Dental implants are used when tooth loss has caused gaps to appear in between teeth and can be looked at as being replacement roots to which, cosmetic teeth can be attatched. They are also important in that they underpin and support teeth either side of the gap.

The most common types of dental implant are endosteal where the implant (looks like a small screw) is screwed into the jaw bone and the other is subperiosteal where the implants are on a framework that is fitted on the jaw under the gums.

Subperiosteal are placed on the jaw under the gums whereas Endosteal implants are screwed directly into the jaw – it would be dependent on the density of bone of your jaw.

Whilst side effects are {extremely|very rare, they can include damage to the jaw, nerves and bordering teeth.

Yes, it is possible however you should be aware that it takes more or less four months for the gums to fully heal which involves shrinkage and so the implants will need to be adjusted.

Yes of course and just as with real teeth they have to be properly cleaned otherwise it can lead to plaque and infection and not to mention gum disease.

It is not any sorer than having a tooth removed which obviously depends on your pain tolerance and the type/amount of anesthetic used.

Normally not because it needs a specialist to be there but it may be a chargeable service offered by the dental practice.

If you are replacing a single tooth then the gap can be bridged by crowning the teeth either side of the missing tooth.

This is where all of the teeth upper and or lower are replaced by a full arch bridge supported by 4 implants (can be 6).