Dental Implants
An implant is a titanium fixture placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth, then restored with a crown once the bone has grown around it. Done properly it is the closest thing dentistry has to a permanent replacement. Done in a rush, it is the most expensive mistake in dental tourism — which is why we plan two trips, not one.
Implants are the right answer when
- You are missing one or more teeth and want a fixed replacement
- An existing bridge has failed or is compromising the teeth beside it
- You wear a denture and want it stabilised or replaced
- You have adequate bone volume, or are willing to have it grafted first
Be cautious when
- A clinic offers to place and crown every implant in one week
- You have untreated gum disease — it must be resolved first
- You are a heavy smoker — failure rates rise substantially
- You have uncontrolled diabetes or take certain bone medications
The two-trip protocol
- 01
Remote review
You send a panoramic x-ray. The surgeon assesses bone height and density and tells you before you book whether grafting is likely.
- 02
Trip one — CBCT and placement
A 3D cone-beam scan on arrival, then fixture placement under local anaesthetic. Grafting or a sinus lift done at the same appointment if needed.
- 03
Trip one — temporary and review
A temporary tooth fitted where the gap shows, then a review two days later before you fly. You never leave with an open site.
- 04
Osseointegration at home
Three to four months for bone to fuse to the fixture. Photographs reviewed remotely at six weeks.
- 05
Trip two — abutment and scan
The healing cap is replaced with an abutment and a digital scan is taken for the final crown, which is milled in-house.
- 06
Trip two — crown fitted
Permanent crown fitted, bite balanced, and a written record with fixture brand and batch numbers issued for your UK dentist.