What happens during dental implant treatment?
Clinically reviewed by Dr Kuldip Gakhal · Principal Dentist · 5 October 2026
Implant treatment runs across four stages: assessment and CT scan, implant placement, a healing period of roughly three to six months while the bone integrates, and finally the crown or bridge. Most of that time is healing, not appointments.
Stage by stage
- 1Assessment: photographs, X-rays and usually a 3D scan. We check gum health and bone volume, then plan the position digitally.
- 2Placement: a single appointment under local anaesthetic. The implant is placed into the bone and the gum is closed over or around it.
- 3Healing: three to six months of osseointegration, where bone fuses to the implant surface. A temporary tooth can often be worn during this time.
- 4Restoration: an impression or scan, then the final crown, bridge or denture is fitted and the bite checked.
Recovery, realistically
- Expect mild swelling and tenderness for two to three days.
- Over-the-counter painkillers are usually enough.
- Soft foods for a few days, and no smoking — it directly affects healing.
- Most people return to work the next day.
Dental implants: your questions on this topic
How many appointments will I need?
Typically three to five across the whole treatment, spread over several months.
Can implants be placed the same day as an extraction?
Sometimes — immediate placement is possible when the site is healthy and there's enough bone. It's decided on the scan.
Will anyone be able to tell?
A well-made implant crown is matched to your adjacent teeth in shape, shade and translucency.
What if the implant fails?
Failure is uncommon. If it happens, the site is allowed to heal and options are reviewed with you — we'll be straight about what went wrong.
Sources
- [1]Patient FAQs – Dental Implants — British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. Checked 5 October 2026.
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