Written By: Dr. Kiranpreet Kaur Shergill
Consultant - Diagnostic Dental Surgery
Sohana Hospital, Mohali.
Experience: 8+ Years
Speciality: Dental Surgery
Last Updated: April 4, 2025
Medically Reviewed: April 4, 2025
A missing tooth for some people might be a lot more than just a cosmetic concern. It might result in a lack of confidence and difficulty in chewing. A missing tooth might also cause a deterioration in the overall health of the jawbone. However, thanks to the advancements in medical technology, Dental implants have emerged as one of the most popular and effective treatment options, which not only give a natural look but also offer a permanent solution. Contrary to what many people might think, dental implants are very different from a mere filling of a gap. They involve a surgical procedure, a process of recovery, and a long-term commitment to the care of a person’s oral health. If a person is considering getting Dental implants near me, being informed about various aspects of the procedure can make all the difference for them, making the entire experience smooth sailing, rather than encountering unexpected surprises along the way. In this article, we will discuss in detail three important things that a person should know before getting a dental implant, so that anyone considering it can have a more informed and educated approach.
What is a dental implant?
Dental Implants are artificial tooth roots that are installed surgically into the jawbone of a person, in order to replace a missing tooth and provide a solid foundation for artificial teeth like crowns, bridges, or dentures. Best dental implants are often made up of titanium, which makes them very strong and durable. As time passes, this implant fuses into the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This process often takes a course of a few months to complete, but once this process is done, it ensures that the implant is secured and stable. After the implant has healed completely, an artificial crown or bridge is placed on top of it. As a result, patients get an artificial tooth that looks and works like a completely natural tooth.
What is the process of a dental implant?
The process of getting a dental implant involves several steps. These steps include:
Consultation: The process starts right from the point a patient meets an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon takes a look at the medical history of the patient, discusses and understands the goals of treatment for the patient, and performs an oral examination to determine whether the patient is eligible for Dental implant treatment.
Planning: A treatment plan is developed for the patient based on his individual case and uniqueness. This step helps in outlining the type of implant and location of the placement and the timeline for the procedure.
Bone Grafting: A bone assessment is done to understand the bone density and quantity in the area where the implant is to be placed. The patients who do not have adequate bone density to support the implants need a bone grafting procedure. Not all patients would be required to undergo this, but in the case of those who do, a surgery will be done prior to the Dental implant surgery.
Dental Implant Surgery: The patient is given anesthesia, and once it kicks in, the implants are placed surgically into the required location on the lower or upper jawbone. This process can take a few hours based on the number of implants that are to be done.
Healing: After the surgery, the implants are allowed to heal so that they can fuse with the jawbone comfortably. This process can take up a few months and the patients might be required to wear dentures during this time.
Placement of the crown: Once the implant has healed and fused with the jawbone, a crown or bridge is placed on top of the implant, which creates the look of a natural tooth.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last fairly long enough if they are provided with proper care and good oral hygiene. The steps a patient can take for the maintenance of their dental implant are:
Brush and Floss: Brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day is extremely important to prevent the buildup of plaque.
Regular Consultation: Frequent visits to the dentist can help a patient detect any problems with their implants early and thus help in avoiding complications.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure and other complications. Hence, people with dental implants should also quit smoking, if they haven’t already.
If you are looking for the Best Dentists in Mohali or the best Dental implant hospital near me, Sohana Hospital might be the best option for you. Dental Department at Sohana Hospital Mohali offers the most comprehensive and holistic care for all the dental and oral health ailments of the patients in the region, with the most compassionate and patient-centric approach. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a brighter and healthier smile!
How painful is tooth implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery does not hurt during the procedure itself because your dentist uses local anesthesia to completely numb the treatment area. Pain during recovery can be discussed with your dentists and medicines can be availed.
How can Sohana hospital help with tooth implant surgery?
Sohana hospital has a wide range of treatments for dental problems, including the ones that require surgery. Their expert specialists and dentists can provide you with the best guidance available in the world of dentistry for your dental implant.
Can I live without a dental implant?
Yes, you can live without a dental implant, but leaving a missing tooth unreplaced can cause your remaining teeth to shift, your jawbone to shrink, and your bite to change over time. Alternatives to dental implants include dental bridges, removable partial dentures, or just leaving the gap.
How long does dental implant surgery take?
A complete dental implant process typically takes 3 to 9 months from start to finish, though the actual surgery takes only 1 to 2 hours. The total timeline depends heavily on healing time and whether you need extra procedures like bone grafting.
How many days should I rest after a tooth implant?
You should plan for 24 to 48 hours of strict physical rest immediately after dental implant surgery. Days 1–2 are strictly for rest, avoiding physical activity to let a stable blood clot form, sleeping with your head propped up on pillows to reduce swelling.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Nidhi Gupta
Head of Department - Dentistry
Credentials of the Author:
-MDS Dental Surgery
-16+ Years of Clinical Experience
-Specialist in Dental Diagnostics, Treatment & Prevention
Dental Care Centre
SOHANA HOSPITAL