BY TOFTWOOD DENTAL PRACTICE
28 May 2025
Table of Contents
Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile, they can impact your confidence, speech, eating habits, and long-term oral health. If you want to restore your smile, dental implants are a great and reliable option.
Before making a decision, it’s important to know what dental implants are, what they involve, and how they can help you. At Toftwood Dental Practice, we help patients in Dereham make confident choices about their oral health.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. It involves placing a small titanium post into the jawbone to act as a new root, topped with a custom-made crown that looks and functions just like a natural tooth. Implants are designed to last for many years and offer superior stability compared to bridges or dentures.
Main Things to Know About Dental Implants
Implant post
or body
Crown
Abutment
Dental implants are made up of three key components:
- Implant post or body: A titanium screw placed into the jawbone, acting as the root of the new tooth.
- Crown: A custom-designed tooth replacement made from ceramic or porcelain to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- Abutment: A connector that sits on top of the implant, securing the crown.
This three-part system ensures strength, stability, and a natural look.
Procedure
The dental implant process typically follows these steps:
- Initial consultation: Your dentist will assess your oral health using X-rays or 3D imaging. Then he/she will discuss your suitability and goals.
- Implant placement: Under local anaesthetic, the titanium post will be inserted into the jawbone. This is usually a straightforward, painless procedure.
- Healing period: Over the next 3 to 6 months, the implant will integrate with your bone. This process is called osseointegration.
- Abutment placement: After healing, the abutment will be attached to the implant.
- Crown fitting: A custom-made crown will be fixed to the abutment, completing the restoration.
The entire process takes several months, but the result is a secure, natural-looking tooth.
Who Would Need a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are ideal for adults who:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Struggle with loose dentures or removable bridges
- Have experienced trauma, infection, or tooth loss due to decay
- Want a long-term, fixed solution to restore their smile and bite
Implants are a good choice for people who want to improve the function and appearance of their teeth.
Dental implants requirements
Before receiving a dental implant, patients must meet certain criteria:
- Sufficient bone density in the jaw to support the implant
- Healthy gums, free from active gum disease
- Good general health, as healing and bone integration are essential for success
- Commitment to oral hygiene and regular dental visits
- Non-smoker or willing to stop, as smoking can hinder healing and increase the risk of failure
If bone loss has occurred, procedures such as bone grafting may be needed beforehand.
Key Benefits of Dental Implants
Wondering what the benefits of dental implants are? These are the main advantages, although results may differ from patient to patient and the type of implant used:
- Look, feel, and function like natural teeth
- Usually provide long-term durability, often lasting decades
- They may prevent bone loss in the jaw
- They may improve speech and chewing ability
- Require no adhesives or removal like dentures
- Don’t affect neighbouring teeth like bridges do
- They may boost confidence and self-esteem
- Easy to care for: brush and floss as normal
Side Effects of Dental Implants
Although dental implants are safe and well-tolerated by most, there are a few potential side effects and risks:
- Swelling and discomfort after the dental implant surgery
- Risk of infection at the implant site
- Implant failure occurs if the bone does not fuse properly
- Nerve damage (rare) leading to tingling or numbness
- Sinus issues if implants are placed in the upper jaw
These risks are uncommon, especially when treatment is performed by a qualified dental team. So, it is important to always go to certified dental experts.
You can learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants here. here.
Costs
The cost of dental implants varies depending on individual needs. At Toftwood Dental Practice, we provide a detailed breakdown after your consultation. See our Dental Fees page for more information or speak with our team for personalised guidance.
We also have in place flexible payment plans to help spread the cost.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants:
- Endosteal implants: The most common type, inserted directly into the jawbone. Ideal for patients with good bone density.
- Subperiosteal implants: Placed under the gum but above the jawbone. These are used when there is insufficient bone and grafting isn’t an option.
Your dentist will recommend the most suitable type based on your oral health and bone structure.
Take the Next Step with Toftwood Dental Practice
If you’re ready to explore dental implants or have more questions, we’re here to help.
Our experienced Dereham (Norfolk) team provides personalised care in a welcoming, professional environment.
Book a consultation today and take the first step towards a stronger, healthier smile.
FAQs
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution and, with the right care, can last 15 to 25 years or even longer. Their lifespan depends on a few factors. These include your oral hygiene routine, lifestyle habits like smoking, and regular dental check-ups.
The crown or prosthetic part may need to be replaced over time because of wear and tear. However, the implant can stay securely in place for many years.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the dental implant procedure is. It is usually done with local anaesthetic. This means you will be awake but feel no pain during the surgery. Most people report that having a dental implant is no more uncomfortable than a routine tooth extraction.
You may have some mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort for a few days after. Dental implant pain can vary from person to person, depending on things like bone health, healing speed and pain sensitivity. Most cases are mild and can be managed with standard pain relief and proper aftercare from your dentist.
Can anyone get dental implants?
Dental implants are suitable for most healthy adults. To be considered a good candidate, you should have:
- Healthy gums
- Sufficient jawbone density to support the implant
- Good overall health (e.g., non-smoker, no uncontrolled diabetes)
If your jawbone is too soft or thin, you may still be eligible for implants with additional procedures like bone grafting.
How do I care for my dental implant?
Caring for a dental implant is similar to looking after natural teeth:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Use interdental brushes or floss to clean around the implant
- Attend regular check-ups and professional cleaning appointments
- Avoid smoking, which can increase the risk of implant failure
Will the implant look like my natural teeth?
Yes, modern dental implants are designed with aesthetics in mind. At Toftwood Dental Practice, we work with skilled dental labs. The crown is custom-made to match the shape, size, and colour of your existing teeth. We use high-quality ceramic or porcelain materials that mimic the translucency and texture of natural enamel.
This content is for informational purposes only. Consult a professional for personal advice.
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