Implants: stages, timescales and what the cost depends on

How implant treatment goes

1. Consultation and diagnostics

The dentist examines you and assesses a 3D scan: the volume and condition of the bone, the position of the neighbouring teeth and of important anatomical structures. At this stage a treatment plan is drawn up and it is decided whether the implant can be placed straight away or preparation is needed first.

2. Placing the implant

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic. The implant is placed into the bone where the tooth is missing and takes on the role of an artificial root. Depending on the clinical situation, a surgical guide may be used for more precise positioning.

3. Integration

Once placed, the implant needs time to integrate with the bone. This usually takes 4–6 months, but the exact period is individual and depends on the clinical situation, the state of the bone and other factors. If needed, a temporary restoration can be made for the integration period.

4. Shaping the gum

Once the implant has integrated, a healing abutment is fitted where necessary. It helps prepare the soft tissue for the future restoration.

5. The crown on the implant

After the integration stage a digital scan is taken, or an impression is made. A custom crown is then produced and fixed onto the implant.

What the timescale depends on

Most of the time is taken up by integration. How long it takes depends on the condition and volume of the bone, where the implant is placed, whether additional surgical procedures are needed and on the individual patient.

In some clinical situations a temporary restoration or immediate loading of the implant is possible. The dentist decides after the diagnostics and after assessing how stable the placed implant is.

When bone grafting is needed

After a tooth is removed the volume of bone may decrease over time. If there is not enough bone to place an implant securely, bone grafting may be required — and in the upper jaw, in certain cases, a sinus lift.

Whether such preparation is needed is established from the 3D diagnostics. Additional surgical procedures can extend both the length of treatment and its cost.

More about implants at the clinic →

What the cost is made of

The cost of implant treatment depends on the individual treatment plan and may include:

• diagnostics and a 3D scan;
• the implant and the implant system chosen;
• the surgical stage and the consumables required;
• a surgical guide, where one is needed;
• bone or soft tissue grafting, where indicated;
• a healing abutment;
• a temporary restoration, where one is planned;
• the restorative stage — the abutment and the crown.

That is why the price list gives a price “from”. After the diagnostics the dentist draws up an individual treatment plan and tells you the full expected cost.

Prices for implants →

How to care for an implant

The implant itself cannot decay, but the tissue around it needs careful attention. A build-up of bacterial plaque can inflame the tissue around the implant and, over time, lead to loss of the supporting bone.

So daily brushing, cleaning between the teeth and around the implant, along with regular professional hygiene and check-ups, all matter.

How often you should come in is decided by the dentist or hygienist individually — taking into account the state of your gums, how well you clean at home and your risk factors.