The exact treatment that you will require does vary depending on your clinical circumstance. However, the usual timeline is something like the following:

Phase 1: This is where we get to know you and your specific needs. We carefully analyse your specific clinical circumstances and work out the best way to proceed. Usually x-rays, models and photographs and taken to help us provide an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

Phase 2: This is the ‘surgical phase’ and involves the placement of the implant, the removal of stitches a few days later. The implant is then allowed to heal and the surrounding bone fuses to it, a process that normally takes 3 months. We sometimes ‘bury’ the implant under the gum to protect it during the healing phase. If this is case a second very minor surgical procedure is required to allow us to access the implant.

Phase 3: This part of the treatment is a bit like having a conventional crown made. We take impressions of your mouth that are sent to a laboratory for the construction of your tooth or teeth.

Phase 4: This is where we review your new tooth or teeth and make sure everything is going well.
If you have a tooth that needs to be removed, an implant can be placed straight after the tooth is extracted. And, if you are worried that you will be left with a space, often we are able to fit a temporary crown onto the implant on the same day. This means you will walk out the practice with a new tooth in position.

You will of course be provided with much more information regarding your options at your consultation visit.