A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth, topped with a custom-made crown. From placement to final crown, the procedure usually takes three to six months, most of which is healing time. The surgery is done under local anaesthetic, and most people say it feels no worse than having a tooth out.

Whether you've lost a tooth to gum disease, decay or injury, or you're tired of a denture that slips, this guide walks you through it all. You'll learn what implants are, what they're made from, each step of the process, what happens on the day and how to look after your new tooth.

Dental implants at a glance

Question	Short answer
What is a dental implant?	A titanium (or ceramic) post that replaces a tooth root and holds a crown, bridge or denture
How long does the procedure take?	Usually 3–6 months from implant placement to final crown
Does it hurt?	It's done under local anaesthetic; aftercare discomfort is similar to an extraction
Can I be sedated?	Yes, we offer three types of sedation for nervous patients
How long do implants last?	Many decades, often a lifetime, with good care
How successful are they?	Straumann, the brand we use, reports a success rate of around 95% after 10 years

 

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. It's a small, screw-shaped post placed into the jawbone where a tooth used to be. Over a few months the bone grows around and fuses with it, a process called osseointegration.

Once fused, the implant becomes a stable anchor for a replacement tooth. It can hold a single crown, support a bridge across several gaps, or secure a full denture. Because the post sits below the gum and is hidden by the crown, an implant looks no different from the teeth around it.

Why not just leave the gap? Over time, neighbouring teeth can drift into the space and the jawbone in that area starts to shrink. An implant fills the gap and gives the bone something to support again, so you can eat, speak and smile normally.

The modern implant traces back to Swedish surgeon Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who found in the 1950s that bone could bond securely with titanium. He treated his first dental implant patient in 1965, and the same principle underpins treatment today.

 

The three parts of a dental implant

1. The implant: the post that sits in the jawbone and acts as the tooth root.
2. The abutment: a small connector screwed into the implant once it has healed.
3. The crown: the visible, custom-made tooth (or bridge or denture) that attaches to the abutment.

What are dental implants made from?

Most dental implants are made from titanium, with ceramic zirconia as a metal-free alternative. Both are biocompatible, meaning the body accepts them and bone can bond to them.

Titanium implants

Titanium has been used for implants since the 1950s and has the longest track record of any implant material. It's strong, lightweight and bone grows tightly against its surface. Once the implant has fused with your jawbone, it gives you a fixed and potentially permanent replacement tooth.

Zirconia (ceramic) implants

Zirconia is a tooth-coloured ceramic. It can suit patients who prefer to avoid metal, or whose gums are thin enough that a grey titanium post might show through. It has a shorter track record than titanium, so your dentist will advise whether it's the right choice for you.

The implants we use at Shields Dental

We use Straumann implants, made by the Swiss company Straumann, founded in 1954. Straumann reports a success rate of around 95% after 10 years, and its focus on precision and quality matches our own.

 

Benefits of dental implants

Implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth: they're fixed in place, protect your jawbone and don't rely on neighbouring teeth.

• They look and feel natural. Most people can't tell an implant from their own teeth.
• You can eat what you like. Chewing feels like it does with natural teeth, with no slipping or clicking.
• They protect your other teeth. Unlike a bridge, neighbouring teeth don't need to be filed down to support it.
• They preserve your jawbone and face shape. Replacing the root helps stop the bone loss that can make the face look sunken.
• They're easy to look after. Brush and floss as you would a natural tooth, with no adhesives and no taking them out at night.
• They're built to last. With good care, implants can last for decades.

	Dental implant	Bridge	Denture
Fixed in place	Yes	Yes	No, removable
Affects neighbouring teeth	No	Yes, adjacent teeth are reshaped	Partial dentures clip onto remaining teeth
Helps preserve jawbone	Yes	No	No
Eating and speaking	Like natural teeth	Good	Can slip or rub
Upfront cost	Highest	Medium	Lowest

 

Are you suitable for dental implants?

Most adults with one or more missing teeth can be considered for implants. At your consultation, your dentist will look at:

• How much jawbone you have where the implant will go, and its quality
• Where the missing tooth or teeth are
• The health of your gums (active gum disease needs treating first)
• Your general health, medications and whether you smoke
• Your preferences and budget

What if I don't have enough bone?

After a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area can slowly shrink, which is known as resorption. If there isn't enough bone to hold an implant, a bone graft can rebuild it. In the upper jaw, a sinus lift adds bone height where the sinuses sit too close to the jaw. Both make implants possible for many people who were once told they weren't suitable.

 

Types of dental implant treatment

The right treatment depends on how many teeth you're replacing and the health of your jawbone.

• Single implants: one implant and one crown to replace one missing tooth.
• Multiple implants: one implant can support more than one replacement tooth through an implant bridge, which makes it more cost-effective when several teeth are missing.
• All-on-4 “Teeth in a Day”: four to six implants support a full arch of teeth. Temporary teeth are usually fitted at the same appointment as the implants, so you're never without a smile.
• Click-Tite implant dentures: a denture that clicks securely onto implants but can still be removed for cleaning. Implants can often be placed at the same time as any remaining teeth are removed.

The dental implant process: step-by-step timeline

Most patients go from implant placement to final crown in three to six months. It can take longer if a tooth needs removing or a bone graft is needed first.

Stage	What happens	Typical timing
1. Consultation and planning	Examination, X-rays or 3D CT scan, treatment plan and costs	First appointment
2. Extraction and bone graft (if needed)	Damaged tooth removed; bone rebuilt if it's too thin	2–6 months' healing if a graft is needed
3. Implant placement	Implant placed under local anaesthetic; temporary tooth if the gap is visible	One appointment
4. Healing (osseointegration)	Jawbone fuses with the implant	3–6 months
5. Abutment and impressions	Implant checked, abutment attached, scan or impressions taken	After healing
6. Final crown	Custom crown screwed or cemented in place	Final appointment

 

Step 1: Consultation and planning

Your dentist examines the area and takes X-rays, panoramic images or a CT scan to check the quality and quantity of your jawbone. You'll talk through your options and receive a full written breakdown of costs before you agree to anything.

Step 2: Extraction and bone grafting (if needed)

If a damaged tooth is still in place, it's removed under local anaesthetic. Where there's enough healthy bone, the implant can often go in at the same visit, which is called immediate implant placement. If a bone graft is needed, the area is usually left to heal for two to six months first.

Step 3: Implant placement

The implant is placed into the jawbone using specialised instruments. A healing cap goes on top, and the gum is closed with a few stitches. If the gap is visible when you smile, you can wear a temporary tooth or denture while you heal.

Step 4: Healing and osseointegration

Over the next three to six months, your jawbone grows around the implant and locks it in place. It's important not to put pressure on the implant during this time. You'll have a follow-up visit so your dentist can check it's healing well.

Step 5: Abutment and impressions

Once the implant has fused, your dentist tests that it's stable and screws the abutment into it. A scan or impression of your teeth is then sent to our dental technician to make your crown.

Step 6: Your final crown

Your custom crown is matched to the shape and shade of your natural teeth. It's then screwed or cemented onto the abutment, and your new tooth is ready to use.

Can I get teeth in a day?

Yes, for some patients. With All-on-4 “Teeth in a Day”, a set of temporary fixed teeth is usually fitted at the same appointment as the implants. The permanent teeth follow once the implants have healed.

 

What to expect on the day of your implant surgery

Implant surgery is done in the clinic under local anaesthetic, and you go home the same day. Knowing what happens can take a lot of the worry out of it, especially if you're a nervous patient.

 

Before you arrive

• Follow any preparation steps we give you, such as using an antibacterial mouthwash or starting a course of antibiotics.
• Tell us about any medications you take, plus any allergies, infections, bleeding disorders or other medical conditions.
• If you're having sedation, we'll give you specific instructions and you'll need someone to take you home.

During the procedure

First, the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. You'll be awake unless you've chosen sedation, and you should tell your dentist straight away if you feel anything sharp. Most people feel only pressure and vibration.

Your dentist makes a small opening in the gum, prepares a space in the bone and places the implant. A healing cap is fitted and the gum is closed with a few stitches. If the gap shows when you smile, a temporary tooth can be fitted before you leave.

 

Straight after

You'll be given an ice pack to help keep swelling down, along with written aftercare instructions. Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day.

 

Recovery and aftercare

Most people find recovery is quicker and more comfortable than they expected, often similar to or easier than a tooth extraction.

 

What's normal in the first few days

• Some swelling of the gum and face
• Mild pain or tenderness around the implant
• Minor bleeding
• Bruising of the gums or skin

Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed, is usually enough. After more involved surgery, your dentist may prescribe stronger pain relief, antibiotics and a medicated mouth rinse.

 

Tips for a smooth recovery

• Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the implant until the area has healed.
• Don't put pressure on the implant during the healing phase.
• Keep the area clean, brushing gently around it as instructed.
• Attend every follow-up appointment.

Contact us if bleeding doesn't settle, swelling gets worse after the first few days, or you develop a fever.

 

Looking after your implant long term

The main long-term risk for implants is peri-implantitis, an inflammation of the gum and bone around the implant. It's similar to gum disease and is caused by bacteria or by too much biting force on the implant.

To prevent it, brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily and keep up regular check-ups and hygiene visits. At these visits your dentist checks the gum and bone around the implant, removes any hardened deposits and adjusts your bite if needed.

 

Risks and success rate

Dental implants have a high success rate, with Straumann reporting around 95% of its implants still in place after 10 years. As with any surgery, complications are possible:

• Infection at the implant site
• The implant not fusing fully with the bone
• Damage to surrounding teeth, nerves or tissue
• Overloading or fracture of the implant
• Poor positioning, or poor bone quality or quantity
• Peri-implantitis in the longer term

Careful planning with scans, good general health and a good home-care routine all reduce these risks. If an implant doesn't take, it's often possible to try again once the area has healed.

 

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost depends on how many implants you need, the type of restoration and whether you need a bone graft or sinus lift. Implants cost more upfront than a bridge or denture, but they're designed to last much longer.

At your consultation, we'll give you a full, transparent breakdown of costs to review before you go ahead. You can see our prices on our fees page and spread the cost with humm finance. In Ireland, you may also be able to claim tax relief at 20% on non-routine dental treatment such as implants, using the Med 2 form.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

The procedure itself shouldn't hurt, as the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. Afterwards, most people have some tenderness and swelling for a few days, similar to having a tooth removed, which is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

How long does the dental implant procedure take?

Placing the implant takes a single appointment. The whole process, from placement to final crown, usually takes three to six months, because the bone needs time to fuse with the implant. It can take longer if you need a tooth removed or a bone graft first.

How long do dental implants last?

The implant itself can last for decades, and often a lifetime, if you look after it with good brushing, cleaning between teeth and regular check-ups. The crown on top may eventually need replacing due to normal wear.

Can I be sedated for implant surgery?

Yes. We offer three types of sedation for patients who feel anxious about dental treatment, and sedation is available for all our implant treatments.

What if I've been told I don't have enough bone?

A bone graft or sinus lift can often rebuild enough bone to place an implant. Your dentist will check this with a scan at your consultation.

Are implants better than a bridge or dentures?

For many people, yes. Implants don't rely on neighbouring teeth, they help preserve the jawbone and they don't move when you eat or speak. Your dentist will help you weigh the options based on your health, bone and budget.

 

Dental implants at Shields Dental

Our implant teams treat patients at five clinics: SCR, Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Blackrock, Dublin, Mullingar, Westmeath and Roscrea, Tipperary. We use Straumann implants, plan every case with detailed imaging and welcome nervous patients.

Ready to find out if implants are right for you? Book your dental implant consultation today.