A dental implant is a permanent solution for replacing a missing tooth. It consists of a small titanium post that is placed into your jawbone, where it acts like a natural tooth root. Once the bone has healed around the implant, a custom-made crown (or bridge/denture for multiple teeth) is attached, giving you a stable, natural-looking tooth that you can bite and chew with confidently. Implants help preserve your jawbone, avoid affecting neighbouring teeth, and can last for many years with good care.
At Brown Street Dental, Dr. Sunny Golwala and our team provide thorough assessment, careful planning, and skilled placement of dental implants. We use modern techniques and materials to make the process as comfortable as possible and to achieve results that look and feel natural. From your first consultation to your final restoration and follow-up, we focus on clear communication, your comfort, and long-term oral health.
The Procedure
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Consultation & Assessment
Your dentist will:
- Examine your mouth, gums, and remaining teeth
- Review your medical and dental history
- Take X-rays or a 3D scan to assess your jawbone and plan implant placement
- Discuss whether you are a good candidate and explain the steps involved
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Treatment Planning
Together you will:
- Decide the number and position of implants needed
- Plan for any extra procedures (e.g. bone graft) if required
- Get a clear timeline and what to expect at each stage
- Discuss options for temporary teeth during the healing phase, if needed
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Implant Placement
On the day of surgery:
- Local anaesthetic (and sometimes sedation) is used so you are comfortable
- The titanium implant post is placed into the jawbone in the planned position
- Sometimes a small cover or healing cap is placed on top of the implant
- You will receive aftercare instructions and may be given pain relief for home use
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Healing & Osseointegration
Over the next few months:
- The bone grows around the implant and bonds to it (osseointegration)
- This creates a strong foundation for the final tooth
- Healing time varies; your dentist will tell you when the next stage can begin
- Follow-up visits may be scheduled to check that healing is going well
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Abutment & Final Restoration
Once the implant has integrated:
- An abutment (connector) may be attached to the implant
- Impressions or a digital scan are taken to make your custom crown, bridge, or denture
- The final restoration is fitted and adjusted so your bite feels natural
- You will be shown how to care for your implant and the new tooth
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Aftercare & Follow-up
To keep your implant healthy:
- Brush and floss around the implant and crown as advised
- Attend regular checkups and cleanings so we can monitor the implant and gums
- Avoid habits that can damage the implant (e.g. chewing very hard objects)
- Contact us if you notice looseness, swelling, or discomfort
Benefits of Dental Implants
Why patients choose implants
- ✓Replace missing teeth with a stable, permanent solution that feels like your own tooth
- ✓Help preserve jawbone and facial structure by stimulating the bone
- ✓No need to alter or lean on adjacent healthy teeth (unlike some bridges)
- ✓Restore chewing and biting function and can improve speech and confidence
- ✓Look and feel natural when the crown is matched to your other teeth
- ✓With good care and regular checkups, implants can last many years, often decades
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a dental implant?A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. After the bone heals around it, a crown (or bridge/denture) is attached on top, giving you a complete, functional tooth that looks and feels natural.
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How long does the whole process take?It often takes several months from implant placement to the final crown. The implant needs time to integrate with the bone (usually 3–6 months, sometimes longer). Your dentist will give you a personalised timeline based on your case and whether any extra steps (e.g. bone graft) are needed.
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Does implant placement hurt?The procedure is done with local anaesthetic (and sometimes sedation), so you should not feel pain during the surgery. Afterward, some swelling and mild discomfort are common and can be managed with pain relief as advised. Most patients find the recovery manageable.
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How long do dental implants last?With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, implants can last many years, often decades. The crown on top may need replacement after a long time due to normal wear. Your dentist will monitor your implant at each visit.
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Am I a candidate for dental implants?Most adults in good general health with enough jawbone and healthy gums can be considered. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can affect healing. Your dentist will assess your mouth, bone, and medical history and tell you if implants are suitable or if extra treatment (e.g. bone graft) is needed first.
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What if I don’t have enough bone?If the jawbone has shrunk after tooth loss, a bone graft or other procedure may be recommended to build up the bone before placing the implant. Your dentist will explain the options and timeline so you can make an informed decision.
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How do I care for my implant?Care for it like a natural tooth: brush and floss regularly, and use any additional tools your dentist recommends (e.g. interdental brushes). Attend checkups and cleanings so we can monitor the implant and surrounding gums. Avoid chewing extremely hard items (e.g. ice, hard sweets) on the implant crown.
Considering a dental implant? Contact Brown Street Dental for a consultation.