How long does the whole implant process take?

Usually three to six months from placement to the final crown, because the implant needs time to fuse with the bone. The surgery itself takes under an hour for a single implant.

Is placing an implant painful?

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure rather than pain. Most people describe the days after as milder than an extraction.

How long does an implant last?

An implant that is kept clean and checked regularly can last decades. The crown on top may need replacing sooner than the implant itself.

Do I need a bone graft?

Only if there is not enough bone to hold the implant securely. A CBCT scan at the consultation shows this before anything is decided.

Can I have an implant if I have a denture?

Often yes. Implants can secure a loose denture, or replace it with a fixed set of teeth using an All-on-4 or All-on-6 approach.

Will the crown match my other teeth?

The crown is made to match the shade and shape of the teeth around it. With a digital scan and mock-up you see the planned result before it is made.

Dental implants

In one line

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth, with a crown fitted on top so the tooth is fixed rather than removable.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026

Am I a candidate?

Seven quick questions. Nothing you answer here is saved or sent anywhere — it stays on this page in your browser until you close it.

Are you missing one or more teeth?
Would you rather avoid grinding down the teeth either side of a gap?
Are you avoiding certain foods because of a missing or unreliable tooth?
Are your dentures loose or uncomfortable?
Do you want a fixed replacement rather than a removable one?
Do you smile self-consciously because of a gap?
Are you looking for the longest-lasting replacement option?

What it involves

1
Consultation and CBCT scan
About 45 minutes, one visit
Examination, a 3D CBCT scan of the jaw, and a discussion of the options including doing nothing for now.
2
Planning
3 to 7 days between visits
The implant position is planned digitally against the scan. Where a surgical guide is used, it is made at this stage.
3
Implant placement
45 to 90 minutes, one visit
The implant is placed in the jaw under local anaesthetic. Most people return to normal activity the next day.
4
Healing period
3 to 6 months
The bone fuses to the implant. A temporary crown can be worn during this time where the plan includes one.
5
Crown fitted
2 visits over 1 to 2 weeks
An impression or intraoral scan is taken, the crown is made, then fitted and adjusted to your bite.

The three tiers

What is included at each level. No brand names, no prices.

What is included in the Economical, Standard and Premium implant tiers
What’s included	Economical	Standard	Premium
Implant fixture	✓	✓	✓
Abutment	Stock	Stock	Custom-milled
Crown material	Metal-ceramic	Metal-ceramic	CAD-CAM zirconia
Temporary crown	—	✓	✓
Intraoral scan	—	✓	✓
Digital planning and mock-up	—	Planning only	✓
Surgical guide	—	—	✓

Note on the Economical column: reduced-fee treatment may be delivered under supervision. Concessions are available for low-income and elderly patients with severe functional need.

What’s usually charged separately

· CBCT scan
· Bone grafting
· Sinus lift
· Extraction

All-on-4 and All-on-6

In one line

All-on-4 and All-on-6 replace a full arch of teeth with a fixed bridge supported by four or six implants, rather than one implant per tooth.

The number of implants depends on the bone available and the bite. The bridge is fixed in place and cleaned around like natural teeth, not taken out at night.

Sinus lift and bone grafting

In one line

A sinus lift or bone graft adds height or width to the jawbone so an implant has enough solid bone to hold onto.

These are only recommended where the CBCT scan shows the bone is short of what the implant needs. Healing usually adds a few months before the implant is placed.