A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone, left to integrate with the bone over a few months, and then restored with a crown that is shaped and shaded to match the teeth around it.
Unlike a bridge, an implant does not require cutting down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Because the post transmits chewing load into the jaw, it also slows the bone loss that follows a missing tooth.
When dental implants is the right treatment
- A single missing tooth where the neighbouring teeth are healthy
- Several missing teeth in the same area, restored with an implant bridge
- A full arch that is failing or already edentulous, restored on multiple implants
- An existing denture that moves and can be stabilised with implants
What the treatment involves
- 1
Assessment and imaging
Clinical examination plus an OPG or CBCT scan to measure available bone height and width, and to map the position of the nerve and sinus. This is what determines whether an implant can be placed directly or whether a graft is needed first.
- 2
Placement
The implant is placed under local anaesthesia in a single sitting, usually 30 to 60 minutes for one implant. Most patients return to normal routine the next day.
- 3
Osseointegration
The bone grows onto the implant surface over roughly three to six months, depending on the site and bone quality. A temporary tooth can often be provided during this period.
- 4
Crown
An abutment is fitted and impressions or a digital scan are taken. The final crown, usually zirconia or porcelain-fused-to-metal, is fitted and the bite is adjusted.
- 5
Review
Follow-up checks and a maintenance schedule. Implants do not decay, but the gum and bone around them still need professional cleaning.
Cost
Implant cost depends on the implant system, the number of implants, the crown material and whether bone grafting is needed.
See dental implant cost in Lucknow →Questions patients ask
Questions patients ask about dental implants and tooth replacement
- Dental implant or bridge: which is better?
- How long do dental implants last?
- How do I look after dental implants?
- What should you expect from full mouth rehabilitation?
- What are the side effects of dental implants?
- What types of dental implants are there?
- What is All-on-4, and who is it for?
- What are implant-supported dentures?
- Do I need a bone graft for a dental implant?
- Dental implants or dentures: which is better?
- What types of dentures are there?
- How should denture cleaning be done?
- What happens during dental implant surgery?
- What are the parts of a dental implant?
- What are zygomatic implants, and who needs them?
- What is an implant-supported bridge?
- What is osseointegration, and how long does it take?
- Can you get a dental implant for a front tooth?
- What are supraerupted teeth and how are they treated?
- Save the tooth with a root canal, or extract and implant?
- What is the full form of FPD in dentistry?
- What is the full form of RPD in dentistry?
- What is a prosthodontist and what do they treat?
- What does edentulous mean in dentistry?
- What are dentures, and how do they work?
- Missing teeth
- Dental Implant Cost in Lucknow
- Dentures Cost in Lucknow
- Dental Bridge Cost in Lucknow
- Full Mouth Rehabilitation Cost in Lucknow
- Bone Graft Cost in Lucknow
Dental Implants: common questions
How long does a dental implant take from start to finish?
Typically three to six months for a standard case, most of which is healing time rather than chair time. Immediate-loading cases, where a temporary tooth goes on the same day, are possible when bone quality allows it. A case that needs bone grafting or a sinus lift takes longer.
Is implant placement painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, so it is not painful during placement. Mild soreness and swelling for two to three days afterwards is normal and is managed with routine medication.
How long do dental implants last?
The implant post itself is designed to be permanent, and long-term studies report high survival rates over ten years and beyond. The crown on top is a restoration and may need replacement over time. Outcomes depend heavily on gum health, smoking, diabetes control and regular maintenance.
Am I too old for an implant?
Age itself is not a barrier. What matters is bone volume, gum health and how well any systemic condition such as diabetes is controlled. That is assessed before treatment is planned.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.