Dental Implants Explained: What Goes Into Replacing a Missing Tooth
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A deep dive into how dental implants work — the titanium post, healing timeline, and what makes a good implant candidate.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces a missing tooth root, giving a crown or bridge something stable to attach to. Here's what actually goes into the process.
The three components
An implant restoration has three parts: the implant (the titanium post placed in the jawbone), the abutment (a connector piece), and the crown (the visible tooth on top). Each is placed in stages.
Planning and imaging
Before surgery, your dentist uses 3D imaging to map bone volume, nerve position, and the ideal implant angle. If bone volume is low, a bone graft may be recommended first.
Placing the implant
The implant is placed into the jawbone in a short surgical appointment, usually under local anaesthetic. Most patients report the recovery feels milder than expected — closer to a tooth extraction than major surgery.
Osseointegration — the wait
Over 3–6 months, bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This biological bond is what gives implants their long-term stability.
Attaching the crown
Once healing is complete, the abutment and custom crown are attached. The final result looks and functions like a natural tooth — you brush and floss it normally.
Who's a good candidate
Good candidates have healthy gums, enough jawbone, and are willing to maintain oral hygiene. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and some medications can affect success rates and are worth discussing.
See the full dental implants guide or browse our dental treatments for more.