When a single implant is the right answer
One missing tooth, healthy teeth on either side, and enough bone underneath. That is the textbook case, and it is the one where an implant clearly beats the alternatives, because it is the only option that replaces the tooth without involving any other tooth.
How the treatment runs
- Consultation and a 3D scan, so we can see the bone and where the nerve runs.
- Placing the implant, under local anaesthetic, usually under an hour.
- Healing, three to six months, with a temporary tooth if the gap shows.
- The crown, matched to your other teeth and fitted at a short appointment.
Who it suits, and who it does not
It suits most adults with healthy gums. It is harder if the bone has already shrunk, which may mean bone grafting first, or a sinus lift for an upper back tooth.
Active gum disease needs treating first. Smoking roughly doubles the chance of failure, and we will tell you that plainly rather than take the work and hope.
Afterwards
Two or three days of soreness, handled by ordinary painkillers. See recovery and aftercare for the detail.