Dental implant: a complete guide to replacing a lost tooth

Losing a tooth is not only an aesthetic problem — it disrupts chewing function, can change the position of neighbouring teeth and over time may cause the jawbone to thin. A dental implant is the solution used to fill the place of a lost tooth in the most durable way.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small screw, usually titanium- or zirconium-based, placed into the jawbone. This screw performs the function of a natural tooth root — a crown (an artificial tooth) is later fixed on top of it. Unlike a bridge or a removable denture, an implant does not lean on the neighbouring teeth but stands on its own.

The 3 main stages of the process

1. Placing the implant

Under local anaesthesia a small opening is made in the jawbone and the implant screw is placed. The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes, after which it is possible to go home the same day.

2. Osseointegration (fusing with the bone)

This is the most important and most time-consuming stage of the process. The implant screw gradually fuses with the jawbone — bone cells attach to the surface of the implant and stabilise it firmly. This process usually continues for 3-6 months, and can be somewhat faster in the lower jaw and somewhat longer in the upper.

3. Fitting the crown

Once osseointegration is complete, a small connecting piece (the abutment) is attached to the implant, and an individually made crown (the artificial tooth) is fixed on top of it. The crown is matched to the natural teeth in colour and shape.

The overall timeline

In some cases, where bone density is sufficient, a temporary crown can be fitted on the same day — but the permanent crown is still fixed only after osseointegration is complete.

Who is a suitable candidate for an implant?

• Adults who have lost one or more teeth and whose jawbone is healthy enough
• People whose gum disease (periodontitis) is not in an active phase
• People with a controlled chronic condition (diabetes, for example) — if their health status is stable
• Non-smokers, or those prepared to cut down — smoking interferes with the osseointegration process

When is a bone graft needed?

If a long time has passed since the tooth was lost, the jawbone may have thinned — which can mean there is not enough bone to place the implant stably. In such cases, whether a bone graft procedure is required before the implant is assessed with 3D tomography. This adds an extra stage and a waiting period, but it can be important for the long-term stability of the implant.

Caring for an implant

• Brushing twice a day, using a special floss or brush around the implant
• Regular dental check-ups (usually 1-2 times a year)
• Where there is bruxism (night-time clenching), a protective splint may be recommended
• Staying away from cigarettes — important both for the implant and for the health of the surrounding gums

With proper care an implant can keep its function for many years, though this varies from person to person and depends on oral hygiene.

About the price

The price of a dental implant differs widely with the brand of the implant system, the crown material and whether a bone graft is required. The exact price is determined only at the consultation, after individual planning based on an X-ray or tomography.

Conclusion

A dental implant offers a long-term solution that is durable both functionally and aesthetically, but the process itself calls for patience — osseointegration is a biological process that takes time and cannot be hurried. The first step is to book a free consultation to assess the condition of the jawbone.

This material is for general information and does not replace medical advice; suitability for an implant can only be determined by a medical examination and imaging.