Have you ever wondered how do dental implants work after losing a tooth? Many people know that dental implants can replace missing teeth, but they are not always sure what actually happens during treatment.

Is the implant the replacement tooth? How is it placed into the jaw? How long does it take to heal? And when do you get the final tooth?

The answers become much clearer when you understand the different stages of implant treatment.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

In simple terms, a dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth.

The implant is placed into the jawbone and allowed to heal. Once it has integrated with the bone, it can support a replacement tooth such as a crown, bridge or denture.

The NHS explains that a dental implant is a titanium screw placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth.

TeethMinder also provides dental implant treatment for missing teeth, with treatment planned according to each patient’s individual needs.

Here are seven important things to understand before considering dental implants.

1. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root

The first important point about how do dental implants work is understanding what the implant actually does.

A dental implant is not normally the visible replacement tooth.

Instead, it acts as an artificial tooth root. It is placed into the jawbone and later supports the replacement tooth.

Depending on your situation, an implant may support:

• A single dental crown
• An implant-supported bridge
• An implant-supported denture

For example, if you have lost one tooth, your treatment may involve an implant supporting a single crown.

If you have lost several teeth, your dentist may discuss a bridge or another implant-supported option.

2. Your dentist first checks whether you are suitable

Before implant placement, you need a proper dental assessment.

Your dentist will examine your mouth and may take X-rays or other appropriate scans to assess:

• Your jawbone
• Your gums
• The surrounding teeth
• The position of the missing tooth
• Your overall oral health

The purpose is to determine whether an implant is suitable and how the treatment should be planned.

Cambridge University Hospitals explains that factors such as oral hygiene, dental health, gum health and the condition of the jawbone can affect suitability for implant treatment.

This is why you should not decide whether you are suitable for implants based only on an online checklist.

Your dentist needs to assess your individual situation.

3. Some patients need treatment before the implant

Not every patient can go directly to implant placement.

For example, if there is not enough bone in the area, your dentist may discuss bone grafting.

A bone graft may be needed to provide enough bone to support the implant properly.

However, not everyone needs one.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust explains that some patients may need bone grafting when there is not enough bone available to support an implant.

Other dental problems may also need to be treated first.

For example, your dentist may recommend treating active infection, gum problems or other dental conditions before proceeding.

4. The implant is placed into the jawbone

Once your mouth has been assessed and any necessary preparation has been completed, the implant can be placed.

The implant is inserted into the jawbone, where it will eventually act as the artificial root.

Dental implant placement is commonly carried out using local anaesthetic, although the exact approach depends on your treatment plan.

The procedure involves creating space in the bone and carefully positioning the implant.

However, the implant is not normally the finished tooth.

There is still an important healing stage before the final replacement tooth can be attached.

5. The implant needs time to heal

This is one of the most important stages of understanding how do dental implants work.

After the implant is placed, the jawbone needs time to heal around it.

This process is called osseointegration.

During osseointegration, the implant becomes integrated with the surrounding bone and forms the foundation for the replacement tooth.

The healing period varies from person to person.

Cambridge University Hospitals states that implant healing commonly takes around three to six months, although the timing can vary and may be longer when bone grafting is involved.

This is why dental implants are generally a planned treatment rather than a quick replacement.

6. Your replacement tooth is fitted

Once the implant has healed sufficiently, your dentist can move on to the restoration stage.

For someone replacing a single missing tooth, this may involve fitting a dental crown.

The crown is designed to fit your mouth and work with the surrounding teeth.

If you have several missing teeth, the implant may instead support a bridge or denture.

The American Dental Association explains that dental implants can act as anchors for replacement teeth.

The replacement tooth is the part you can see, while the implant underneath provides the foundation.

7. Dental implants still need long-term care

Understanding how do dental implants work also means understanding what happens after treatment.

Dental implants still require proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.

You should continue brushing your teeth and cleaning around the implant as recommended by your dentist.

Regular dental appointments are also important so that your dentist can monitor the implant and the surrounding tissues.

Good oral hygiene is particularly important because problems affecting the gums and tissues around an implant can affect its long-term health.

Your dentist will give you specific instructions for cleaning and caring for your implant after treatment.

How long does dental implant treatment take?

There is no single treatment time that applies to everyone.

The overall treatment period depends on factors such as:

• The number of teeth being replaced
• The condition of your jawbone
• Whether bone grafting is needed
• Your healing
• The type of restoration
• The complexity of your case

The NHS explains that implant treatment involves several stages and that replacement teeth need to be made and fitted properly.

Cambridge University Hospitals notes that implant healing commonly takes several months.

If bone grafting is required, the overall treatment period may be longer.

Your dentist should provide an estimated treatment timeline after assessing your mouth.

Do dental implants hurt?

The implant placement procedure is normally performed using anaesthetic, so you should not feel the surgical procedure in the same way you would without anaesthesia.

After the procedure, you may experience some soreness, swelling or bruising.

The recovery experience varies depending on the procedure performed.

Your dentist will explain how to manage your recovery and will provide instructions about eating, cleaning your mouth and taking any recommended medication.

If you experience severe, persistent or worsening symptoms after treatment, contact your dental team.

How much do dental implants cost in Nigeria?

The cost of dental implants depends on the treatment you need.

At TeethMinder, the current published price for dental implants starts from ₦1,000,000. Installment payments are also available.

However, this is a starting price rather than a fixed price for every patient.

The final cost can depend on:

• The number of implants
• The type of restoration
• The condition of your jawbone
• Additional procedures
• The complexity of your case
• The number of treatment stages

You can check the current TeethMinder dental price list before your consultation.

For a more detailed explanation of pricing, you can also read our article about dental implants cost in Nigeria.

Are dental implants the only option for missing teeth?

No.

Dental implants are one option for replacing missing teeth.

Depending on your circumstances, other options may include:

• Dentures
• Dental bridges
• Implant-supported dentures
• Implant-supported bridges

The appropriate option depends on your oral health, the number and position of missing teeth, your jawbone and your treatment goals.

TeethMinder has also published a guide comparing dental implants and traditional dentures.

Discuss the available options with your dentist before deciding which treatment is right for you.

When should you see a dentist about dental implants?

If you have lost a tooth, have several missing teeth or have a badly damaged tooth that may need to be removed, arrange a dental assessment.

You do not have to decide on implants before your appointment.

The purpose of the consultation is to assess your mouth, explain the available options and help you understand what treatment may be appropriate.

If you are considering dental implants in Lagos, you can book an appointment with TeethMinder.

Conclusion

So, how do dental implants work?

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is placed into the jawbone and allowed to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. Once it is ready, it can support a crown, bridge or denture.

The process can take several months, and some patients may need additional treatment before or during implant placement.

If you have a missing tooth and are considering your treatment options, speak to a dentist for an assessment rather than relying on an online diagnosis.

TeethMinder Dental Clinics

23 Sadiku Street, Ilasamaja, Mushin, Lagos
1 Juba Alaro Bustop, Along Liasu Road, Idimu–Ikotun, Lagos
Phone: 0810 492 2070
Email: info@teethminder.com