Dental implant procedure steps — from consultation to final crown

Key facts

• CBCT 3D scan before surgery to plan bone, nerve and sinus
• Implant placed under local anaesthetic
• Healing usually two to six months before the crown
• Abutment connects the implant to the crown
• Daily cleaning and regular reviews protect the implant

Step 1: Consultation, CBCT scan and treatment plan

Implant treatment begins with a thorough examination of the gap, neighbouring teeth, gums and bite, along with your medical history and medicines. A CBCT 3D scan shows bone height, width and density and the position of the nerve in the lower jaw and the sinus in the upper jaw. A digital intraoral scan may also be taken to plan the final tooth position. From this information the implant size and position are chosen and any need for bone grafting or a sinus lift is identified. You receive a written, itemised plan explaining each stage, the expected timeline and alternatives such as bridges or dentures.

Step 2: Preparation and implant placement

If a tooth still needs removing, it may be extracted first, and gum disease or decay elsewhere is treated before surgery. On the day of placement, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic; general anaesthesia is not offered at the clinic. A small opening is made in the gum, the bone is prepared with precise drills and the titanium implant is placed. Depending on stability, either a healing cap is attached so the implant shows through the gum, or the gum is closed over it. A single implant usually takes around an hour. Most patients describe pressure rather than pain, and stitches are often placed.

Step 3: Healing and osseointegration

Over the following weeks the bone grows onto the implant surface, a process called osseointegration. This usually takes about two to four months in the lower jaw and three to six months in the upper jaw, and longer if bone grafting or a sinus lift was done. Swelling and tenderness are usual for a few days and are managed with cold packs, pain relief and soft food. Stitches are reviewed after around one to two weeks. Where appearance matters, a temporary tooth, removable or fixed, can often be provided while healing takes place. Not smoking and keeping the area clean support healing.

Step 4: Abutment connection

Once the implant has integrated, its stability is checked. If the implant was covered by gum, a minor procedure under local anaesthetic uncovers it and a healing abutment is placed for a couple of weeks to shape the gum. The abutment is the connector between the implant and the crown; it may be a stock or custom component made from titanium or zirconia. In many cases this stage can be combined with taking the digital scan for the crown. Accurate gum shaping at this stage helps the final crown look natural and makes cleaning around it easier.

Step 5: Final crown and long-term maintenance

The laboratory makes the crown, often from zirconia, using the digital scan. It is either screwed onto the implant or cemented onto the abutment, and the bite is carefully adjusted so the implant is not overloaded. From start to finish, a straightforward single implant typically takes around three to six months, and longer with grafting. Afterwards, implants need daily brushing and interdental cleaning, plus regular check-ups and professional cleaning to protect the gum and bone around them. At Manhal Medical Center, Dr. Manhal Helfawee and Dr. Moataz Al-Khan review implants after fitting and at routine visits.

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a biocompatible titanium post that bonds with the jawbone. Once integrated, it supports a crown that looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth, and it helps prevent the bone loss that follows an extraction.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Manhal Helfawee, Dr. Moataz Al-Khan

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.