Dental implant treatment happens in stages, with time for healing in between. For most people it takes several months from the first consultation to the day the final tooth is fitted. This guide explains each stage, how long it usually takes and what can add to the time, so you know what to expect before you start.
Most implant treatment takes somewhere between six and twelve months in total, which is the range Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust gives its patients. The biggest single part of that is the time the implant needs to bond with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. If you need a bone graft or a tooth taken out first, treatment takes longer. We give you your own timeline at your consultation, once we have examined you and seen your scan.
| Stage | Usual time |
|---|---|
| Consultation and 3D scan | One or two appointments |
| Tooth extraction, if needed | Often 6 to 10 weeks before the implant is placed |
| Bone graft, if needed | Usually left to heal for 3 to 6 months |
| Placing the implant | One appointment, usually under local anaesthetic |
| Implant bonding with the bone | Usually 2 to 6 months |
| Fitting your crown, bridge or denture | A few appointments, a few weeks apart |
Timings from patient information published by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Guy’s and St Thomas’.
Treatment starts with an assessment. We look at your teeth and gums, talk through your medical history and take a 3D scan, which shows how much bone there is and where the nerves and sinuses sit. That tells us whether implants are suitable and whether you need any treatment first. We cover what the assessment looks at in Am I suitable for dental implants?
If your gums need attention, that comes first. Gum disease around an implant can cause it to fail, so we treat any active gum disease before implant work begins.
If the tooth being replaced is still there, it usually needs to come out first. Leeds Teaching Hospitals says extractions are often done 6 to 10 weeks before the implant is placed, to let the area heal.
After a tooth is lost, the bone around the gap gradually shrinks. If there is not enough bone to hold an implant, a bone graft can rebuild it. Guy’s and St Thomas’ says a graft is usually left to heal for 3 to 6 months before the implant goes in. In the upper jaw, a sinus lift may be needed for the back teeth, which also adds time. Your scan shows whether either applies to you.
The implant itself is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone, usually under local anaesthetic, in a single appointment. If you are nervous, we can talk to you about sedation. The gum over the area usually heals within one to two weeks.
This is the longest stage, and the one that cannot be rushed. The bone grows around the implant and fixes it in place. Leeds Teaching Hospitals says implants are usually left for 2 to 6 months before they are used. How long you need depends on the bone, where the implant is and your general health. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes can slow healing.
If the gap shows when you smile, there are usually temporary options while you heal, such as a removable denture. We will talk you through what would suit you.
Once the implant has bonded, we take a scan or impression and have your crown, bridge or denture made to match your other teeth. Fitting it usually takes a few appointments, a few weeks apart. After that, an implant needs the same daily care as a natural tooth, plus regular check-ups and hygiene visits.
At The Edge Dental, implant placement starts from £1,650 and the implant crown is £1,430, so a single tooth replaced with an implant and crown starts from £3,080. X-rays and scans are charged separately where needed, and any bone grafting is priced after your assessment. The total depends on how many teeth you are replacing and what treatment you need. Our current prices are on our fees page.
Your first implant consultation with us is free. If implants are right for you, you will receive a written treatment plan with your costs and your timeline before you decide anything.
If you are thinking about implants, the quickest way to find out how long your treatment would take is to come and see us. Read more about dental implants at The Edge Dental, contact us online or call the practice on 01625 599 001.
