Why replace a missing tooth?
A missing tooth changes more than the way a smile looks. The teeth either side begin to drift, the opposing tooth can over-erupt, chewing shifts to the other side of the mouth, and the bone that once supported the root slowly shrinks. A dental implant is the only replacement that addresses that last part, because it replaces the root as well as the crown.
What is a dental implant?
An implant replaces the whole tooth, root included, in three parts.
Fig. 01 · Dental implant
Three parts, one natural-looking tooth.
- ICrownPorcelain, shaped and shade-matched to the teeth beside it.
- IIAbutmentThe connector that holds the crown securely on the implant.
- IIIImplantA titanium post that fuses with the jawbone over three to six months, replacing the root.
The teeth either side are left untouched.
When an implant may be the right choice
An implant assessment is worth having if:
- You have a gap you have never replaced, or the neighbouring teeth are starting to tilt into it
- A tooth is failing and will need extracting (implants can often be planned before it is removed)
- You would rather avoid a conventional bridge, which means preparing healthy teeth either side
- A denture moves, rubs or makes you avoid certain foods
- Several missing back teeth make chewing on one side uncomfortable
- An implant placed elsewhere has failed and needs reassessment
Implants are not usually placed while the jaw is still growing, and heavy smoking or poorly controlled diabetes reduce success. We assess all of this, honestly, at the consultation.
Implant options and prices
| Option | What it replaces | Typical time | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single implant and crown | One missing tooth, without touching the teeth either side | 3 to 6 months | AED 4,000 |
| Implant bridge | Several adjacent teeth, using fewer implants than missing teeth | 3 to 6 months | On consultation |
| Implant-supported denture or full arch | Most or all teeth in a jaw, fixed or clip-in | Several months | On consultation |
| Bone grafting or sinus lift | Rebuilds bone where it has shrunk, so an implant is possible | Adds a few months | On consultation |
Implant fees in Dubai vary widely because the treatment is not one item: it is the implant, the abutment, the crown, the imaging and any grafting the site needs. After your 3D scan you receive a written, itemised estimate, so you can see exactly what is included. We will also price the alternatives, such as a bridge or partial denture, so you can compare fairly. Interest-free instalments are available through Tabby or Mamo, subject to their approval (AED 300 service charge).
How treatment works at Hey Dental
- Consultation and 3D scan. We examine your mouth, review your medical history and take a 3D scan that shows the bone in cross-section.
- Digital plan. The position, angle and depth of the implant are planned on the scan before anything is placed, and you receive the plan and written estimate.
- Placement. A minor procedure under local anaesthetic. Most patients describe it as more comfortable than an extraction. Expect some soreness and mild swelling for two to three days.
- Healing. The implant integrates with the bone over roughly three to six months, with a temporary tooth where appropriate.
- Your new tooth. Once integration is confirmed, we take a digital impression and fit the final crown, bridge or denture.
- Maintenance. Implants are cleaned and checked like natural teeth. Regular hygiene visits are what make them last.
Implant, bridge or denture?
| Implant | Bridge | Denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neighbouring teeth | Untouched | Prepared to support it | Untouched (may use clasps) |
| Protects the jawbone | Yes | No | No |
| Feels like | Your own tooth | A fixed tooth | Removable; can move |
| Treatment time | Months | Weeks | Weeks |
| Upfront cost | Highest | Middle | Lowest |
| Lifespan | Implant often decades; crown 15+ years | Often 10 to 15 years | Usually 5 to 10 years |
Implants take longer and cost more upfront. At the consultation we set out every option, including the ones that cost less, so the decision is yours to make with full information.
How long do implants last?
The implant itself is designed to last decades, and many stay in place for life. The crown on top is the part that wears, typically lasting fifteen years or more before it needs replacing. Good cleaning at home, regular hygiene visits and not smoking make the biggest difference.
