Dental Implants: Who Needs Them, How Long They Take and What to Expect

Losing a tooth affects more than your smile. It changes how you chew and speak and, over time, even the shape of your jaw, because the bone that once held the tooth slowly shrinks. Dental implants are the closest thing we have to getting a natural tooth back.

What is a dental implant?

An implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It's placed in the jawbone and, over a few months, fuses with it: a process called osseointegration. Once healed, the implant supports a crown, bridge or denture.

Who is a good candidate?

• Adults with one or more missing teeth
• Healthy gums, free from active infection
• Enough jawbone to hold the implant, checked with X-rays
• Good general health. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes and habits like smoking can affect healing, so they're discussed first

The implant journey, step by step

1. Consultation and imaging. We examine your mouth, take digital X-rays and talk through your options.
2. Planning. The position of each implant is planned digitally; in some cases a surgical guide is used for extra precision.
3. Placement. Under local anaesthesia, the implant is placed in the bone. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable it is.
4. Healing. The implant integrates with the bone over a few months. In selected cases, an implant can be placed immediately after a tooth is removed, which can shorten the overall timeline.
5. Final teeth. Your custom crown, bridge or denture is fitted and fine-tuned for comfort.

Single implants, bridges, and All-on-4 / All-on-6

The number of implants depends on what you're replacing. A single missing tooth usually needs one implant and a crown. Several neighbouring teeth can often be replaced with an implant-supported bridge. For a full arch of teeth, All-on-4 and All-on-6 use four or six implants to support a fixed set of teeth: a popular alternative to removable dentures.

Implants vs bridges vs dentures

A conventional bridge relies on the neighbouring teeth, which must be reduced to hold it. Dentures are removable and can feel loose over time. Implants don't depend on neighbouring teeth, help preserve jawbone and feel closest to natural teeth, but they involve a surgical step and a longer timeline. The right choice depends on your teeth, health, budget and priorities, and a good dentist will explain all of them.

Looking after your implants

The crown on an implant can't get cavities, but the gums around it can still become infected. Brush twice a day, clean between the teeth daily, avoid smoking and keep your regular check-ups. With good care, implants can last for many years. Learn more about dental implants at Shree Hari Dental Care.