Having a dental implant: the procedure and recovery
Originally published
If you are considering an implant, it helps to understand the stages before deciding. Placement of the implant is one part of treatment; the replacement tooth and ongoing care are just as important.
An implant sits in the jawbone and supports a crown, bridge or denture through connecting components. It is usually made from titanium or a titanium alloy; ceramic zirconia implants also exist. The crown material is a separate choice. Zirconia is itself a ceramic, and temporary teeth may be made from resin.
Implants may improve function and appearance, but they are not suitable for everyone. A bridge or removable denture may also be an option. Read our guide to implant materials and costs.
Before surgery
At the implant consultation, the dentist examines your mouth, reviews your health and medicines, and arranges appropriate imaging. This helps assess the bone and nearby structures.
Tell the dentist about conditions such as osteoporosis, bleeding disorders or epilepsy, and all medicines you take. These details affect planning; a diagnosis is not automatically a ban on implant treatment. Do not stop prescribed medicines yourself.
Gum disease, decay or another dental problem may need managing first. Some cases require an extraction, bone grafting or a sinus lift. The dentist should explain why each procedure is proposed, its risks and how it affects the timetable and cost.
Agree a plan for temporary teeth before surgery. Not everyone can have a fixed temporary tooth immediately, and some procedures require a period without wearing a denture over the area.
Placing the implant
Surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic. The dentist prepares the site in the bone, places the implant and closes the gum as needed. The appointment length depends on the number of implants, access and any additional procedures; it is not always completed within half an hour.
Discuss pain control beforehand and tell the team if you feel discomfort during treatment. Afterwards, some soreness and swelling can occur. You will receive instructions about cleaning, food, medicines and when to contact the practice.
Healing and fitting the tooth
The implant needs to become stable in the bone. Healing often takes months, although the sequence varies. A healing cap may be visible above the gum, or the implant may initially be covered and exposed during a later procedure. It is not always hidden throughout healing.
When the dentist considers it ready, scans or impressions are used to make the final restoration. The fit, appearance and bite are checked. No material or technique can guarantee a perfect result or a lifetime without repairs.
Risks and long-term care
An implant may fail to integrate, and surgery can affect nearby tissues or structures. Later, inflammation around the implant can damage its support. Implant treatment does not guarantee that all bone loss will stop.
Daily cleaning and dental reviews remain essential. Contact the practice about persistent pain, swelling, bleeding or movement. Crowns and other components may eventually need repair or replacement. Any manufacturer’s warranty should be read separately from the clinical risks and maintenance obligations.
What will it cost?
Use the implant fees page and your written treatment plan. The implant, abutment and crown are separate components; the abutment is not included in the implant or crown price. Grafting, temporary teeth and future maintenance may add to the total.
For instalments, read the current finance information. Eligibility and terms apply. Contact the practice to discuss an assessment and the options available to you.