Missing a tooth changes more than your smile — it can affect chewing, speech, and how nearby teeth sit over time. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root itself, giving you a stable, natural-feeling foundation for a new tooth. Here's exactly what happens at each stage, from your first consultation at VR The Dentist to the day your new tooth is fitted.

🗓 Full process: 3–8 months ⏱ Placement surgery: 30–60 min per implant 🦴 Healing (osseointegration): 3–6 months

Step 1: Consultation & Treatment Planning

Your implant journey starts with a detailed evaluation. Dr. Vivek Sharma reviews your medical history, examines your gums and remaining teeth, and takes a CBCT scan to get a 3D view of your jawbone — checking bone thickness, nerve position, and the exact site of the missing tooth. This scan-based planning is what makes implant placement safe, predictable, and precisely positioned.

The Full Procedure, Stage by Stage

  • 1 PreparationIf a damaged tooth needs to be removed, or if the jawbone isn't thick enough to support an implant, extraction or bone grafting is done first and allowed to heal.As needed, before placement
  • 2 Implant Placement SurgeryA titanium implant post — acting as the new tooth root — is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during this stage.30–60 minutes per implant
  • 3 Healing & OsseointegrationOver the following months, the implant gradually fuses with the surrounding jawbone in a biological process called osseointegration, creating a strong, stable anchor for the future tooth.3–6 months
  • 4 Abutment PlacementOnce integration is confirmed, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. This is usually a quick, minor procedure, and the gum tissue is left to heal around it.1–2 weeks healing
  • 5 Final Crown PlacementImpressions are taken to create a custom crown that matches the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. Once fitted onto the abutment, the implant looks and functions like a natural tooth.Final visit

Most of the implant timeline isn't spent in the dental chair — it's spent healing. Giving osseointegration the time it needs is exactly why implants last as long as they do.

— Dr. Vivek Sharma, VR The Dentist

Are You a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for dental implants generally have healthy gums, enough jawbone to support an implant, and well-controlled medical conditions. Even patients with some bone loss or diabetes are often still eligible after a proper evaluation — bone grafting or other preparatory treatment can make implants possible in many cases where they initially seem out of reach.

Caring for Your Implant During Healing

Following post-surgical instructions closely gives the implant the best chance of integrating successfully:

  • Eat Soft Foods Initially

    Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first few days after surgery.

  • Keep the Area Clean

    Maintain good oral hygiene without disturbing the surgical site directly.

  • Avoid Smoking & Alcohol

    Both can slow healing and interfere with osseointegration.

  • Attend Every Follow-Up

    Regular check-ins let your dentist confirm healing is on track before moving to the next stage.