What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed surgically into the jawbone to replace
a missing tooth root. Over time, the implant bonds with the surrounding bone through
a natural process called osseointegration. Once integrated, it provides a stable
foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
Titanium is used because of its biocompatibility — the body accepts it without
rejection, and bone actively grows around it, which is what gives implants their
exceptional long-term stability.
Dental implants can be used to replace:
- A single missing tooth
- Several missing teeth in a row
- A full arch of teeth (upper, lower, or both)
How a Dental Implant Works — Step by Step
1. Consultation and Planning
Your dentist assesses your oral health, bone levels, and treatment goals. Digital
scans allow precise planning of implant placement.
2. Implant Placement
The titanium implant is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. This is
typically well tolerated.
3. Osseointegration (Healing Phase)
Over the following months, the implant bonds with the surrounding bone, creating a stable and durable anchor.
4. Restoration
A crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant, restoring the appearance and function of the missing tooth or teeth. Total treatment time varies from a few months to around six months, depending on healing and complexity.
Types of Dental Implants
Book a consultation today with one of our team, who will be happy to discuss these options with you in-depth
Choosing the Right Treatment
The right implant option for you depends on:
- The number of teeth missing and their positions
- Your current bone levels and jaw structure
- Whether you prefer a fixed or removable solution
- Your overall health and oral hygiene habits
- Your long-term goals
At Galway Dentists, we discuss all suitable options with you at your consultation,
outline the benefits and limitations of each, and develop a treatment plan tailored to
your situation.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Restore natural appearance and biting function
- Help preserve bone in the jaw, preventing the facial changes associated with
tooth loss - Improve chewing efficiency and speech clarity
- Highly durable — the implant itself can last decades with proper care
- Do not involve or weaken neighbouring healthy teeth
- High long-term success rate when placed and maintained correctly
Explore Your Options
- Single Dental Implant
- Multiple Tooth Replacement
- Implant Retained Denture
- All-on-4 Dental Implant
Open Hours
- Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
-
Excellent service and treatment.
jinu thomas
January 19, 2021 -
I visited Dentist Michael Donnelly this week. As I am someone who is nervous about visiting the dentist I was not looking forward to seeing Michael at all , but to my surprise he was extremely helpful and made the experience easy and painless. Michael and his dental nurse were very polite and I am looking forward to my next dental visit.
Sean Moran
January 19, 2018 -
I was very impressed with the quality of work done on a front tooth filling that had fallen out along with half of one of my front teeth. Dr.O'Hagan refilled it and did cosmetic work on it so quickly and painlessly that I couldn't believe she was finished. Top notch work and fairly priced!
Caroline Mullan
January 19, 2023 -
I've been going to Dr.Michael Donnolly since last October. Very Friendly and reassuring. I'm extremely nervous in the dentist and he made me feel very calm. All staff very nice and professional!
Rachel Duffy
January 19, 2018
Which Implant Option is Right for You?
| Treatment | Best For | Fixed or Removable | Implants Needed | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Implant | One missing tooth | Fixed | 1 | Excellent |
| Implant Bridge | Several adjacent teeth | Fixed | 2–4 | Excellent |
| Implant Retained Denture | Full / partial tooth loss | Removable (secure) | 2–4 | High |
| All-on-4 | Full arch replacement | Fixed | 4 | Excellentt |
Implants vs Traditional Alternatives
| Option | Stability | Bone Preservation | Effect on Adjacent Teeth | Removable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Implants | Excellent | None | No | |
| Dental Bridge | Goodh | No | Teeth must be prepared | No |
| Conventional Denture | Variable | No | None | Yes |
Below are some of the treatments we offer
Your Implant Treatment Options at Galway Dentists
Implant treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The right solution depends on how many teeth are missing, your bone levels, and whether you prefer fixed or removable teeth.
Replaces one missing tooth with a single implant and crown. Does not require any
alteration to neighbouring teeth, making it the most conservative option for a single
gap.
Best for: one missing tooth in otherwise healthy dentition.
Uses two or more implants to support a fixed bridge replacing several adjacent
missing teeth. More efficient than placing individual implants for each tooth, and
does not require cutting down healthy neighbouring teeth as a traditional bridge
would.
Best for: several missing teeth in a row where a fixed result is preferred.
A removable denture that clips securely onto implants for greatly improved stability.
Can be removed for cleaning. A practical option for patients with extensive tooth loss
who want significantly better function than a conventional denture.
Best for: patients with full or near-full tooth loss who want the stability of implants
with the flexibility of a removable option.
A fixed full-arch restoration supported by just four implants. Teeth are non-removable
and provide excellent stability and function. Often suitable for patients who have
experienced significant bone loss, as the angled implant placement maximises use
of available bone.
Best for: patients missing all or most teeth in an arch who want a fixed, nonremovable solution.
Treatments for Implants
Below are some of the treatments we offer
How Dental Implants Work FAQ
The main differences are how many teeth are being replaced, how many implants
are used, and whether the result is fixed or removable. Your dentist will recommend
the most appropriate option based on your clinical needs and preferences.
Implants are generally more stable, preserve jawbone, and function more like natural
teeth. Conventional dentures can shift over time and do not prevent bone loss.
However, the best option depends on individual circumstances, and implantsupported dentures offer a middle ground.
The implant itself can last many years or decades with proper care and regular
maintenance. Crowns, bridges, and denture components attached to the implants
may need maintenance or replacement over time.
Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic and is well tolerated by most
patients. Mild discomfort in the days following surgery is normal and typically
manageable with standard pain relief.
The best way to determine suitability is through a consultation at Galway Dentists,
where we assess your teeth, gums, and bone levels and discuss your preferences
and goals. We explain all suitable options clearly before any decisions are made.