The Dentist • Great Barr, Birmingham
How Dental Implants Work – Step by Step Guide
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- CQC registered
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made from biocompatible titanium. It's surgically placed into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Once integrated with the bone, it can support a realistic-looking artificial tooth (crown) that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement because they're the closest thing to natural teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants don't rely on neighbouring teeth for support and can last many years, often decades, with good care and check-ups.
The Three Components of a Dental Implant
A complete dental implant system consists of three parts:
- Implant Fixture (Root): The titanium screw placed in your jawbone that acts like a tooth root
- Abutment (Connector): The piece that connects the implant fixture to the crown
- Crown (Visible Tooth): The ceramic tooth fixed to the abutment that looks and functions like a natural tooth
The Implant Process: Step by Step
Dental implant treatment usually takes 3–6 months from start to finish, though this varies depending on your individual case.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment
We discuss your goals, medical history, and tooth loss. We'll examine your teeth and jawbone to determine if you're a suitable candidate for implants. Most healthy patients can have implants, though some may need preliminary bone grafting.
Step 2: Advanced 3D Imaging
Using 3D scans, we map your jawbone structure precisely. This allows us to plan the exact placement of your implant for optimal angles, depth, and integration with your natural bone.
Step 3: Implant Surgery
Under local anaesthetic, your dentist makes a small incision in the gum and carefully drills a socket in the jawbone. The titanium implant is then inserted into this socket. The gum is sutured, and the implant begins its healing journey.
Step 4: Osseointegration (Healing Period)
This is the most critical phase. Over a few months, the titanium implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This integration creates a strong, stable foundation for your artificial tooth. You'll wear a temporary restoration during this time.
Step 5: Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, we place the abutment – the connector piece – onto the implant. This may require a minor procedure and typically takes 1-2 weeks for gum healing.
Step 6: Custom Crown Creation
We take impressions or use digital scanning to create your custom crown. This artificial tooth is crafted to match your natural teeth in colour, shape, and size perfectly.
Step 7: Crown Placement
Your new crown is carefully fitted and secured onto the abutment. You'll have your complete tooth back, looking and functioning just like a natural tooth!
What is Osseointegration?
Osseointegration is the biological process where your jawbone bonds directly with the titanium implant. This integration is what makes dental implants so successful – it creates a permanent, stable foundation that can last decades. Without successful osseointegration, the implant cannot function properly.
Dental Implant Success Rates
Dental implants have high success rates when they are well planned and looked after, which makes them one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available. Proper oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, and regular dental check-ups help ensure long-term success.
Implant Costs and Financing
The cost of a complete dental implant (fixture, abutment, and crown) varies depending on materials used and complexity. For detailed pricing information, visit our dental implants cost page. We offer flexible payment plans to make this investment affordable.
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What our patients say
On Christmas day I broke my front tooth,searched around for a good dentist to give me two implant which I desperately needed. Went to this dentist and they were the only people with with CT scanner. Had my consultation here and scan and then went ahead with the implants.they seemed most professional and I can only say the job th…
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On Christmas day I broke my front tooth,searched around for a good dentist to give me two implant which I desperately needed. Went to this dentist and they were the only people with with CT scanner. Had my consultation here and scan and then went ahead with the implants.they seemed most professional and I can only say the job that is done is absolutely excellent 👌 and I will be using Dr Rikki Dhody and his team again. 💯 percent recommend them.
I went to this dentist to have a consultation to see if they could finish off the work on my teeth which was done by an another dental clinic which went into liquidation after fitting my implants.
I found Rikki and Ana very courteous and knowledgeable about the work I needed doing. It was explained to me the positives and negati…Read full review
I went to this dentist to have a consultation to see if they could finish off the work on my teeth which was done by an another dental clinic which went into liquidation after fitting my implants.
I found Rikki and Ana very courteous and knowledgeable about the work I needed doing. It was explained to me the positives and negatives about the different treatments on offer. I chose to have a full arch of teeth on my upper and a few teeth on the bottom. Although the implant surgery was done others , Rikki put my mind at rest and I gave them permission to go ahead.
The whole process was explained at each stage and the treatment went perfectly. I have now achieved my perfect smile and I am over the moon with the result. I thank Rikki ,Ana, and all the staff who are extremely polite and friendly and I would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in having similar work.
I've had several treatments at The Dentist, Implants, Veneers, Emergency Centre, including wisdom tooth extraction, crowns, and fillings, and I couldn't be more pleased with the care I've received. The team is professional, caring, and ensures every visit is as comfortable as possible. The dentist took great care to make sure I …
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I've had several treatments at The Dentist, Implants, Veneers, Emergency Centre, including wisdom tooth extraction, crowns, and fillings, and I couldn't be more pleased with the care I've received. The team is professional, caring, and ensures every visit is as comfortable as possible. The dentist took great care to make sure I felt at ease during each procedure, and the results have always been excellent. Whether it's routine dental work or something more complex, I highly recommend trying this place. They truly go above and beyond to provide exceptional service
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