The Dental Implant Procedure: What Happens, Step by Step

Dental implants raise the same two questions for almost everyone: what's actually involved, and whether they'd even be a suitable candidate. This guide answers both, walking through the procedure stage by stage so there are no surprises along the way, alongside our main Implants page. For a closer look at what the first consultation itself feels like, see our guide on dental implants in Gosforth: what to expect.

Step One: Are You a Suitable Candidate?

Most adults in reasonably good general health are suitable candidates for dental implants. What we're checking at the first assessment is simple: healthy jawbone to support an implant, healthy gums, and whether any existing conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking, might affect healing.

Not having quite enough bone doesn't automatically rule you out, bone grafting can often build up the area first, which we'll explain if it applies to you. Suitability almost always needs a proper examination and scan rather than a guess based on age or a quick look.

There is usually a younger age limit depending on how far through skeletal development you are. If you are under 21 then we might suggest alternative options until bone development has completed

Step Two: Consultation and Planning

This is where we discuss what you want to achieve, examine your teeth and gums, and talk through realistic options. You'll usually leave with an estimated cost range and a sense of what's involved, without any pressure to commit on the spot.

Step Three: The 3D Scan

A Cone Beam CT scan gives us a detailed, three-dimensional view of your jawbone, showing exactly where there's enough density to place an implant and where important structures like nerves sit, so the position can be planned precisely in advance. It's quick, painless, and doesn't involve an injection. We cover this appointment in full in our guide to the 3D CT scan for dental implants. We use state-of-the-art dedicated implant planning software to precisely plan your case.

Step Four: Placing the Implant

The implant itself, a small titanium post, is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. Most patients describe this stage as far more comfortable than they expected, and we'll walk you through every step beforehand so there's nothing unexpected on the day. If dental anxiety is a concern for you, it's worth raising at your consultation rather than on the day itself, we have ways of helping.

Step Five: Healing and Integration

This is the stage that takes the longest, but involves the least from you. Over several months, sometimes a little longer, the implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone in a process called osseointegration. You'll have a functioning mouth throughout this period, and we'll see you for review visits to check healing is on track.

Step Six: Fitting the New Tooth

Once the implant has properly integrated, we take aa digital scan and attach the final crown, bridge, or denture, depending on your case. This appointment is far simpler than the surgical stage, with little to no discomfort involved.

How Many Appointments Does This All Take?

For a single tooth, expect somewhere in the region of four to six appointments across the whole process, consultation, scan, placement, one or two reviews, and fitting. Full-arch treatment involves more stages and a longer overall timeline, which we cover separately in our guide to full-arch dental implants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too old for dental implants?

There's no upper age limit on its own, what matters is bone health and general health, both of which we assess properly rather than estimate from age alone.

What if I don't have enough jawbone?

Bone grafting can often build up the area beforehand. The 3D scan tells us whether this applies to you.

Is the procedure painful?

It's carried out under local anaesthetic, and most patients find it more comfortable than they anticipated. We'll also discuss options if you're anxious about the procedure.

How long before I have a functioning tooth again?

You'll have function throughout, including during healing, via a temporary solution where needed. The final, permanent tooth is fitted once integration is complete.

Can smoking affect whether I'm a candidate?

Smoking can affect healing and long-term implant success, so it's something we'll discuss honestly with you at consultation rather than treat as an automatic barrier.

If you're wondering whether dental implants are right for you, the only way to know for

certain is a proper assessment. Visit our Implants page for the full range of options, or get in touch to book a consultation.