BY TOFTWOOD DENTAL PRACTICE
6 June 2025
Table of Contents
Tooth loss can affect your ability to chew, speak clearly, and maintain proper oral hygiene. Thankfully, modern dentistry provides a gold-standard solution: dental implants.
These restorations not only look and feel like natural teeth but also help preserve bone structure and facial aesthetics.
In this article, we’ll explore the dental implant process step by step, from initial consultation to final restoration.
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Assessment
The dental implant journey starts with a thorough clinical consultation. This visit helps determine if implants are suitable for your oral and general health.
What to expect:
- Health screening: Your dentist will ask about any medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, or medications that may affect healing.
- Gum health check: Healthy gums are essential to support an implant.
- 3D dental imaging: A CBCT scan may be used to assess your jaw structure.
- Bite analysis: To ensure the new implant won’t interfere with your bite or jaw alignment.
Now is a great time to ask your dentist any questions. You can ask about sedation options, types of implants, or new treatments.
One example could be the platelet-rich fibrin dental technology. We use this machine at Toftwood Dental to enhance our dental implant surgery and socket preservation procedures. This technology is particularly beneficial for bone grafting and socket preservation.
Step 2: Treatment Plan
Once you’re confirmed as a candidate, your dentist will create a custom treatment plan, considering your unique needs.
A comprehensive treatment plan should include:
- The number and location of implants required
- The type of restoration (e.g., dental crown, dental bridge, All-on-4 fixed denture…)
- Type of implant to be used
- Anticipated timeline and healing periods
- Pricing and available payment options
- Whether any preparatory treatments are required (e.g., bone grafting, extractions).
Your dentist may also discuss the materials used. For example, titanium is the most commonly used implant material due to its durability and biocompatibility. In some cases, ceramic implants are used, particularly for front teeth.
Step 3: Preparatory Procedures (When required)
Not all patients have sufficient jawbone to support an implant, especially if teeth have been missing for a long time. In such cases, your dentist may recommend a preparatory procedure.
The most common procedures include:
- Bone grafting: Replaces or augments lost bone tissue. Can use synthetic, donor, or your own bone.
- Sinus lift: A small surgery to elevate the sinus floor in the upper jaw to create space for implants.
- Tooth extractions: If a damaged tooth remains, it will need to be removed before placing an implant.
Healing from preparatory procedures can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on complexity. Only after full healing can the implant be placed.
Step 4: Getting the Dental Implant
Anaesthesia and Preparation
The area is numbed using local anaesthetic to ensure you feel no pain. If you’re anxious, your dentist may offer sedation options. Your dentist will clean the area and ensure full sterilisation to prevent infection.
Incision and Bone Access
A small incision is made in the gum to expose the jawbone. This allows the dentist to create a precise opening for the implant.
Using special surgical tools, a small hole is drilled into the jawbone to create a secure ‘bed’ for the implant screw.
Implant Placement
The dental implant, typically made of titanium or zirconia, is carefully inserted into the prepared site. It is then tightened and positioned to ensure optimal alignment and stability.
Healing Cap or Temporary Tooth
Depending on your case, your dentist may:
- Place a healing cap (small cover) over the implant to shape the gum during healing.
- Place a temporary crown or denture for immediate aesthetics and function.
Healing and Osseointegration
You’ll be sent home with post-op instructions. Over the next 6–16 weeks, the dental implant will fuse with your bone through a process known as osseointegration. This biological bonding is what gives implants their long-term strength and reliability.
Step 5: Placing the Abutment and Taking Impressions for Your Final Restoration
This step is crucial, as it provides the structure onto which your new tooth (or teeth) will be securely fitted.
What Is an Abutment?
The abutment is a small connector that links the dental implant (hidden below the gum line) to the visible crown, bridge, or denture. Abutments are typically made from titanium, zirconia, or gold alloy.
Placing the Abutment
Once the implant is accessible, the dentist will:
- Remove any healing cap or temporary restoration placed during the earlier stages.
- Attach the custom abutment onto the implant.
- Check for proper alignment, height, and stability.
In some cases, your gum tissue may have grown over the implant site during the healing period. If so, your dentist will perform a minor procedure under local anaesthetic to re-expose the implant.
Taking Impressions for the Final Tooth
After the abutment is securely in place, your dentist will take precise impressions of your mouth. With those your dentist to design your permanent tooth restoration.
These impressions are then sent to a dental laboratory. There technicians will create a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that matches the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth.
In some cases, you may be fitted with a temporary crown or bridge while your permanent one is being made. This protects the abutment and maintains appearance during the waiting period.
Step 6: Placing your permanent restoration
This is when your new tooth (or teeth) is secured, completing your dental implant journey and restoring full function and aesthetics to your smile.
Once your custom-made restoration has returned from the dental lab, your dentist will arrange a fitting appointment, where he/she will:
- Check of appearance and shade: Your dentist will ensure the restoration matches the shape, colour, and size of your natural tooth (or teeth).
- Test for bite alignment: The new crown or bridge is gently adjusted to fit perfectly against your opposing teeth.
Secure placement: Depending on the restoration type, it will either be through cement or screws.
Step 7: Aftercare / Maintenance
Dental implants are designed to last decades, but proper aftercare is essential.
Post-operative care includes:
- Taking prescribed antibiotics and pain relief
- Eating soft foods for the first few days
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol during the healing period
- Using saltwater rinses to keep the area clean
Long-term care includes:
- Brush and floss daily
- Use interdental brushes or water flossers
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and hygiene appointments
- Consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth
With consistent care, implants may remain functional and aesthetic for 25+ years.
Table of treatment times for dental implants
Stage | Timeframe* |
Consultation & diagnostics | 1–2 visits over 1–2 weeks |
Treatment planning | 1-week post-consultation |
Preparatory procedure (if needed) | 3–6 months healing time |
Implant surgery | 1–2 hours per implant |
Healing / Osseointegration | 6–16 weeks |
Abutment & impressions | 1–2 weeks after healing |
Final restoration fitting | 2–3 weeks post-impressions |
Total time (no prep) | 3–6 months |
Total time (with prep) | 6–9+ months |
*Timeframe may vary depending on complexity of the cases
Dental Implants in Dereham
If you live in Dereham or nearby areas such as Swanton Morley, Watton, Swaffham, or Wymondham, you can visit us at Toftwood Dental Practice.
We offer:
- Advanced 3D imaging (CBCT scans)
- Use of implant brands like Straumann and Nobel Biocare
- Bone grafting and platelet-rich fibrin techniques
- Sedation options for nervous patients
- Monthly payment plans with 0% interest
Alternatives to Dental Implants
Dental implants are highly effective, but they’re not suitable for everyone. Your dentist will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your oral health, lifestyle, and budget.
Common alternatives include:
- Dental bridges: Fixed prosthetics supported by adjacent teeth.
- Partial dentures: Removable and less invasive but may feel less stable.
- Complete dentures: Cost-effective but may become loose over time.
- Mini implants: Smaller, less invasive option, but not suitable for all cases.
Conclusion
Understanding the dental implant process step by step allows you to approach your treatment with confidence. While the process takes time and, in some cases, preparatory treatment, the benefits are transformative. Dental implants offer unmatched stability, bone preservation, and aesthetic appeal.
If you’re based in Dereham, or anywhere across Norfolk, visit us to explore your options!
FAQs
How long does a dental implant take from start to finish?
The full process may take 3 to 6 months for most patients. If you require bone grafting or other preparatory procedures, it may extend to 6–9 months or more.
How long can a dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, dental implants may last 25 years or more. In many cases, they last a lifetime. The crown or bridge on top may need replacement every 10–15 years due to wear.
Are dental implants covered by the NHS?
Dental implants are not typically available on the NHS. Most people will need to fund implants privately. However, many practices offer flexible payment plans.
Is the procedure painful?
The implant is placed under local anaesthesia, so most patients don’t feel pain during the procedure. However, some soreness or swelling afterward is common. The level of pain after a dental implant depends on factors like healing time, bone density and individual sensitivity to pain. Your dentist can recommend ways to manage discomfort and support recovery.’
This content is for informational purposes only. Consult a professional for personal advice.
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