Dental implants: steps, lifespan, risks and aftercare

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. Today it is a reliable and well-studied solution, but it is neither a natural tooth nor a "lifetime, no-maintenance" treatment: an implant needs care and monitoring. This guide explains, in simple words, how implant treatment works, what the reviews of studies cited in the text say, and how to keep your implant healthy. It is here to inform you; it does not replace an examination. To compare implants with the other options (bridge, denture), see the guide on crowns, bridges and dentures.

What is a dental implant?

An implant is a small screw, most often made of titanium, placed in the jawbone. The bone gradually bonds to its surface: this is called osseointegration. An abutment is then attached to it, followed by a crown, a bridge or a denture. An implant can replace a single tooth or several teeth, or be used to stabilise a full denture.

Who are implants for?

An implant may suit an adult who is missing one or more teeth, provided that they:

have enough bone in the right place, or that bone can be rebuilt (bone graft);
have healthy gums: untreated gum disease increases the risk of problems around the implant (see the guide on scale and polish);
have finished growing: in teenagers, we usually wait until the jaws have stopped growing;
are in a general state of health that allows it, discussed with the dentist and, if needed, the doctor.

A meta-analysis finds that smoking and head and neck radiotherapy are clearly linked to a higher risk of implant failure; a link with osteoporosis has not been shown (Lu et al., 2021, PubMed). For people with diabetes, good diabetes control is recommended to limit infections around the implant (Carra et al., 2023, PubMed). Always tell the dentist about your illnesses and treatments, especially bone treatments and blood thinners.

The steps of implant treatment

The assessment: examination of the mouth, gums and neighbouring teeth, then X-rays and often a scan (cone beam) to measure the bone in 3D.
Treatment beforehand: cavities, gums, extraction if needed. Sometimes a bone graft or bone filling is planned before or during placement.
Placing the implant: a procedure under local anaesthetic, usually not very painful; moderate pain and swelling are possible in the following days.
Healing: the bone bonds to the implant over a few weeks to a few months, depending on the bone and the situation. A temporary tooth can be worn during this time.
The prosthesis: an impression (or a scan of the mouth) is taken and the crown, bridge or denture is fitted onto the implant.
Follow-up: regular check-ups and professional cleanings, for the whole life of the implant.

Immediate loading

In some cases, a temporary tooth can be fixed onto the implant on the same day or in the following days: this is called immediate loading. For a single implant, a recent meta-analysis of randomised trials finds no difference in survival at 1, 3 and 5 years compared with later loading, when the clinical conditions are right (Pachiou et al., 2026, PubMed). "When the conditions are right" matters: the stability of the implant when it is placed and the quality of the bone decide whether it is possible.

Short implants

When the height of the bone is limited, shorter implants can sometimes be used instead of a graft. A meta-analysis finds a survival comparable to that of longer implants for carrying a crown, with up to 10 years of follow-up (Uehara et al., 2026, PubMed).

How long does an implant last?

Implants have good long-term results. A review of 139 studies finds a five-year survival of about 97% for implant-supported prostheses in recent studies; but complications (gum inflammation, a screw coming loose, chipped ceramic) remain common (Pjetursson et al., 2014, PubMed). So an implant that "holds" is not necessarily a healthy implant: follow-up is what makes it possible to spot and treat problems early.

Peri-implantitis: the main long-term risk

Like teeth, implants can be affected by inflammation caused by dental plaque:

peri-implant mucositis: the gum around the implant is red, swollen and bleeds when you brush. It can be reversed if it is treated.
peri-implantitis: the inflammation reaches the bone, which shrinks back around the implant. Without treatment, it can lead to losing the implant.

These problems are common. A worldwide meta-analysis, using the 2017 criteria, finds mucositis in about two out of three people with implants and peri-implantitis in about one in four; in non-smokers, peri-implantitis affects about 5% of implants (Reis et al., 2025, PubMed).

Prevention rests on three things (Jepsen et al., 2015, PubMed; Carra et al., 2023, PubMed):

careful brushing around the implant every day, with a manual or electric toothbrush and interdental brushes;
regular check-ups and professional cleanings: a lack of follow-up is linked to more peri-implantitis;
a prosthesis designed to be easy to clean, and stopping smoking.

See the dentist if the gum around the implant bleeds, swells or hurts, or if the implant or the crown moves.

"Basal implants" and "all in one day" offers

You may see offers of implants placed and loaded in one day across the whole jaw, sometimes with so-called basal implants. These techniques exist, but not all of them are as well studied as conventional implants: for basal implants, a recent meta-analysis notes a high rate of complications and a lack of trials comparing them with modern implants (Panday et al., 2026, PubMed). Before any treatment, ask for a full assessment, the possible options and the planned follow-up.

Caring for your implant

Brush your teeth twice a day, paying special attention to where the gum meets the implant crown.
Clean between your teeth every day with suitable interdental brushes.
Do not smoke, or ask for help to stop.
If you clench or grind your teeth, mention it: a night guard can protect the prosthesis.
Come to your regular check-ups, even if everything is fine.

In practice

Have a full assessment: examination, X-rays, often a scan.
Treat your gums and cavities before the implant is placed.
Tell the dentist about your illnesses, your treatments and whether you smoke.
Follow the instructions after placement and come to the healing check-ups.
Clean your implant every day and have it checked regularly, for its whole life.

Frequently asked questions

Does getting an implant hurt?

The implant is placed under local anaesthetic and is usually not painful; discomfort, swelling or moderate pain are possible in the following days and can be managed with the dentist's advice.

Does a dental implant last a lifetime?

Implants have very good long-term survival in studies, but they can be affected by inflammation of the gum and bone; good brushing and regular check-ups are essential to keep them for a long time.

Can an implant be placed right after an extraction?

It is sometimes possible if the bone and gum allow it; in other cases, we wait for healing, or rebuild the bone first: the assessment decides.

Can I have a fixed tooth on the same day?

In some selected cases, a temporary tooth can be fixed onto the implant on the day it is placed; studies on single implants then show a comparable survival, but it depends on the stability of the implant and on the bone.

Does smoking rule out an implant?

Not necessarily, but smoking increases the risk of failure and of infection around the implant; stopping smoking, at least around the time of placement and ideally for good, improves the chances of success.

How much does a dental implant cost?

The cost depends on the number of implants, the prosthesis, any bone graft and the treatment needed beforehand; it can only be given after the assessment, which is when the possible options can be explained.