Dental implant procedure

About dental implant procedure

Dental implants are a long-lasting, discreet solution for replacing missing teeth. The process of having an implant usually takes between four and nine months but varies depending on your individual treatment plan.

If you’re considering having a dental implant, it’s important to read up about it first and attend a consultation with your dentist to understand if implant placement is suitable for you.

Treatment plan and clinical assessment

Once you’ve had an initial consultation, you need a clinical assessment to determine whether you’re suitable for implants, and if they’re the right solution for you. During the assessment, your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth and create a model of your existing teeth. This helps them to check you’re suitable for implants and to decide exactly where they need to be placed.

Your dentist might also recommend you have a CBCT scan to help them understand exactly how much bone you have. In some cases, your dentist may need to perform a bone graft or sinus lift to create enough space for the implants to sit before you have your treatment.

They’ll talk you through exactly what will happen before, during and after the procedure, and they’ll also give you a breakdown of how much your treatment will cost. If you decide to go ahead, you’ll be asked to sign a treatment plan.

Placing your implant

The dental implant procedure is performed at your local practice. It’s a straightforward procedure that’s usually done under local anaesthetic, so it’s relatively pain-free. But if you do feel nervous, your dentist may be able to offer sedation to put your mind at ease.

Once your mouth is numb, your dentist will cut into your gum and drill a small hole into the jawbone. The implant itself is then inserted into this hole. Your gum is then usually closed with stitches, although not everyone needs them.

In some cases, your new teeth will be restored the same day, which is known as smile in a day treatment. But usually, your bone and gums will need some time to heal before an abutment can be attached. So, you may have a visible gap while the implant heals, or we can fit you with some temporary teeth until you’re ready.

Fitting your replacement teeth

Once you’ve had the implant placed, it’s normal to wait between four and eight months for the implant to fully bond with your jawbone.

Once it’s healed, your permanent replacement tooth or teeth can be fitted. This includes the abutment (a small post attached to the top of the implant, which in turn supports the false tooth) and crowns, which are custom-made to fit the size, shape and colour of the teeth they’re replacing.

Aftercare

During and after the treatment, we’ll give you all the aftercare advice you need to help you look after your implants. It’s important to follow the aftercare instructions carefully. Your dentist will also advise when they need to see you for follow-up appointments, so they can make sure your implant is secure and healthy.