A dental implant is a small bolt made of titanium which is inserted into the jaw bone during a short operation, usually under local anaesthetic.

It subsequently knits painlessly with the bone over a period of six to eight weeks, forming a secure foundation for new, natural looking teeth.

Implants are often used to replace a single tooth when it has been lost following trauma, or when an existing restoration has failed. They may also be used to provide the supports for a bridge, in order to restore a large gap with multiple missing teeth.

They can secure a full removable denture for the many people who have difficulties with false teeth, or even allow the provision of a completely fixed alternative to traditional dentures

Implants are often the treatment of choice for the elimination of unsightly spaces in the dentition as the placement and subsequent restoration does not affect any of the existing teeth.