What is a dental implant and what are the stages of treatment?

In this video Dr. Dt. Kıvanç Türkoğlu explains what a dental implant is and the four main stages of treatment. The notes below summarise the topics in the video and add detail on what each stage involves for the patient.

What the video covers

• An implant is a screw that mimics the root of a missing tooth and is placed in the jawbone; it is made of titanium or, as a newer option, zirconia.
• Implants can be used for a single missing tooth, several missing teeth or a jaw with no teeth.
• The four stages: assessment, implant placement, waiting for bonding with the bone and the prosthesis.
• The healing time depends on the bone and on the extent of the surgery.

A support in place of the root

The root is what holds a natural tooth in the jaw. When a tooth is lost, the root goes with it and there is nothing left to support a new tooth. An implant rebuilds that support. It sits in the bone and carries the tooth placed on top.

What goes on top depends on the need: a crown for one tooth, a bridge for several neighbouring teeth, or a fixed or removable denture for a jaw without teeth.

1. Assessment

The first visit includes an oral examination and a discussion of general health. Medicines, past illnesses and smoking are asked about at this stage.

A panoramic X-ray is taken first. In most cases a cone beam CT is added. The CT shows the bone in cross-sections and allows width and height to be measured to the millimetre. These measurements decide the implant length and angle. Whether extra bone work is needed also becomes clear here.

2. Placing the implant

The area is numbed with local anaesthesia. The gum is opened, a site of the right size is prepared in the bone and the implant is placed. The gum is then closed or a small healing cap is fitted on the implant.

How long it takes depends on the number of implants, the bone and whether extra work is done. Simple cases can be completed quickly.

3. Bonding with the bone

The bone around the implant remodels and attaches firmly to its surface. This bond is called osseointegration. The final tooth is not made until it is complete.

Temporary teeth may be worn in visible areas while waiting. The video mentions that this period ranges from about one and a half to six months depending on the bone. The clinician checks healing with an examination and, when needed, an X-ray.

4. The prosthesis

Once bonding is complete, the implant position is recorded with an impression or an intraoral scan. The crown, bridge or denture is made from this record and attached to the implant.

At the final visit the fit, the bite and ease of cleaning are checked, and regular check-ups begin. Care is covered in the care after implant treatment video.

Questions to ask at the examination

How many implants do I need? Will extra bone work be needed? Which temporary tooth will I wear while it heals? What type of final tooth will I have? How often are check-ups? The answers differ from person to person. The plan takes shape with them and can be discussed in writing before treatment starts.

Is it the same for everyone?

The order is the same, but the steps in between vary. An implant may be placed at the same visit as an extraction, or the socket may be left to heal first. If bone is lacking, grafting or a sinus procedure is added. These options are explained in the dental implant surgery section.

Frequently asked

Is implant placement an operation?

Yes, it is a minor surgical procedure. In most cases it is done under local anaesthesia in the clinic.

Will I be without teeth while it heals?

A temporary tooth is often used in visible areas. The right temporary option depends on the area and the bone.

Does every patient need a CT scan?

It is requested in most implant planning. The clinician decides after the examination and the panoramic X-ray.

Related section and videos

• Section on the expertise page: Dental implant surgery
• Who are dental implants suitable for?
• Care after implant treatment
• How are dental implant types classified?
• How is an implant chosen?

This information is for general guidance and does not replace an examination. Rapidly spreading facial swelling or difficulty swallowing or breathing is an emergency. Go to a hospital emergency department.