A missing tooth is rarely just cosmetic. It changes how you bite and chew, encourages the neighbouring teeth to tilt into the gap, and — over months and years — allows the bone that once supported the tooth to shrink away. A dental implant is the one option that addresses all three at once.
How an implant works
An implant replaces the root of the missing tooth with a small, biocompatible titanium post that is placed into the jawbone. Over the following weeks the bone grows around and grips it — a process called osseointegration — giving a stable foundation that then supports a natural-looking crown, bridge or denture. Well-placed and well-maintained, implants can last many years and are cared for much like a natural tooth.
Planned as one
At Salona’s Dental Care, our implantologists and prosthodontists plan the implant and the tooth it supports together — so the finished result functions and looks like it belongs, not like a repair. Where the upper jaw needs more support, a sinus graft may be planned in advance. Every case begins with an assessment of your gums, bone and bite, often with a 3D scan.
Implant, bridge or denture?
An implant is not the only way to replace a missing tooth, but it is usually the one that best protects the teeth around it — a conventional bridge relies on grinding down the neighbours, while dentures sit on the gum. Which option suits you depends on your bone, your health and your priorities, and is discussed openly at your consultation.
Caring for your implant
Implants don’t decay, but the gum and bone around them still need looking after. Daily cleaning and regular check-ups keep the surrounding tissue healthy and the implant secure for the long term. Suitability varies from person to person, and is confirmed at a consultation.