What it is
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a small post, usually made of titanium, placed in the jawbone. Once it has bonded with the bone, a crown is attached on top, giving you a tooth that looks and works much like a natural one. Implants can also support a bridge or a denture.
Step 1
Before your visit
- Expect a consultation first, often with X-rays or a 3D scan, to check the bone and plan treatment.
- Share your full medical history, including medications and whether you smoke. Both can affect healing.
- Ask how many stages and visits your treatment is likely to take, and plan any time off you are advised to take.
- If sedation is planned, follow the eating and drinking instructions you are given and arrange a ride home.
Step 2
During the visit
- The area is numbed, and some people also have sedation.
- A small opening is made in the gum and the implant post is placed in the bone.
- The gum is closed over or around the implant, sometimes with a small healing cap on top.
- After a healing period, usually a few months, the final crown is made and attached.
Step 3
After and recovery
- Some swelling, bruising, and tenderness is normal for a few days. Cold compresses and the pain relief your dentist recommends can help.
- Eat soft foods and chew on the other side at first.
- Keep the area clean exactly as instructed. You may be given a rinse.
- Avoid smoking, which slows healing and raises the risk of problems.
- Once healed, care for the implant like a natural tooth, with brushing, flossing, and regular checkups.
Common questions
Is implant surgery painful?
It is done with freezing, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Discomfort afterwards is often compared to having a tooth removed, and it usually eases within a few days.
How long does the whole process take?
It varies. The bone usually needs a few months to heal around the implant before the final tooth is attached, and extra steps, such as a bone graft, add time.
Can anyone have an implant?
Many adults can. Your dentist looks at your bone, gums, and general health. Some conditions, and smoking, can affect the result, so a consultation is the first step.