The Dental Implant Procedure, Step by Step

Your treatment timeline at a glance

1. Consultation and 3D scan to map your anatomy.
2. Preparatory work such as bone or soft-tissue grafting if required.
3. Implant placement taking roughly one hour per fixture.
4. Healing and integration typically lasting 6 to 12 weeks.
5. Final crown or bridge fitting to complete the restoration.

London Dental Specialists's implant procedure relies on 3D CBCT imaging to remove guesswork from the surgical phase. We use computer-guided implant surgery to place Straumann fixtures with precision. This technology helps us to avoid critical nerves and sinuses.

Our consultant-level specialists manage both the surgical and restorative phases. Dr Opeoluwa Sodeinde is a specialist periodontist. Because we integrate surgical expertise with restorative expertise, the final crown fits the implant perfectly. You can book a consultation for £195 to determine your specific timeline.

The £195 consultation fee is credited toward any treatment you go ahead with.

What should I expect from implant surgery?

Consultant-level specialists use 3D CBCT imaging and computer-guided surgery to place Straumann implants with precision. We apply local anaesthesia to numb the area, though some patients prefer sedation for implant surgery to reduce anxiety. Our clinical team can also perform bone and soft-tissue grafting if your anatomy requires additional support before the implant is placed.

Planning: the CT scan and 3D-guided design

Precision begins with CBCT imaging, which provides a three dimensional view of your jawbone and nerve locations. This data allows for digital planning to determine the exact angle and depth for each Straumann implant. Dr Opeoluwa Sodeinde, a specialist periodontist, applies his specialist knowledge of periodontics to ensure the implant is placed in the most stable bone environment. This level of planning reduces guesswork during the procedure. It's a technical requirement for complex cases.

Our specialists then translate this virtual map into a physical surgical guide. This custom device fits over your teeth or gums to direct the drill exactly where the 3D-guided plan dictates. London Dental Specialists's implant surgery uses this mechanism to protect surrounding tissues and nerves. By combining this technology with a background in restorative dentistry, we ensure the implant is positioned to support a crown that looks and functions naturally. This coordination of surgical and restorative disciplines is central to our clinical process.

The surgical phase

During this stage, a Straumann implant is placed into the jawbone to act as a synthetic root. Dr Opeoluwa Sodeinde performs this procedure, drawing on GDC registration in periodontics. Because Dr Sodeinde also holds an MSc in Restorative Dentistry from Newcastle University, the implant is positioned specifically to support the final crown's design and bite alignment.

Healing and osseointegration: the quiet months

Osseointegration occurs when your jawbone grows directly into the surface of the Straumann implant to create a permanent bond. This biological integration typically takes several months of undisturbed healing. Published studies show implant survival above 95% over 10 years, which underscores why this stable foundation is critical for how long dental implants last.

Fitting your final teeth

The implant bonds with the bone. We then attach the prosthetic tooth to complete the restoration. This stage focuses on biocompatible materials and precise alignment to ensure the new tooth functions like a natural one. Depending on your needs, we fit individual implant crowns or more complex structures like an implant-supported bridges to replace multiple missing teeth. For patients requiring a Full-Mouth Restoration, we coordinate the placement of several implants to support a complete set of new teeth.

London Dental Specialists's restorative phase is led by Dr Opeoluwa Sodeinde, a specialist periodontist. Because the person overseeing the restoration understands the surgical requirements of the periodontist, the final tooth is shaped to distribute biting forces evenly. This coordination helps prevent peri-implantitis. It is the leading cause of late implant loss.

We use high-grade ceramics to ensure the final restoration matches the shade and translucency of your surrounding teeth. The Straumann implant fixture often lasts 25+ years with maintenance. The visible implant-supported bridges or crowns typically last 10 to 15 years. Regular hygiene visits are necessary to protect the soft tissues around the prosthetic. To begin this process, you can book a consultation for £195.

Can it all be done in one visit?

Not every patient qualifies for one-visit treatment. Some patients can receive same-day dental implants if their bone density and gum health meet specific clinical criteria. This process involves placing the implant and a temporary crown in one appointment to achieve teeth in a day. It is not possible for everyone, as some require bone or soft-tissue grafting first.

Timing depends on the protocol used. London Dental Specialists's consultant-led team uses immediate loading protocols to attach a temporary restoration shortly after placement. This requires a high level of primary stability within the jawbone. We use these techniques for specific cases of dental implants London where the anatomy allows for an immediate functional result. Most patients, however, follow a staged approach to ensure the implant bonds fully with the bone.

Our clinical lead holds an MSc in Restorative Dentistry from Newcastle. This qualification focuses on the discipline of rebuilding teeth, including the design of crowns and bridges that sit atop implants. Because the person placing the implant is also trained in the restorative phase, we can better determine if a single-visit protocol is safe for your specific anatomy. This dual expertise ensures the implant is positioned to support the final prosthetic weight without failing.

Before and after surgery: how to prepare, how to recover

Preparation involves following a tailored clinical plan based on 3D CBCT imaging to ensure the surgical site is ready. Most patients find that following our specific instructions on how to care for implants after surgery helps maintain the stability of the implant fixture.

Specialist care for complex restorations

Successful outcomes depend on the synergy between surgical placement and the final crown. Dr Opeoluwa Sodeinde holds an MSc in Restorative Dentistry from Newcastle University alongside a Master's in Periodontics. This matters. This dual training means the clinician placing the implant is also qualified in the discipline of rebuilding teeth. London Dental Specialists's implant service ensures the fixture is positioned specifically to support the final bridge or crown. We use 3D CBCT imaging and computer-guided surgery to align these two phases. This reduces guesswork.