Dental implants: the step-by-step guide

A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once the bone has bonded to it, a crown is fixed on top. It looks, feels and works much like a natural tooth.

Who is a good candidate?

Most adults with healthy gums and enough bone. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and untreated gum disease increase risks, so they are discussed before treatment. Children are not given implants until the jaws stop growing.

The stages

1. Assessment — examination and an X-ray or 3D scan to measure the bone.
2. Placement — the implant is placed under local anaesthetic.
3. Healing — usually a few months while the bone bonds to the implant.
4. Connector — an abutment is attached and the gum is shaped.
5. Crown — the final tooth is made to match your other teeth.

Does it hurt?

Placement is done under local anaesthetic. Afterwards, swelling and discomfort for a few days are common and usually controlled with ordinary painkillers advised by the dentist.

Looking after an implant

Brush twice a day, clean around the implant with floss or an interdental brush and keep regular check-ups. Implants do not decay, but the gum around them can become inflamed.

Other options

Bridges and dentures are also good solutions in many cases. Compare them in options for a missing tooth.

Watch every stage on an X-ray view in the implant simulator, then read about dental implants at DR. ELAF Dental Clinic.