What happens during dental implant treatment?
Clinically reviewed by Kuldip Singh · Practice manager · 19 October 2026
Implant treatment usually involves assessment and planning, surgery, a period of healing, and fitting the planned crown, bridge or denture. Some people need additional procedures. The sequence, number of visits and overall time depend on the individual plan; ongoing cleaning and reviews remain necessary after the teeth are fitted.
Assessment comes before a treatment timetable
Your medical and dental history, gum health, remaining teeth and available bone affect planning. Examination and appropriate imaging help assess suitability. CT imaging or bone grafting may be needed in some cases; these are not automatic steps for everyone. Ask why each investigation or additional procedure is proposed.[2]
The replacement teeth and suitable alternatives should be discussed before surgery. Our implant-options guide compares implants with other approaches. You should understand the likely costs, limitations and risks before deciding.[1]
Text version of this image
CADBURY DENTAL Your implant treatment journey A plan tailored to you 1 Assess Discuss suitability and options. 2 Treat Surgery and healing follow your plan. 3 Restore Fit the planned crown, bridge or denture. 4 Maintain Agree cleaning and review arrangements. Extra procedures and timing vary.
Broad phases, not a fixed number of visits
- 1Plan: assess suitability, discuss alternatives and agree the intended replacement teeth.
- 2Place and heal: carry out the planned surgery, with healing reviews and any additional procedures required.
- 3Restore: take the necessary records, make and fit the planned crown, bridge or denture, and check its fit.
- 4Maintain: agree ongoing cleaning and professional review arrangements.
Surgery is commonly carried out with local anaesthetic. Some implants are covered by gum during healing and need another procedure to uncover them. Bone healing often takes months; grafting or more complex restoration can add time. Ask for an estimate specific to your plan.[3][2]
Recovery advice should be personal
Discomfort, swelling and bruising can occur after surgery, with severity varying between people and procedures. Follow your own written instructions about cleaning, food, medicines and activity. Ask when to return to work and who to contact with concerns; a next-day return should not be assumed.[3]
Possible complications include infection, failure to integrate with the bone and later disease around the implant. The position of nearby structures can also affect the risks. Your clinician should explain what matters in your case, rather than promising a risk-free procedure.[1]
Plan care beyond the final tooth
Fitting the replacement teeth does not end the need for care. Our implant maintenance guide explains ongoing cleaning and monitoring. Ask your team to show you how to care for the particular restoration and to agree reviews.[1][2]
Discuss implant treatment at Cadbury Dental
Cadbury Dental Practice is in Bournville, Birmingham.[4] The dental implants page provides a route to discuss missing teeth, suitability and alternatives. Bring questions about the proposed phases and support available during healing.
Dental implants: your questions on this topic
Does everyone need a CT scan before an implant?
No single investigation applies automatically to everyone. Your clinician should choose and explain the imaging needed for your assessment and treatment plan.
Will I definitely need a bone graft?
No. Bone volume and the intended treatment determine whether grafting may help. Ask about suitability, alternatives and the extra procedures or time involved.
How many appointments will I need?
There is no universal appointment count. Planning, surgery, healing reviews and making the restoration can involve several visits, especially if extra procedures are needed.
Will I have a temporary tooth during healing?
A temporary replacement may be possible, but its type and when it can be worn depend on your plan. Ask whether there may be a period without it.
Can an implant be placed at the extraction appointment?
Sometimes, when the conditions are suitable. Other plans allow healing first. An assessment must determine the appropriate approach rather than assuming same-day placement.
Sources
- [1]Patient FAQs: Dental Implants — British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. Checked 19 October 2026.
- [2]Dental implants in restorative dentistry — Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Checked 19 October 2026.
- [3]Dental Implants — Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Checked 19 October 2026.
- [4]Cadbury Dental Practice: map and contact details — Care Quality Commission. Checked 19 October 2026.
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