Dental Implants – Step-by-Step Overview

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and provides a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or full dentures. Unlike removable dentures or traditional bridges, implants are placed in the jawbone and help prevent bone resorption.

Materials of dental implants

  • Titanium: Most common, biocompatible, strong, long clinical history
  • Titanium alloys: Higher strength and flexibility
  • Zirconia (ceramic implants): Metal-free, tooth-colored, suitable for patients with metal sensitivity

Who is a suitable candidate?

  • Patients missing one or more teeth
  • Adequate and healthy jawbone
  • Good general health
  • Non-smokers or reduced smoking
  • Good oral hygiene compliance

Components of a dental implant

  • Fixture: Implant body placed in bone
  • Abutment: Connector between implant and crown
  • Crown: Visible prosthetic tooth
  • Supporting parts: Healing cap, healing abutment, abutment screw

Dental implant procedure (from start to finish)

  1. Clinical examination and imaging (X-ray / CBCT)
  2. Treatment planning
  3. Surgical placement of the implant
  4. Healing and osseointegration (2–6 months)
  5. Abutment placement
  6. Crown fabrication and final placement

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

  • Natural appearance and function
  • Long lifespan
  • Prevents bone loss
  • No damage to adjacent teeth

Disadvantages:

  • Higher cost
  • Requires surgery
  • Long treatment time
  • Needs sufficient bone

How long does implant treatment take?

  • Standard cases: 3–6 months
  • With bone grafting or sinus lift: 6–12 months
  • Immediate implants: 1–2 months (selected cases)

Immediate dental implants

Implants are placed immediately after tooth extraction.
Pros: fewer surgeries, faster treatment, bone preservation
Cons: not suitable for all patients, requires good bone quality

Implant crown placement steps

  1. Implant evaluation
  2. Abutment placement
  3. Digital scan or impression
  4. Crown fabrication
  5. Final crown installation (cemented or screw-retained)

Pain and discomfort

  • Implant surgery is generally painless
  • Mild post-operative discomfort is normal and temporary
  • Crown placement is usually pain-free

Causes of implant loosening

  • Poor osseointegration
  • Infection (peri-implantitis)
  • Excessive bite forces
  • Poor bone quality
  • Inadequate oral hygiene

Cost of dental implants (Iran – approx.)

  • Korean implants: 10–20 million Toman per unit
  • European/American implants: 20–35 million Toman per unit
    (Cost varies by brand, treatment complexity, and clinician experience)

Implant longevity

With proper care, implants can last 15–25 years or longer, sometimes for life.

Key factors for longevity:

  • Oral hygiene
  • Bone quality
  • No smoking
  • Controlled bite forces
  • Skilled clinician and quality implant system