A dental implant is a metal screw that is used in place of the root of a missing tooth. The screw is usually made of titanium. It’s attached to the bone in your jaw. Your dentist or dental practitioner will attach an artificial tooth to the implant.The procedure is usually done in stages over a few months.

• First you will need to have scans and x-rays to give your dentist or dental practitioner a clear picture of where to place the implant.

• Your dentist or dental practitioner will put the dental implant into your jawbone in a minor operation. They will give you a local anaesthetic so that you don’t feel pain during the surgery.

• Over about 3 months your bone grows around the implant, which helps to hold it in place.

• Whilst the implant site is healing, your artificial tooth (crown) is made in a laboratory.

• The crown is fixed to the metal implant to fill the gap in your teeth.

• Dental implants can also be used to hold a dental bridge or dentures.