintain this advice online but means that we can continue to provide this vital resource as a printed leaflet for dental practices and hospitals to hand out to patients and leave in waiting areas. Last reviewed : Next review due : Manage Cookie Preferences