A dental implant is a small metal post, usually made of titanium, that a dental implant surgeon places into your jawbone. This post acts like a root for a replacement tooth. Once the implant has had time to heal and bond with your bone (a process called osseointegration), a custom-made crown (the part that looks like a tooth) is attached to the top. The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural one.
Dental implant treatment usually takes place over several months, depending on your individual needs. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
1. Initial Consultation & Assessment
Your journey starts with a consultation with your dental implant surgeon. What to expect:
- Review of your dental and medical history
- X-rays or 3D scans to assess your jawbone and plan treatment
- Discussion of your goals and treatment options
- A personalised treatment plan
Important: Healthy gums and enough jawbone are essential for successful implants. If needed, bone grafting may be recommended (see below).
2. Tooth Extraction (if needed)
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth that needs replacing, it will be gently removed before the implant process begins.
3. Bone Grafting (only if necessary)
If your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough to hold an implant, a bone graft may be needed.
What this means:
- A small amount of bone (from your body, bovine/porcine sourced or synthetic material) is added to your jaw
- Healing time varies—typically 3 to 6 months before placing the implant or can heal at the same time as implant integration if placed together.
4. Implant Placement (Surgery)
This is a minor surgical procedure done under local anesthesia +/- sedation.
What happens:
- A small incision is made in your gum
- The implant (a titanium post) is placed into the jawbone
- Healing time: 3 to 6 months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone (osseointegration)
5. Abutment Placement
Once the implant has healed and bonded to the bone, an abutment (a connector) is placed on top of the implant. Sometimes this is done at the same time as the implant. The gum will need a couple of weeks to heal around the abutment before placing the crown.
6. Crown Placement (The New Tooth)
Finally, a custom-made crown (artificial tooth) is attached to the abutment. It is designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size.
Variations may include:
- Single crown (for one tooth)
- Bridge (for several teeth)
- Implant-supported denture (for many missing teeth)
