Understanding the Dental Implant Process at Viva Dental, Carnforth
Losing a tooth can affect far more than your smile — it can impact your confidence, your ability to eat comfortably, and the long-term health of your jawbone. At Viva Dental in Carnforth, we offer dental implants as a proven, permanent solution for replacing missing teeth in the Lancaster and wider Lancashire area.
Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. Unlike removable dentures or traditional bridges, an implant is fixed directly into the jawbone, where it acts as a strong artificial root. The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like your own — with no slipping, no adhesives, and no compromise to the teeth around it.
This page walks you through every stage of the dental implant process, so you know exactly what to expect from your first consultation through to your final crown fitting.
Why Choose Dental Implants in Lancaster?
There are several options available when you lose a tooth, but dental implants offer benefits that no other treatment can match:
- Permanent and long-lasting — with proper care, implants can last a lifetime
- Look and feel completely natural — colour-matched crowns blend seamlessly with your smile
- Preserve your jawbone — implants stimulate the bone and prevent the deterioration that occurs with missing teeth
- Protect neighbouring teeth — unlike a bridge, no healthy teeth need to be prepared or altered
- Restore full chewing function — eat the foods you enjoy without restriction
- Fixed and secure — no movement, clicking, or need for removal overnight
The Dental Implant Process: Step by Step
Every patient’s implant journey is unique, but the overall process typically follows these key stages:
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
We begin with a thorough assessment of your teeth, gums, and jawbone — including any X-rays or digital scans needed to evaluate bone density and plan precise placement. You will leave with a clear, personalised treatment plan including timescales and costs.
2. Preparing the Jawbone (If Required)
If the jawbone has deteriorated — common when a tooth has been missing for some time — a bone graft may be needed before implant placement. This is carried out in advance and requires a healing period of several months. We will let you know at your consultation if this applies to you.
3. Tooth Extraction (Where Necessary)
If the tooth being replaced is still present but cannot be saved, it will be extracted before the implant is placed. In many cases, extraction and implant placement can be carried out at the same appointment.
4. Implant Placement
A small titanium post is gently placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. The procedure typically takes one to two hours. Most patients experience very little discomfort, and any post-operative soreness is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
5. Osseointegration: Healing and Bone Integration
Over the following three to six months, the implant fuses naturally with the surrounding bone — a process called osseointegration. A temporary restoration keeps your smile intact during this time, and we provide clear aftercare guidance throughout.
6. Fitting the Abutment
Once the implant is fully integrated, a small connector piece — the abutment — is attached to the post. This provides the anchor point for your final crown. In some cases, the abutment is placed at the same time as the implant itself.
7. Crown Fitting: Your Final Restoration
An impression is taken and sent to our dental laboratory, where a custom crown is crafted to match the shape, size, and shade of your surrounding teeth. Once fitted, your implant is complete — natural-looking, fully functional, and built to last.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?
The overall timeline varies depending on individual circumstances, but most patients can expect the complete process — from initial consultation to final crown — to take between six months and one year. The majority of this time is the natural healing and integration period; the actual surgical and fitting appointments are relatively brief.
In straightforward cases with no bone grafting required, some patients progress more quickly. Your dentist will provide a realistic personalised timeline during your consultation.
