In short
- An implant is a titanium post that replaces the root, topped with a crown.
- Treatment happens in stages over several months.
- Gum disease and decay are treated first.
- Not smoking and good cleaning lower the risk of problems.
- The cost depends on your plan, so ask for it in writing.
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth root with a small titanium post, topped with a crown. It is a staged treatment that takes planning and patience. This guide explains the usual steps, how healing works and how to look after an implant. The cost depends on your own plan and is covered briefly at the end.
Step 1: Examination and imaging
The dentist checks your teeth, gums and bite and asks about your health, including diabetes, smoking and medicines. X-rays or a 3D scan show how much bone is available and where nerves and sinuses lie. This stage decides whether an implant is suitable. Read more about dental implants and single tooth implants.
Step 2: Treating other problems first
Gum disease and decay should be treated first, because infection around an implant can lead to its loss. If a damaged tooth is still in place, it may need to be removed, and the gum or bone given time to heal.
Step 3: Placing the implant
The implant is usually placed under local anaesthetic. The gum is opened, a small channel is prepared in the bone, and the titanium post is positioned. Some patients also have a bone graft at this stage if the bone is thin. Mild swelling and soreness afterwards are common.
Step 4: Healing
The bone grows onto the implant over several months, and this is called osseointegration. The time varies with each person and with the site. During this period a temporary tooth may be provided.
Step 5: Abutment and crown
When the implant is stable, a connector called an abutment is attached, and the crown is made and fitted. The crown is shaped to match the neighbouring teeth, and the bite is checked.
Aftercare
- Brush twice a day and clean around the implant with an interdental brush or floss, as shown by your dentist.
- Do not smoke, as it raises the risk of failure and infection.
- Attend check-ups and cleaning visits, so any gum inflammation around the implant is caught early.
- Avoid biting very hard objects, and use a night guard if you grind your teeth and your dentist advises it.
Possible problems
Implants can fail or become inflamed. Risks include infection, nerve irritation, and the implant not bonding with the bone. These are uncommon and are discussed with you before treatment. Contact the clinic if you notice pain, swelling, a loose crown or bleeding around the implant.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the whole implant process take?
From the first visit to the final crown, it often takes several months, because the bone needs time to bond with the implant. Bone grafting or tooth removal first can add time.
Does placing an implant hurt?
It is usually done under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Soreness and swelling for a few days afterwards are common, and your dentist will tell you how to manage them.
Who may not be suitable for an implant?
People with uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, heavy smoking, or too little bone may not be suitable until these are addressed. Children whose jaws are still growing usually wait. An examination decides.
Can an implant fail?
Yes, though it is uncommon. Infection, poor bone bonding and heavy smoking are among the causes. Good cleaning and regular check-ups lower the risk.
What are the other ways to replace a tooth?
Dental bridges and dentures are the main options. Each has advantages and limits, and your dentist can explain which suits you.
What decides the cost
The cost differs between patients. It depends on the number of implants, imaging, any bone graft, the type of crown, and how many visits are needed. Ask for a written plan that lists each stage and what could change it. If implants are not right for you, dental bridges and dentures are other ways to replace teeth. An implantologist can talk you through the options, or call Elite Dental Clinic on 070320 78789.
Related guides and next steps
These guides from Elite Dental Clinic in Kondapur go into more detail.
- Implants vs Bridge vs Dentures: What Should You Choose?
- Missing Tooth? How Crowns and Bridges Can Help
To speak to the team, call 070320 78789 or message the clinic on WhatsApp. Elite Dental Clinic is at 2nd Floor, Artham’s Arcade, above Vijaya Diagnostics, Kondapur, Raghavendra Colony, Kondapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500084, and is open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Sources
- A systematic review of the 5-year survival and complication rates of implant-supported single crowns, Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2008
- Dental implants, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
- Dental implants, American Dental Association, MouthHealthy
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination, and results vary between patients.