Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used as a permanent replacement when one or more teeth have been lost. Implants are small titanium screws that are placed directly in the jawbone, acting as a stable support for replacement teeth in the shape of crowns, bridges or secured dentures.

Missing teeth can also cause problems with biting and chewing food, while surrounding teeth may become misaligned as they move to fill any gaps. Increasing strain is put on any remaining teeth, and over time the bone beneath the gaps begins to resorb or degenerate.

Unlike other tooth replacement solutions, dental implants actually promote healthy bone growth, integrating with the bone and being osteoconductive. In most cases they can be placed in a small surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic. Dental implants can be used in cases where patients have one, several or even all missing teeth.