If you’ve been told you need a dental implant, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous. One of the most common concerns we hear at Hammersmith Dental Care is:

“What actually happens during a dental implant procedure?”

The good news? Modern implant dentistry is carefully planned, highly predictable, and far more comfortable than many patients expect.

This step-by-step guide explains the dental implant procedure, what you’ll experience at each stage, and how we ensure patients across Hammersmith and Fulham feel informed, relaxed, and confident throughout the process.

 

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is placed into the jawbone and supports a natural-looking crown, bridge, or denture.

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they:

• Look and feel like natural teeth
• Protect the jawbone from shrinkage
• Do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support
• Can last many years with proper care

 

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Assessment

Every successful dental implant procedure starts with careful planning.

During your consultation at Hammersmith Dental Care, your implant dentist will:

• Assess your oral and general health
• Take detailed digital X-rays or 3D scans
• Check bone quality and gum health
• Discuss your goals and concerns
• Explain whether additional treatments (such as bone grafting) are needed

This stage is crucial — it ensures your implant surgery process is safe, personalised, and predictable.

 

Step 2: Preparing for Implant Surgery

If your mouth is healthy and ready, we move to the preparation stage.

This may include:

• Treating gum disease if present
• Removing a failing tooth (if required)
• Planning bone grafting if bone volume is insufficient

Many patients are surprised to learn that preparation is often minor and straightforward.

 

Step 3: Implant Placement (The Surgery)

This is the part most patients worry about — but it’s usually the easiest.

What happens during implant surgery?

• The area is fully numbed using local anaesthetic
• The implant is gently placed into the jawbone
• The procedure is precise and controlled
• Most patients feel pressure, not pain

In fact, many people say implant placement is more comfortable than a tooth extraction.

 Time:
Usually 30–60 minutes per implant

 

Step 4: Healing & Osseointegration

After placement, the implant needs time to bond with the jawbone — a process called osseointegration.

What to expect:

• Mild swelling or tenderness for a few days
• Normal daily activities resumed quickly
• The implant gradually becomes part of the bone

 Healing time:
Typically 3–6 months, depending on individual healing and bone quality.

This stage is key to creating a strong, long-lasting foundation for your new tooth.

 

Step 5: Abutment & Final Tooth Placement

Once healing is complete:

1. A small connector (abutment) is attached to the implant
2. Custom impressions are taken
3. Your final crown is carefully designed to match your natural teeth
4. The crown is securely fitted

The result is a tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural one.

 

Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?

This is one of the biggest fears — and one of the biggest misconceptions.

Most patients report:

• Little to no pain during surgery
• Mild discomfort afterwards, managed with standard pain relief
• A smoother recovery than expected

Your comfort is always a priority at Hammersmith Dental Care, and we take time to explain each step so there are no surprises.

 

How Long Does the Full Implant Process Take?

The full implant surgery process varies depending on your individual needs:

• Simple cases: around 3–4 months
• More complex cases: up to 6–9 months

While it takes time, the result is a stable, long-term solution that protects both your smile and jawbone.

 

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants are ideal if you want:

• A fixed, non-removable solution
• A natural appearance
• Improved chewing and speech
• Long-term tooth replacement
• To avoid dentures or bridges

Patients across Hammersmith and Fulham choose implants because they restore confidence as well as function.

 

Speak to Our Implant Dentist

If you’re considering dental implants but still have questions or concerns, the best next step is a personalised consultation.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, we believe informed patients feel calmer, more confident, and more in control of their treatment.

 Speak to our implant dentist today to find out whether dental implants are right for you.