Back To Blog

The Dental Implant Placement Procedure

Dr. Peter Doherty Profile Image

Last Reviewed 26 January 2019

Medically reviewed by Dr. Peter Doherty, Bachelor Dent. Sc. (Trinity College Dublin) 2003, MFDS (RCSI), PG Cert Implant Dentistry (Newcastle), Implant Dentist

Experience has told us that many 'would be' patients have questions around the dental implant placement procedure. As such, our resident implantologist Dr. Peter Doherty has taken the time to walk our readers through the process.
 
Before we jump in, let's first look at what a dental implant is.
 
A dental implant is a substitute for the root of a missing tooth. Implants are used to replace single teeth by placing a porcelain crown on top.
 
Alternatively, multiple teeth can be replaced by placing a dental bridge over several implants. Dental implants are a very elegant solution to the problem of a missing tooth, or several missing teeth.
Dental Implant Placement Procedure with Dr. Peter Doherty - 3Dental

The Dental Implants Procedure Explained By Dr. Peter Doherty - Dental Implants

They are fixed in position, look and feel like natural teeth, and avoid the problems associated with dentures or bridges on natural teeth. They are the closest thing in dentistry to your own teeth.
 
Dr. Peter Doherty, explains it best in this video:

Placing Dental Implants - The Procedure

1. Initial Consultation & CT Scan

dental implants with Dr. Peter Doherty
During the initial consultation, the first step in the dental implant placement procedure is to assess the area and take a CT scan.
 
This allows us to determine how much bone is available and accurately plan the dental implant placement procedure.
 
This is important as there are anatomical structures in the upper jaw, like the sinuses; and in the lower jaw, like the inferior dental nerve which need to be avoided.

2. Numbing Of The Gums

To place a dental implant the gums are gently numbed, so that the procedure is completely painless.

Some people may wish to have the treatment carried out under sedation, which makes you feel very relaxed and removes any anxiety.

3. Dental Implant Placement

single tooth implant - before - 3Dental
single tooth implant - after - 3Dental

Single Tooth Implant - (Click to enlarge) - Dental Implants

The gums are lifted back slightly in the area and the implant placed underneath. There are then some sutures (stitches) placed. Afterwards, it is advisable to take some normal painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for a day or two.

4. Review

We review patients two weeks after implant placement to make sure that the area has healed up properly, and to check that the area is being cleaned properly.

Questions On Dental Implants

Is anaesthesia required for dental implant placement?

single tooth implant - before - 3Dental
single tooth implant - after - 3Dental

Single Tooth Implant - (Click to enlarge) - Dental Implants

  • Yes. All implant placement requires the use of local anaesthetic to numb the gums.

Who are dental implants suitable for?

  • There is no upper age limit for dental implants and the earliest a dental implant could be placed is 18-20 years of age.

How long does it take to get an implant put in?

  • In a straightforward implant placement the procedure can take as little as 30 minutes.

How long does it take for gums to heal after dental implants?

  • The gums surrounding the implants heal quite quickly, and can be completely healed by 1-2 weeks. It takes longer for the implants to bond to the underlying bone. This takes three months.

Conclusion

Dental implants - Paula Cronnelly - before - 3Dental
Dental implants - Paula Cronnelly - after - 3Dental

Paula Cronnelly - (Click to enlarge) - Smile In A Day

We have treated 100's of happy patients for dental implants across our Dublin, Limerick and Galway clinics.

They are now able to smile again with confidence, eat their desired foods and live a better life! 

Check out our testimonials page and our smile gallery for more information. 

If you think you could benefit from dental implants, get in touch today for a free consultation. We'd love to hear from you.

Recent Reviews

Kieran Spillane

“Can’t recommend 3Dental Limerick enough. I’ve got composite bonding here years ago and I’ve had trouble with one tooth in particular that has chipped a couple of times (my own fault) and Fearghal has...”

Niamh Cryan

“I had such an amazing experience at 3Dental Limerick! I had braces when I was younger and in the ~9 years since they came off my teeth had started to slightly move back into a more crooked alignment....”

Ashley Hynes

“I couldn’t recommend 3Dental Galway enough. The staff are so professional and accommodating. Dr. Paul O’Connell was fantastic. I had fixed braces and bonding to my teeth and I couldn’t be happier...”

Evan McMahon

“Would highly recommend Aishling the dental hygienist at 3Dental Galway. Very professional, positive, and down-to-earth person. She makes time to speak you, whilst also been very informative and...”

Marie Nevin

“I can smile again, thanks to Dr. Andrea and her team. I would totally recommend 3Dental Galway. I was treated with the utmost care and professionalism from start to finish.”

Clare McSharry

“I travelled from Sligo to Galway to get 2 teeth implants done by Dr. Andrea Uribarri. The service was excellent during the implant process. I have been back for 1 checkup, and I'm really happy with...”

Nicole Ward

“Highly recommend 3Dental. Just had my braces removed after 1 year and a half and so happy with the results. My orthodontist Tatiana was amazing to deal with, so calming and friendly at every visit....”

EJ Ryan

“Very happy with the excellent professional service from Peter Doherty.”

Brian Cooper

“Didn't think I would be given a review about a dentist, but I have to highly recommend 3Dental about their professional team, especially Dr Peter Doherty, who looked after me with my dental implants,...”

Ciaran Kavanagh

“Where do I start, I was looking for some dental work to be done,I knew it was not going to be any straightforward procedure. I searched the Internet and found 3Dental. I am so glad that I did, I am...”

Owen

“Never bothered by having to go to the dentist again. I had to get whitening, bonding and a crown done over the space of a year and it was a great experience. The team are A1 and Fergal is a great...”

Keith O'Brien

“I would highly recommend 3Dental. This time last year I was in constant pain with infections and my teeth were in a bad way. I came across 3Dental while searching for dental implants. I had...”

Eileen Dempsey

“I have just had my Implant, from Doctor Peter Doherty, and have to say i was treated so well from start to finish, and the end result is amazing. I am so very happy with my new smile, i will attend...”

Viv van der Holst

“Firstly apologies for the delay in writing this review. I have been too busy smiling again :) And chewing food normally. I cannot express enough the gratitude I feel towards Dr Andoni Jones and his...”

Sean Dentur

“I got 6 implants over past 2 years in 3Dental. Very efficient/professional and kind staff. Would highly recommend them.”

Whitney Culleton

“I had an consultation for composite bonding with a female dentist back in December and I left not feeling great about the app so rather than leaving a bad review I reached out to Dr Niall for a...”

Tara Henshaw

“I had composite bonding done with Dr Carmen and gingivectomy with Dr Andoni Jones , they were both brilliant. Thanks so much to them both they were so friendly and so good at their job I'm delighted...”

Caitlin Morrison

“I've been going to 3Dental the last year with Dr Carmen. She's amazing so nice and her work is great Got my composite bonding with her defo recommend always give advice and always there if needs be...”

Jane Russell

“Such a brilliant clinic with fantastic service. Had to have a couple of things done with fillings and bonding so I saw a number of dentists, all of whom were total pros and expert at what they do. A...”

Caroline O'Brien

“I have had lots of treatment and also my 2 daughters here in 3Dental which included root canal wisdom tooth extraction crowns and now implants and All on the same premises. All staff we have met have...”

Ready for the Next Step? Book Your Free Consultation

Enquire Now View Pricing Options