The visible part of your implant restoration is designed to complement your surrounding teeth in colour, shape and proportion. The aim isn't simply to fill a gap, but to create a tooth that sits naturally within your smile.

In many cases, an implant-supported crown can look very similar to a natural tooth. The final appearance depends on several factors, including the position of the tooth, available gum and bone, and the surrounding teeth. We'll discuss the likely aesthetic outcome as part of your planning.

Once your implant has healed and the final restoration is fitted, it is designed to allow you to bite and chew effectively. You'll need to be more careful during the healing stages, and we'll advise you about what to eat following your procedure.

Not necessarily. Depending on which tooth is being replaced and the type of treatment you're having, temporary replacement options may be available while your implant heals. We'll discuss this with you before treatment so you know what to expect.

This depends on the extent of your treatment and the type of work you do. Some patients return to their normal routine relatively quickly following straightforward implant placement, while others prefer to allow themselves some recovery time. We'll give you more specific advice based on your planned procedure.

Sometimes. Immediate implant placement can be appropriate in selected cases, but it depends on factors including the reason the tooth is being removed, infection, available bone and the condition of the surrounding tissues. We'll assess whether immediate or delayed placement offers the more appropriate approach for you.

In selected circumstances, it may be possible to provide a temporary tooth at or soon after implant placement. However, "same-day teeth" aren't appropriate for every patient. The implant needs adequate initial stability, and the restoration must be carefully designed to protect it while healing takes place. We'll explain whether this is a suitable option in your case.

There isn't a simple upper age limit for implant treatment. Your general health, oral health, bone and individual circumstances are generally more relevant than your age alone.

Possibly, but active gum disease needs to be brought under control before implant treatment. A history of gum disease can also increase the importance of careful long-term maintenance and monitoring.

Dental implants have a strong record of clinical success, but no implant treatment can be guaranteed to succeed. Outcome is influenced by many factors, including general and oral health, smoking, bone, implant position, oral hygiene and ongoing maintenance. We'll discuss the benefits and relevant risks with you before you decide to proceed.

Yes. Although implant treatment is generally predictable, an implant can occasionally fail to integrate with the bone or develop problems later. Good treatment planning, oral hygiene and ongoing professional maintenance all play an important role in reducing these risks.

The implant itself can't develop tooth decay, but the tissues surrounding it can become inflamed or infected. This is one reason why daily cleaning and regular professional maintenance remain essential after implant treatment.

There isn't a fixed lifespan. Many implants function successfully for a long time, but their longevity depends on factors including your health, oral hygiene, smoking, bite and ongoing professional care. The crown, bridge or denture supported by the implant may also require maintenance or replacement during the implant's lifetime.

Your implant needs daily cleaning, just like your natural teeth. Depending on the type of restoration, this may involve a toothbrush together with interdental brushes, floss or other cleaning aids. We'll show you how to clean effectively around your particular implant restoration.

No. One implant will commonly support a single replacement tooth, but several missing teeth can sometimes be replaced with a bridge supported by fewer implants. For a complete arch, a carefully planned number of implants can support either a removable denture or a fixed restoration. The appropriate number and position of implants will be determined during treatment planning.

Bone loss doesn't necessarily prevent implant treatment. Depending on your circumstances, bone augmentation or grafting may be possible to create sufficient support for an implant. In the upper back jaw, a sinus lift may sometimes be required. We'll explain any additional treatment before you decide whether to proceed.

Neither treatment is automatically "better". An implant can replace a missing tooth without usually needing to prepare neighbouring teeth and also replaces the missing root. A bridge avoids implant surgery and may be appropriate when the neighbouring teeth would benefit from restoration anyway. The condition of your mouth and your priorities will help determine which approach is most appropriate.

They provide different solutions. Fixed implant restorations offer greater stability and aren't removed for cleaning, while removable dentures avoid implant surgery and can replace multiple teeth more economically. Implants can also be used to stabilise a removable denture, providing an option between the two.

That is a personal decision. For some patients, the stability, appearance, ability to eat confidently and potential longevity of implant treatment make it particularly valuable. Others may prefer a bridge or denture because of treatment time, surgery, cost or other considerations. Our job isn't to persuade you to have an implant. It's to help you understand your options well enough to decide what feels right for you.