How long does implant treatment take from start to finish?

It varies genuinely from patient to patient - the healing stage in particular depends on your bone and overall health, and preparatory work adds time when it is needed. Rather than quote an average that may not apply to you, your written treatment plan sets out the expected stages and timings for your case.

Does implant surgery hurt?

The placement is done under local anaesthetic, and most patients are surprised by how manageable it is. Some soreness and swelling in the days afterwards is normal, and we talk you through aftercare before you leave. If you are anxious about dental treatment, tell us - the team is used to helping nervous patients through it.

What is a CBCT scan and why do I need one?

CBCT is a 3D X-ray that shows the bone of your jaw in detail an ordinary X-ray cannot - its height, width and the position of nerves. It is how implant placement is planned precisely rather than estimated. We take CBCT scans in-house at the practice.

Will I be left without teeth during healing?

No - if a visible tooth is involved, a temporary solution is part of the plan so you are not left with a gap while the implant heals.

Guide · Dental implants

What happens during dental implant treatment?

Knowing what is coming makes everything less daunting. Here is the implant journey at City Dental Care, stage by stage — the same journey you can watch a real patient go through in the videos on our implants page.

1. Consultation and 3D planning

Everything starts with a proper assessment: a clinical examination, a discussion of what you want, and 3D CBCT imaging taken in-house. The scan shows the bone of your jaw in detail — its height, width, and where the nerves run — so your implant is planned precisely rather than estimated. You leave this stage with a written, itemised plan and the full price, before anything is done.

The CBCT 3D imaging scanner at City Dental Care, Edinburgh

2. Any preparatory work

Implants succeed in healthy mouths. If gum disease, decay, or insufficient bone would compromise the result, that is addressed first — sometimes with a bone graft where the jaw has receded. Not everyone needs this stage; your plan will say clearly whether you do.

3. Implant placement

The implant — a small titanium post — is placed into the jaw under local anaesthetic. Most patients find the appointment far more manageable than they expected, and normal life resumes quickly, with some soreness and swelling in the first days being normal. You will leave with clear aftercare instructions and a direct line to the practice if anything concerns you.

4. Healing — where the magic happens

Over the following months the bone grows onto the implant surface and locks it in place — the process that makes an implant feel like your own tooth. How long this takes depends on your bone and health, which is why your plan gives timings for your case rather than an internet average. If the gap is visible, a temporary solution keeps you smiling throughout.

5. The final tooth

Once the implant is solid, the final crown, bridge or denture — made to match your natural teeth — is fixed on top. From there it is brushing, interdental cleaning and regular hygiene visits, the same as your natural teeth: well-cared-for implants are a long-term investment.

Start with the conversation

Implant treatment at City Dental Care is led by Dr. Vikas Sharda (GDC 209880). Book a consultation and get a plan built for your mouth — with nothing done until you have seen it in writing.

Book a consultation Call 0131 228 2442