The implant journey – What happens and how long does it take?
Everybody is different, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
When you come for your dental implant consultation, we can use digital technology to plan your treatment in detail. This means we know what to expect from your treatment and can give you a personalised timeline before you begin your treatment.
Typically, the length of the journey depends on the condition of your jaw. If you have good bone volume, we can often complete your treatment in as little as 4 months. If extra bone is needed, then 8-10 months is more likely.
Good Bone Volume
Takes 4-5 months
We may be able to follow this timeline if you need a tooth extracting with no abscess present.
| Month 0 | Scans and Planning |
| Month 1 | Fitting your implant (including tooth extraction if needed) |
| Month 5 | Fitting the crown (or bridge) |
| Ongoing | Care and Maintenance |
Reduced Bone Volume
Takes 8-10 months
e.g. after a longstanding missing tooth, or having had a dental abscess
| Month 0 | Scans and Planning |
| Month 1 | Bone Addition (including tooth extraction if needed) |
| Month 5 | Fitting your implant |
| Month 9 | Fitting the crown (or bridge) |
| Ongoing | Care and Maintenance |
Good Bone Volume: No bone addition
Pre-treatment
Scans and planning
When you first come to see us about dental implant treatment, we will have a good discussion to find out about your current situation, and what you are looking for as an ideal outcome.
We’ll check your teeth and gums, then discuss your options (including non-implant options) with you. We use the latest technology so we can plan your treatment effectively. We’d usually take a 3D CBCT scan, and a 3D photographic scan, and we can use these scans to plan your journey in detail.
Once you’re completely happy with your plan and the fees, we can start your treatment!
Month 1:
Fitting your implant (including tooth removal if needed)
The implant fit appointment is carried out under local anaesthetic, which keeps the area comfortable during the appointment. If there is a tooth needing extraction, we can often do this all in a single visit.
At the end, we usually cap off the implant at gum level and provide a temporary replacement tooth if needed.
There will be some stitches to help with the healing, and we’ll give you a home care pack with everything you need so you can look after the area at home
Temporary False Tooth
Depending on where your implant is, you have different options. For back teeth, you may choose to leave the space unfilled while your implant heals. For front teeth, we can make you a temporary removable replacement tooth.
If your implant fits tightly, we can sometimes fit a fixed temporary crown directly onto your implant at this first appointment.
Month 5:
Fitting the crown
Your crown fit usually takes two appointments. At the first, we take a digital impression of your teeth and implant in order to achieve the highest accuracy.
It’s important that your new tooth looks and feels natural, so we aim to match the colour, shape and characteristics of your natural teeth.
At the final appointment, we fit your crown securely in place, so you can smile, eat and chew straight away!
Ongoing:
Care and Maintenance
After your treatment is finished, we’ll show you how best to look after your dental implant, so that it stays in good condition as long as possible.
It’s vital to keep your gums healthy, which includes your ongoing dental hygiene program, and we’ll continue to check your implant when you come for your regular dental health checks
Reduced Bone Volume: With bone addition
Pre-treatment
Scans and planning
When you first come to see us about dental implant treatment, we will have a good discussion to find out about your current situation, and what you are looking for as an ideal outcome.
We’ll check your teeth and gums, then discuss your options (including non-implant options) with you. We use the latest technology so we can plan your treatment effectively. We’d usually take a 3D CBCT scan, and a 3D photographic scan, and we can use these scans to plan your journey in detail.
Once you’re completely happy with your plan and the fees, we can start your treatment!
Month 1:
Bone addition (including tooth removal if needed)
The bone addition appointment is carried out under local anaesthetic, which keeps the area comfortable during the appointment. If there is a tooth needing extraction, then we may do this at the same appointment, or a few weeks beforehand.
There will be some stitches to help with the healing, and we’ll give you a home care pack with everything you need so you can look after the area at home.
Temporary False Tooth
Depending on where your missing tooth is, you have different options. For back teeth, you may choose to leave the space unfilled while your implant heals. For front teeth, we can make you a temporary removable replacement tooth.
If your implant fits tightly, we can sometimes fit a fixed temporary crown directly onto your implant at this first appointment.
Month 5
Fitting your dental implant
This is similar to your bone addition appointment, carried out under local anaesthetic, and with stitches to help with healing.
At the end of your appointment, we usually cap off the implant at gum level and provide a temporary replacement tooth if needed. We’ll give you a home care pack with everything you need so you can look after the area at home
Temporary False Tooth
If you have a temporary removable false tooth, you can continue to use this as it will sit over your implant. Alternatively, If your implant fits tightly, we can sometimes fit a fixed temporary crown directly onto your implant at this first appointment.
Month 9:
Fitting the crown
Your crown fit usually takes two appointments. At the first, we take a digital impression of your teeth and implant in order to achieve the highest accuracy.
It’s important that your new tooth looks and feels natural, so we aim to match the colour, shape and characteristics of your natural teeth.
At the final appointment, we fit your crown securely in place, so you can smile, eat and chew straight away!
Ongoing:
Care and Maintenance
After your treatment is finished, we’ll show you how best to look after your dental implant, so that it stays in good condition as long as possible.
It’s vital to keep your gums healthy, so we recommend you visit the dental hygienist regularly, and we’ll continue to check your implant when you come for your regular dental health checks