Topic: Dental Implants
A Complete Guide to Dental Implant Procedure at Dental Beauty Islington
- Author: Dr Mitesh M Mehta
- Qualifications: BDS (Lon) MFDS RCS (Edin) PGC (Restorative)
- Last Review On:09/10/2026
Table of Contents
Dental Implants At A Glance
Average Cost
From £1,738 per tooth
Main Benefit
Permanent, stable replacement that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Main Limitation
Treatment involves surgery and healing over several months.
Suitable For
Adults with one or more missing teeth and sufficient healthy jawbone.
Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to look, feel and function like natural teeth, helping patients restore their smile, confidence and ability to eat comfortably.
If you’re considering dental implants, understanding the treatment process can help you feel more confident about your decision. This guide explains each stage of the dental implant procedure, from your initial consultation through to your final restoration.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant has fused with the bone, it can support a custom-made dental crown, bridge or denture.
Dental implants are suitable for replacing:
- A single missing tooth
- Multiple missing teeth
- A full arch of missing teeth
- Loose or uncomfortable dentures
At Dental Beauty Islington, every implant treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient to achieve the best possible functional and aesthetic outcome.
“Dental implants provide one of the most predictable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. Careful assessment, advanced planning and precise placement enable us to restore both function and aesthetics, giving patients renewed confidence in their smile.”
Dr Phil Sterrett BDS (Eng.), MFDGP, Dip. Imp Dent (RCSEng.), MAGDS (RCSEd.), PGDip Dental Law & Ethics (GDC No. 73180), Implant Dentist at Dental Beauty Islington
Step 1: Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The first stage of the dental implant procedure is a comprehensive consultation.
During this appointment, your implant dentist will:
- Discuss your concerns and treatment goals
- Review your medical and dental history
- Examine your teeth and gums
- Assess your bite and oral health
- Explain your treatment options
- Provide an estimate of treatment costs
This appointment is also an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the benefits and risks of dental implant treatment.
Step 2: CBCT Scan and Treatment Planning
If dental implants appear suitable, the next stage is usually a CBCT scan.
What Is a CBCT Scan?
A Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan creates a detailed three-dimensional image of your:
- Jawbone
- Teeth
- Nerves
- Sinuses
- Surrounding structures
This allows the implant dentist to precisely assess:
- Available bone volume
- Bone quality
- Implant positioning
- Potential anatomical risks
Modern implant treatment relies heavily on digital planning to maximise accuracy and predictability.
Why Is This Important?
Proper planning helps:
- Improve implant success rates
- Reduce complications
- Improve aesthetics
- Ensure optimal long-term outcomes
At Dental Beauty Islington, treatment planning is customised using advanced imaging and digital technology.
Step 3: Preparing the Implant Site
Some patients can proceed directly to implant placement. Others may require additional treatment first.
Tooth Extraction
If a damaged tooth is still present, it may need to be removed before implant placement.
In some cases, an implant can be placed immediately following extraction. In others, a healing period may be required.
Bone Grafting
Bone loss can occur when a tooth has been missing for a long period.
If insufficient bone is available, your dentist may recommend:
- Bone grafting
- Guided bone regeneration
- Sinus lift procedures (for upper back teeth)
These treatments help create a stable foundation for the implant.
Not every patient requires bone grafting, but it can significantly improve long term implant success where needed.
Step 4: Dental Implant Placement
The implant placement procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic.
Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is and often compare it to having a routine tooth extraction.
During the Procedure
The implant dentist will:
- Numb the area with local anaesthetic
- Prepare the implant site
- Carefully place the implant into the jawbone
- Position a healing cap or cover screw
- Provide post-operative instructions
The procedure typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.
Does Implant Placement Hurt?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during treatment.
After the procedure, mild swelling and tenderness are normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Step 5: Healing and Osseointegration
One of the most important stages of implant treatment is healing.
What Is Osseointegration?
Osseointegration is the process where the jawbone fuses with the implant surface.
This creates a stable foundation capable of supporting replacement teeth.
The healing process usually takes:
- 8 to 16 weeks for straightforward cases
- Longer in cases involving bone grafting or complex treatment
During Healing
You may be advised to:
- Avoid chewing directly on the implant site
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene
- Attend review appointments
- Follow dietary recommendations
Regular monitoring helps ensure successful healing.
Step 6: Abutment Placement
Once healing is complete, the next stage is connecting the implant to the final restoration.
An abutment is a small connector that attaches to the implant and supports the crown, bridge or denture.
This procedure is usually quick and requires little downtime.
Step 7: Impressions and Digital Scans
Your dentist will take detailed impressions or digital scans of your mouth.
These records are used to design your custom restoration.
The replacement tooth is carefully crafted to match:
- Tooth shape
- Tooth size
- Tooth colour
- Surrounding teeth
- Your smile aesthetics
At Dental Beauty Islington, we aim to create restorations that blend naturally with your existing smile.
Once your restoration is ready, it will be securely attached to the implant.
Your dentist will assess:
- Bite function
- Comfort
- Appearance
- Implant stability
Any minor adjustments can be made to ensure optimal fit and aesthetics.
The Result
Your new tooth or teeth should:
- Look natural
- Feel comfortable
- Function like natural teeth
- Restore confidence when eating and smiling
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have a very high success rate when properly planned and maintained.
Research consistently shows success rates above 95% for healthy patients who maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular reviews.
Factors that influence implant success include:
- Smoking
- Gum disease
- Medical conditions
- Oral hygiene
- Regular maintenance
Caring for Dental Implants
Dental implants require ongoing care to maximise their lifespan.
We recommend:
- Brushing twice daily
- Cleaning between teeth and implants
- Regular dental check-ups
- Routine hygiene appointments
- Avoiding smoking where possible
With proper care, dental implants can last for many years and often decades.
Why Choose Dental Beauty Islington for Dental Implants?
At Dental Beauty Islington, we take a comprehensive and personalised approach to dental implant treatment. From your initial consultation through to long-term aftercare, our experienced team will guide you through every stage of the process.
Using advanced imaging technology, detailed treatment planning and high-quality implant systems, we aim to provide predictable, long-lasting results that restore both function and confidence.
Start Your Smile Transformation
If you are considering dental implant treatment, the first step is a consultation at Dental Beauty Islington. Your dentist will assess your smile, discuss your goals and create a personalised treatment plan designed to achieve natural looking results tailored to you.
