Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth βΒ but they're also one of the most misunderstood dental treatments. Patients come in with questions ranging from "Will it hurt?" to "How long will it last?" to "Can I afford it?" This guide answers all of them.
What Exactly Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post (screw) that is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Over 3β6 months, the titanium fuses with the living bone through a process called osseointegration βΒ creating a stable, permanent anchor. A ceramic crown is then attached on top, completing the restoration.
The result: a replacement tooth that looks, functions, and feels exactly like a natural tooth. No one can tell the difference βΒ including you, once you've adjusted.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most adults in good general health are suitable candidates for implants. Key requirements:
- Sufficient jawbone density to anchor the implant (bone grafting can help if bone is insufficient)
- Healthy gums βΒ active gum disease must be treated before implant placement
- No uncontrolled systemic conditions (uncontrolled diabetes affects healing)
- Non-smokers or willingness to quit around the surgical period (smoking significantly increases failure risk)
- Fully grown jaw βΒ typically from age 18 onwards
The Implant Process: Step by Step
- 1. Consultation and X-ray: CBCT scan to assess bone volume and plan implant position precisely
- 2. Implant Placement: Minor surgical procedure under local anaesthesia. The implant is placed and the gum is sutured. You're awake but feel no pain.
- 3. Healing Phase (3β6 months): Osseointegration βΒ bone grows around and fuses with the titanium. You wear a temporary prosthesis during this period.
- 4. Abutment Placement: A small connector post is attached to the implant, to which the crown will be secured.
- 5. Crown Fitting: Your custom ceramic crown is attached and bite-adjusted. The process is complete.
"I was nervous about the surgery but it was done under local anaesthesia and I felt nothing during the procedure. The implant has been working perfectly for 3 years now βΒ I completely forget it's not my real tooth." βΒ Kapil R., Lucknow
How Long Do Implants Last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last 20β25 years or a lifetime. The titanium post itself rarely fails once integrated. The ceramic crown on top may need replacement after 15β20 years due to normal wear βΒ but the implant foundation remains intact.
Does the Implant Surgery Hurt?
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia βΒ you'll feel pressure but no pain. Most patients are surprised by how non-eventful it is. Post-surgery discomfort is mild and typically managed with standard painkillers for 2β3 days. Swelling peaks at 48 hours and subsides within a week.
Implant Cost in Lucknow
A single implant (post + crown) at Make My Tooth starts from βΉ25,000ββΉ45,000 depending on the implant brand, crown material, and whether bone grafting is needed. This may seem high compared to a bridge (βΉ12,000ββΉ20,000), but an implant lasts 20+ years and preserves bone, while a bridge requires grinding down two healthy adjacent teeth. Over a 20-year period, implants are often more economical.
EMI options are available. Compare our implant options to dentures in our detailed implants vs dentures comparison article.
Implants vs Other Options
- vs Bridge: Bridge is cheaper but requires removing enamel from adjacent teeth. Implant is self-supporting and preserves all neighbouring teeth.
- vs Dentures: Implants are fixed, feel natural, preserve bone. Dentures are removable, require adhesive, and don't prevent bone loss.
- vs Doing nothing: The worst option βΒ bone resorption, shifting teeth, bite collapse, facial changes over years.
