How Dental Implants Work

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 15-20+ years with proper care.

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 typically takes 4-6 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 3-6 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 excellent success rates – approximately 95-98% depending on location and individual factors. This high success rate 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.