A dental implant replaces a missing tooth in three parts: a small titanium post that acts as an artificial root, an abutment that connects to it, and a crown that sits on top and looks like a tooth. The post is placed into the jawbone, the bone fuses to it over a few months, and the crown is added once it is solid. This guide walks through how the procedure works stage by stage, and roughly how long each step takes.
Key takeaways
- An implant has three parts: the titanium post (the root), the abutment (the connector) and the crown (the visible tooth).
- The post is placed in a short surgical appointment, usually under local anaesthetic.
- The jawbone then fuses to the post over about 3 to 6 months, a process called osseointegration.
- Once the post is stable, the abutment and a custom crown are fitted.
- Some people need a bone graft first, which adds time before the implant can go in.
The three parts of an implant
Understanding the parts makes the procedure much clearer.
| Part | What it is | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Implant post | A small titanium or zirconia screw | Acts as an artificial tooth root inside the jaw |
| Abutment | A connector piece on top of the post | Links the post to the crown above the gum |
| Crown | A custom-made ceramic tooth | Restores the look and function of the tooth |
Our guide to osseointegration explains the biology of how bone bonds to the post, and implant versus bridge versus denture compares an implant with the other ways to replace a missing tooth.
Step 1: Planning and assessment
The first visit is an assessment. The dentist checks the gap, the health of the surrounding teeth and gums, and takes a 3D scan or X-ray to measure the height and width of bone available. This planning decides whether there is enough bone for an implant or whether a graft is needed first. General health matters too, since conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes and smoking can affect healing. Our article on who is a candidate for implants covers this in detail.
Step 2: Placing the post
Placing the implant is a short surgical procedure, usually done under local anaesthetic so you are awake but the area is numb. The dentist makes a small opening in the gum, prepares a channel in the bone, and gently threads the titanium post into place. The gum is then closed over or around it. Most people are surprised by how manageable this step is, and any discomfort afterwards is usually mild and settles within a few days.
Step 3: Osseointegration (the healing wait)
This is the part that takes patience rather than appointments. Over roughly 3 to 6 months, bone cells grow onto the surface of the post and lock it in place. This fusion, called osseointegration, is what makes an implant so stable and long-lasting. Rushing it risks the implant failing to bond, so the wait is not optional. Some cases with very good bone allow a quicker timeline, and a temporary tooth can often be worn in the meantime so you are not left with a visible gap. Our implant recovery timeline maps out what to expect week by week.
Step 4: The abutment and crown
Once the post is solid, the abutment is attached, and an impression or scan is taken so a crown can be custom-made to match your other teeth in shape and colour. At the final visit the crown is fitted and checked against your bite. From here it functions like a natural tooth. Looking after it well is what makes it last, as our guide to implant aftercare explains.
When a bone graft is needed first
If the jaw has lost bone, often after a tooth has been missing for a long time, a graft may be needed to build up enough volume to hold an implant. This adds a healing period of several months before the post can go in. Our guide to bone grafts and sinus lifts explains what is involved.
Frequently asked questions
Is getting an implant painful?
The placement is done under local anaesthetic, so it is not painful at the time. Afterwards, most people describe mild soreness that settles within a few days with simple pain relief.
How long does the whole process take?
From placement to the final crown, most cases take about 3 to 6 months, driven by the healing time for the bone to fuse. A graft adds several months before this begins.
How long do dental implants last?
With good care, implants can last many years, often decades. Our guide to how long implants last covers what affects lifespan.
Can anyone get a dental implant?
Most healthy adults with enough bone are suitable, but smoking, some medical conditions and low bone volume can affect the plan. An assessment is the only way to know.
What does an implant cost?
Cost depends on the number of implants, whether a graft is needed and the crown material. Our implant cost guide explains the general ranges.
The bottom line
A dental implant is a staged process built around one key step, letting bone fuse firmly to the post before the tooth goes on top. Done properly, it is a stable, natural-feeling replacement. If you are considering an implant, a complimentary consultation and a 3D assessment are the best way to see whether it suits you. You can ask about a consultation through our offers page. This article is general information and not a substitute for advice from your dentist.
