Replacing missing teeth
Dental Implants
A dental implant replaces the root of a lost tooth and fuses with the jawbone. A connector (abutment) and a crown are fitted on top. Treatment happens in stages with healing time in between, and the overall timeline depends on your bone and general health.
- Planning
- Examination, X-rays and 3D imaging (CBCT) when needed
- Healing
- Usually several months, varies by person
- Stages
- Placement, healing, crown
- Maintenance
- Home care, regular reviews and professional cleaning
What is it?
An implant has three parts: the post, usually titanium, placed in the jawbone; the abutment that connects to it; and the crown or bridge on top. The fusing of the post with bone is called osseointegration. How long it takes depends on you and your bone; it is often 3 to 6 months and sometimes longer. In suitable cases a temporary tooth can be fitted on the day the implant is placed, and we discuss whether that is possible after the examination and imaging.
Well-maintained implants can serve well for many years, but that is not a lifetime guarantee. Smoking raises the risk of implant failure and infection, and poorly controlled diabetes can affect healing. Inflammation around implants (peri-implantitis) is one of the main long-term risks, and regular maintenance and check-ups aim to prevent it. We explain the stages and timelines in this article.
When can it be considered?
- A single missing tooth
- Several missing teeth
- Improving the stability of a removable denture
- Replacing a tooth without preparing healthy neighbouring teeth
Examination and planning
Planning starts with your medical history: smoking, diabetes and medication are discussed. An examination and X-rays assess bone and gum health. When needed, 3D imaging (cone-beam CT, CBCT) is requested to see bone volume and its relation to nerves and sinuses. Because it involves more radiation than routine dental X-rays, it is used only when it adds information that is needed.
If there is not enough bone, grafting may be planned, which can lengthen the overall timeline. The implant position is planned digitally with the final tooth in mind.
How the process works
Examination and imaging
Medical history, examination, X-rays and 3D imaging if needed.
Planning
Options, stages and estimated timelines are discussed.
Preparation
Extraction and bone grafting if needed.
Implant placement
The implant is placed in the jawbone under local anaesthetic.
Healing
Time is allowed for the implant to fuse with bone; temporary solutions can be used.
Crown
A digital impression is taken and the abutment and crown are fitted.
Maintenance
Regular reviews and professional cleaning are scheduled.
Digital tools that may be used
- 3D imaging (CBCT)
- When needed, bone volume and anatomy are assessed in 3D, using the smallest suitable field of view.
- Digital planning
- Implant position and angle are planned on screen with the final tooth in mind.
- Intraoral scan
- After healing, the implant position is recorded digitally for the crown.
Aftercare
Recommended
- Follow the aftercare and medication instructions for the first days
- Clean around the implant daily with a soft brush and interdental brushes
- Keep regular reviews and professional cleanings
Best avoided
- Smoking, which affects healing and long-term success
- Chewing hard foods on the implant site while it heals
- Skipping reviews
Whether a treatment suits you can only be decided after an examination. Timelines and stages vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Does implant treatment hurt?
Implants are placed under local anaesthetic. Swelling and tenderness can follow for a few days and are usually managed with the recommended medication and aftercare. What to expect is explained in detail at the planning stage.
Can I have a tooth on the same day?
In some selected cases a temporary tooth can be fitted on the day of placement. It depends on bone quality, the initial stability of the implant and the position of the tooth, and it is not suitable for everyone.
I smoke. Can I have implants?
Smoking increases the risk of implant failure, infection and bone loss. This is discussed openly during planning; stopping or cutting down supports healing.
Do implants last a lifetime?
Well-maintained implants can last many years, but there is no lifetime guarantee. Home care, not smoking and regular reviews make a direct difference to long-term results.
Related articles
Dental Implant Process and Timeline: From Consultation to Final Crown
Dental implant treatment is a staged process with healing time between steps. Here is what happens at each stage, what shapes the overall timeline and how visits are usually planned from abroad.
Intraoral Scanner vs Traditional Impressions: Accuracy and Comfort
An intraoral scanner records your teeth in 3D without impression putty. Here is how it compares with traditional impressions on comfort, time and accuracy, and where conventional methods are still preferred.
Related treatments
All treatments- incisors, canines, premolars, molarsCrowns and BridgesCrowns that cover the whole tooth and bridges that replace a missing tooth using the neighbouring teeth, made from materials such as zirconia or glass-ceramic.
- incisors, canines, premolars, molarsGum TreatmentStep-by-step care for inflamed gums and gum disease, from scaling and polishing to subgingival scaling and root planing, a deep clean of the root surfaces.
- incisors, caninesSmile DesignA planning process that looks at tooth colour, shape and proportions together with the face and lips, using photographs, an intraoral scan and a trial smile.
Questions about dental implants?
You can send your questions on WhatsApp or reach the practice by phone.