Dental implant placement

Overview

Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure to replace a missing tooth. A small metal post is placed into your jawbone to act like a new tooth root. After healing, a custom-made artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the post.

Yes, dental implants are a common and effective way to replace one or more missing teeth.

Adults who have lost a tooth due to decay, gum disease, or injury. It is not usually recommended for children or teens whose jaws are still growing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Missing one or more teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Feeling self-conscious about your smile

Symptoms in children

• Dental implants are not typically placed in children. If your child has a missing tooth, talk to a pediatric dentist about other options.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have bone loss that affects implant candidacy. A dentist can assess bone health and discuss options.

Causes

Main causes

• Tooth decay that cannot be repaired
• Gum disease (periodontitis) leading to tooth loss
• Injury or accident that knocks out a tooth
• Failed root canal treatment

Risk factors

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Medical conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis
• Medications that affect bone healing
• Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection after implant placement.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are considering a dental implant, schedule a consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon.

Diagnosis

A dentist or oral surgeon will examine your mouth, review your medical history, and take X-rays or 3D scans of your jaw to check bone density and structure.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays (panoramic or cone-beam CT scan)
• Dental examination
• Bone density assessment
• Medical history review

What to expect at your appointment

The consultation will determine if you are a good candidate for implants. Your dentist will explain the procedure, healing time, costs, and answer your questions.

Treatment

Dental implant placement is done in stages. First, the implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone. After the bone fuses to the post (a process called osseointegration), an abutment and custom crown are attached. Some cases require bone grafting before the implant can be placed.

Self-care at home

• Keep the surgical area clean by gently rinsing with salt water as directed
• Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods until the area heals
• Do not smoke, as it slows healing
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if advised by your dentist

Medical treatments

Antibiotics may be prescribed before or after surgery to prevent infection. Pain relief is usually with over-the-counter medications. Some people may need sedation or general anesthesia during placement.

When is surgery considered?

The implant placement itself is the main surgical treatment. Additional surgery, such as bone grafting or sinus lift, may be needed if there is not enough healthy bone.

Living with this condition

Once your implant is fully healed, care for it like a natural tooth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist for regular check-ups.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or other hard objects on the implant
• If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard to protect the implant
• Quit smoking to improve implant longevity and reduce risk of complications

Diet and exercise

You can eat normally after the implant is healed. Initially, stick to soft foods. There are no special exercise restrictions.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dental implants can improve your smile and boost your self-confidence, which may positively affect your mental health and quality of life.

Prevention

Tooth loss that leads to the need for implants can often be prevented with good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and early treatment of decay or gum disease.

Screening programmes

Regular dental check-ups and X-rays help catch problems early, such as bone loss or gum disease.

Complications

If left untreated

• Infection around the implant (peri-implantitis)
• Implant loosening or failure
• Bone loss around the implant
• Damage to nearby teeth, nerves, or sinuses

Long-term outlook

With proper care, dental implants have a high success rate (over 95%). They can last many years, often a lifetime. Your dentist will monitor them during regular visits to ensure they stay healthy.

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