Step-By-Step Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect at Each Stage

Have you lost a tooth and wonder how dentists put in a new one that looks and works like a real tooth? That’s what a dental implant is for!

A dental implant procedure is a step-by-step way to replace a missing tooth. It’s not something that happens in one day, but don’t worry—we’re going to walk you through it slowly and clearly. Whether you need one tooth replaced or many, this guide will help you understand every part of the journey

Stage 1: First Visit – The Consultation

This is where everything begins. It’s your first visit to the dentist to talk about your missing tooth.

During this consultation, your dentist will:

Look at your teeth and gums closely
Take X-rays or 3D pictures of your mouth
Check if your jawbone is strong enough
Ask about your health and medicines you take

All this helps the dentist decide if you’re ready for dental implant surgery. If your bone is too soft or thin, your dentist may suggest adding extra bone to make it stronger first. This is called a bone graft.

Stage 2: Preparations Before the Implant (If needed)

Sometimes, your mouth needs a little help before getting the implant. These are called preparatory procedures. Not everyone needs them, but here’s what they might include:

Tooth extraction – if the tooth that needs replacing is still there but badly damaged, it will be gently removed.
Bone grafting or sinus lift – if your jawbone isn’t strong enough, your dentist adds bone (sometimes from another part of your body or from a special material) to build it up.

These steps might make the dental implant timeline a bit longer, but they help your new tooth last many, many years.

Stage 3: The Main Step – Implant Placement Surgery

Now for the most important part—dental implant surgery. This is when the dentist places the actual implant in your jaw.

Here’s what happens during the tooth implant surgery:

Your mouth is numbed with special medicine (local anaesthesia), so you don’t feel pain.
The dentist makes a small cut in your gum.
A tiny hole is carefully drilled into your jawbone.
A small metal piece (the implant) made of titanium is placed into the hole.
The gum is stitched up, and you go home to rest.

Each implant takes about 1–2 hours to place. Afterward, you may feel a little sore or swollen, but the pain is usually very mild. You can take medicine to feel better.

Stage 4: Healing Time – Osseointegration

The dental implant procedure has several steps, all put together with much thought for a long-lasting and effective result. Let’s consider each stage of the process in detail, as explained by Dr. Manish Shah.

This part has a big word: osseointegration. It means your jawbone starts to grow around the implant and holds it tight like roots hold a tree.

This healing takes a while—about 3 to 6 months. If you had a bone graft earlier, it may take longer.

What should you do during healing?

Even though the implant is under your gum, it’s working hard during this stage to become strong. Most people go back to school or work the next day, though they might feel sore for a few days.

Stage 5: The Abutment – Connecting the Parts

After your mouth is fully healed, it’s time to add another small part called the abutment. This connects the metal implant to the crown (the fake tooth you will see).

Here’s how this works:

This is a simple step, and you’ll hear from it in about 1–2 weeks.

Stage 6: The Final Tooth – Placing the Crown

Now we’re at the last and most exciting part—the new tooth! This is called a crown.

Here’s how the tooth implant process finishes:

And that’s it! You now have a tooth that looks and works like the real thing. You can smile, eat, and talk just like before.

What Happens After a Dental Implant?

After the whole dental implant procedure, it’s normal to have:

But don’t worry—it goes away quickly. Your dentist may give you medicine to help. You should:

You’ll also have follow-up visits to make sure everything is healing properly.

What If You Need to Replace More Than One Tooth?

Missing more than one tooth? No problem! The dental implant procedure works for that too.

If you’re missing several teeth, your dentist might use:

These options are faster and often cost less than getting one implant for every missing tooth. The steps are mostly the same: place the implants, let them heal (osseointegration), and then attach the crowns or bridges.

It’s just done on a bigger scale to help you smile again with lots of teeth!

Taking Care of Your Dental Implants

Your dental implants are strong, but they still need good care—just like your real teeth.

Here’s how to keep your implant healthy:

Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush
Floss every day to keep food and plaque away from the implant
Your dentist might suggest a water flosser or special brushes
Don’t chew on hard things like ice or pens
Avoid smoking - it can slow down healing and harm your implant
Visit your dentist every 6 months for cleanings and check-ups

If you take care of it, your implant can last 15 years or even longer!

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?

The price of a dental implant procedure depends on a few things:

If you’re missing several teeth, your dentist might use:

In Australia, a single dental implant can cost between $3,000 and $6,500. If you need a bridge, it may cost $6,000 to $12,000. For a full arch replacement using All-on-4, it can cost $20,000 to $30,000 per jaw.

Why Choose Sydney Dental Implant Centre?

No matter how many teeth you’re missing, dental implants give you a strong, natural-looking smile that helps you feel confident again.

At Sydney Dental Implant Centre, you’ll get care from Dr. Manish Shah, a highly trained expert who will guide you from start to finish. He and his team make the whole dental implant procedure smooth, simple, and suited just for you.

Call (02) 9154 0148
Book your consultation today with Dr. Manish Shah and take the first step toward your brand-new smile!

Authors Detail

Dr. Manish Shah

BDS, MBBS, MMED (Sleep Medicine)

Dr. Manish Shah is a dual-qualified dentist and medical doctor with over 15 years of experience in cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry. He holds a Master’s in Sleep Medicine and specialises in TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, and craniofacial pain. Dr. Manish Shah provides complete dental care at Sydney Dental Implant Centre.

Disclaimer:
This blog provides general dental information and should not replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual cases may vary, so please speak with a qualified dentist or your healthcare provider before making any decisions. Sydney Dental Implant Centre disclaims liability for actions taken based on this content.

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Suburbs we help in Sydney for Dental Implants: Pyrmont, Potts Point, Darlinghurst, Kirribilli, Surry Hills, Paddington, Balmain, Rozelle, Redfern, Double Bay, Newtown, Lilyfield, North Sydney, and surrounding areas.