What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure?
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with a small titanium post placed in the jaw, which then anchors a crown. It is done in stages over a few months, mostly to let the implant fuse with the bone. The surgery itself is smaller than most people expect and is done under local anaesthetic.
Replacing a missing tooth with an implant is one of the most reliable options in modern dentistry, but the word ‘surgery’ puts a lot of people off before they understand what it involves. If you are considering dental implants in London, here is what actually happens, step by step, and why it takes the time it does.
What a dental implant is
An implant is a small titanium screw that takes the place of a tooth’s root. It is placed into the jawbone, and over a few months the bone grows around it and locks it in. Once it is stable, a crown is attached on top. The result looks and works like a natural tooth, and because it stands on its own, it does not rely on the teeth either side the way a bridge does.
Step one: assessment and planning
Everything starts with a proper assessment. That means an examination, X-rays or a 3D scan of your jaw, and a look at your general health, since things like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking affect healing. If the bone has shrunk where the tooth was lost, a graft may be needed first. You get a written plan and a clear cost before anything happens.
Step two: placing the implant
The implant is placed under local anaesthetic, with sedation available if you would prefer it. A small opening is made in the gum, the implant is set into the bone, and the gum is closed over or around it. Most people are surprised by how straightforward it is, and by how little discomfort there is afterwards, usually no worse than a normal extraction.
Then the bone does the work
This is the part that takes patience. Over roughly three to six months, the bone fuses to the implant in a process called osseointegration. It cannot be rushed, because it is what makes the implant strong enough to last. You are not left with an obvious gap in the meantime if the tooth shows when you smile, since a temporary can usually be arranged.
Step three: the crown
Once the implant has fused, a small connector called an abutment is fitted, and an impression or scan is taken. Your crown is then made to match your other teeth in shape and colour and fixed on top. From this point it is cared for like a natural tooth, with normal brushing, flossing and check-ups.
Does it hurt?
During the placement, no, because the area is numbed. Afterwards there is usually some soreness and swelling for a few days, which most people manage with ordinary painkillers. The discomfort is generally milder than patients expect, and far less than the worry beforehand suggests.
Why choose Boston Orthodontics for dental implants in London
Implants are a case where planning and aftercare matter as much as the surgery. At our Belgravia practice, our team plans each case carefully, explains every stage in plain language, and is upfront about costs with no hidden extras. If you are researching dental implants in London, the most useful thing you can do is have the tooth and the bone assessed, because the right plan depends entirely on what is there to work with.
We are at 2 Grosvenor Gardens, Fourth Floor, in Belgravia, central London. Call 0203 858 0068 or book through bostonorthodontics.co.uk. Interest-free payment plans over up to 12 months are available.
Frequently asked questions about dental implants in London
How much do dental implants in London cost?
It depends on the case, including whether a bone graft is needed, and you will have a written quote before starting. Interest-free finance over up to 12 months is available.
How long does the whole process take?
Usually three to six months from placement to the final crown, most of which is healing time while the implant fuses to the bone. Some cases are quicker, and we will give you a realistic timeline.
Am I a suitable candidate?
Most people with healthy gums and enough jawbone are. Where bone has shrunk, a graft can often build it back up. We assess this at the planning stage.
How long do implants last?
With good care and regular check-ups, implants can last decades, and often a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacing sooner than the implant itself.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book a consultation directly and we will assess whether an implant is the right option for you.
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