The Dental Implant Process, Step by Step

What is examined

• The site itself — how much space there is, and the condition of the gum over it.
• The bone underneath, seen on x-ray or a three-dimensional scan.
• The neighbouring and opposing teeth, and how your teeth meet when you bite.
• Gum health across the whole mouth, not only at the gap.
• Medical history, medicines, smoking, and anything affecting healing.

What to bring

Bring any recent x-rays, scans or treatment plans you already have, along with a list of medicines you take. It saves repeating imaging and gives a fuller picture.

This is the stage where the honest conversation happens. If an implant is not the best option for your case, this is when you should be told, and what the alternatives are.

When bone grafting is considered

If the bone at the site is too narrow or too shallow to hold an implant securely, extra bone may be added and allowed to heal before the implant is placed. This adds time to the overall treatment and is planned as a separate step.

When a tooth is being removed first

Where a tooth still has to come out, the socket may be allowed to heal before implant placement, or in some cases the two can be combined. Which approach suits you depends on the condition of the socket and surrounding bone.

Most people find the appointment itself less dramatic than they expected. What matters afterwards is following the instructions for the first few days, because that period sets up the healing.

The first 48 hours

• Some swelling and tenderness around the area is normal.
• Stick to softer food and avoid chewing directly on the site.
• Follow the specific instructions given to you about rinsing and cleaning.
• Take pain relief as advised rather than waiting for discomfort to build.
• Contact the clinic if pain increases after the first couple of days instead of easing.

Nothing is required of you during this stage except normal cleaning, attending reviews, and reporting anything unusual. Rushing this stage is what puts implants at risk, which is why the final tooth is not fitted earlier.

Things that slow healing down

• Smoking, which is the single most avoidable risk factor.
• Uncontrolled diabetes or other conditions affecting healing.
• Plaque build-up and untreated gum inflammation.
• Chewing on the site before you are told it is safe.

For a front tooth this stage usually involves more discussion, because shade, shape and how light passes through the crown all affect appearance. It is reasonable to ask to see and comment on the tooth before it is finally fitted.

Getting the bite right

An implant crown that takes slightly too much of the biting force can cause problems over time. Small adjustments at this stage are normal and are part of doing the job properly rather than a sign something went wrong.