Dental Implants: A Complete Patient Guide

A dental implant is a small titanium screw placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the bone fuses to it — a process called osseointegration — an abutment and a custom crown are fitted on top, restoring both chewing and appearance.

Unlike a bridge, an implant does not require grinding down the healthy teeth on either side, which is why it is considered the most conservative long-term option for a single missing tooth.

Most adults with healthy gums and sufficient jawbone volume can receive implants. A CBCT scan measures bone height and width and maps the nerve position before anything is planned.

Diabetes, smoking and untreated gum disease do not automatically rule you out, but they must be controlled first — stable blood sugar and healthy gums measurably improve implant success.

Implant placement is done under local anaesthesia and usually takes 30–45 minutes for a single site. Most patients describe pressure rather than pain, and return to normal routine the next day.

You will be given a soft-diet plan, an antibiotic and analgesic schedule, and a chlorhexidine rinse for the first week.

Osseointegration typically takes 3–4 months in the lower jaw and 4–6 months in the upper jaw. In selected cases with excellent bone quality, a temporary tooth can be attached the same day.

Once integration is confirmed, digital impressions are taken and a zirconia or ceramic crown is fitted, shade-matched to your natural teeth.

Implants do not decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed (peri-implantitis) if plaque is left undisturbed. Brush twice daily, clean between teeth with interdental brushes or a water flosser, and attend a professional check-up and cleaning every six months.