(A friendly, no-jargon guide you can finish over a cup of chai)
Quick snapshot 🚦
| Stage | How long it takes | What it feels like | Key takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before | 1–2 short visits | Planning mode | Get mouth & body “implant-ready.” |
| During | About an hour per implant | Totally numb | “Root” is placed— you don’t feel a thing. |
| After | Several weeks of healing | Mild ache → normal | Crown goes on, smile is back for good. |
1. Before: The “Blueprint” Phase 🏗️
Smile goals chat – You tell the dentist what you want; photos and X-rays show what’s possible.
Health check – Diabetes, smoking, or gum issues? These need tuning first; a healthy mouth = faster healing.
3-D scan & digital plan – Think of it as Google Maps for your jaw; it guides the dentist to the perfect spot.
Budget & calendar – You’ll know costs up front and how the timeline fits around festivals, weddings, etc.
Tip: Start using a soft-bristle brush and mouth-rinse now—healthy gums welcome implants like good hosts welcome guests!
2. During: The “Placement” Day ⚙️
Getting comfy – Local anaesthetic (the same shot used for fillings). Some clinics offer light sedation—great if you’re an anxious soul.
Tiny pilot hole – A precise guide sleeve keeps drilling minimal and safe.
Titanium “root” in – It’s gently screwed into place; you feel pressure, not pain.
Stitch & smile – One or two dissolvable stitches; you walk out the door in about an hour.
Feels like? Numb cheeks, zero drilling pain, a little pressure, that’s it.
3. After: Healing & Crown Day 🌱 → 👑
First 24 hours
Slight swelling—manage with an ice pack and standard pain medicine.
Soft foods: kheer, dal-khichdi, yoghurt. Skip the samosas for now!
Week 1
Stitches dissolve.
Normal desk work is fine; avoid heavy gym sessions.
Weeks 2-8
Osseointegration (the implant fuses with bone). You won’t feel this superhero process, but it’s happening.
Crown appointment
Quick impression → custom tooth is made.
It clicks onto the implant like a Lego block—no nerves, just excitement.
Longevity secret: Brush twice, floss once, see your dentist every 6 months. Implants can last 20-plus years, often a lifetime.
Common Questions (Lightning Round) ⚡
Does it hurt?
Only the pinch of anaesthesia; after that, over-the-counter pain tablets handle the dull ache.
Will people notice metal?
Nope—only you and your dentist know. The visible crown is ceramic, colour-matched to neighbouring teeth.
Costly?
Yes, but think “one-time investment.” Bridges often need replacement; implants rarely do.
Age limit?
If you’re healthy enough for a tooth extraction, you’re healthy enough for an implant—80-year-olds get them!
Ready to Begin? 🚀
Replacing a missing tooth isn’t just about looks; it keeps your jaw strong and your chewing carefree. If you’d love a personalised roadmap—and a cup of coffee while we chat—book a consultation at our clinic on 150 Feet Ring Road, Rajkot. Let’s set that foundation for your forever-smile today! 🦷✨
