The dental implant process in London, ON usually has five stages: a consultation and exam, imaging and treatment planning, implant placement, healing while the implant fuses with the jawbone, and a custom crown. Healing takes several months, so timelines vary by patient. At Southdale Dental Office, your dentist explains each step and every cost before you start. Book a consultation to see if implants suit you.
What Is the Dental Implant Process?
The dental implant process replaces a missing tooth root with a small titanium post, then tops it with a custom crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth. It happens in stages rather than in one visit, because your jawbone needs time to heal around the post. At Southdale Dental Office, our experienced dentists plan each stage around your health, your goals and your budget, as part of our cosmetic dentistry care.
Dental Implant Timeline: What Happens at Each Step
Most implant treatment follows five steps, although your timing depends on how you heal and whether other dental work comes first.
- Consultation and exam: Your dentist reviews your dental and medical history, examines your teeth and gums and talks through your goals.
- Imaging and planning: Dental images show your jawbone and nearby teeth, so your dentist can plan the implant position. You see your treatment plan and estimate before anything begins.
- Implant placement: The implant is placed in your jaw while the area is numbed. If you feel nervous, ask about conscious and mild sedation.
- Healing: Over the next few months, the implant gradually fuses with your bone. This stage cannot be rushed, and it is the main reason implants take longer than a bridge.
- Final crown: Once healing is complete, a custom crown is made to match your neighbouring teeth and attached to the implant. We then check your bite and comfort.
For many patients, the surgery is the shortest part of the journey. Most of the timeline is simply healing.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Adults with one or more missing teeth, healthy gums and enough jawbone to support an implant are often good candidates. Your dentist confirms this at your consultation, because every mouth is different. We usually look at:
- The health of your gums and remaining teeth
- The location of the missing tooth and the space it leaves
- Your medical history and current medications
- Habits such as smoking, which can slow healing
- Any decay or gum disease that needs care first
If implants are not the right fit, we will talk you through other options, such as a bridge, so you can choose with confidence.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: Which Is Better?
Both replace missing teeth with a fixed result, but they work differently. An implant replaces the root and leaves neighbouring teeth alone, while a dental bridge anchors to the teeth beside the gap, often with dental crowns on those teeth. A bridge is usually finished sooner and avoids a healing period. An implant takes longer but does not depend on nearby teeth for support. Your dentist will compare both for your bite, your budget and your timeline.
What Affects the Cost of Dental Implants in London, ON?
Dental implant cost depends on your personal treatment plan rather than one flat fee, so we explain it in full before you decide. The main factors are:
- How many teeth you are replacing
- Whether a damaged tooth must be removed first through a tooth extraction
- The type of crown used
- The number of appointments and images your plan needs
Some private insurance plans may help with part of the cost. Bring your plan details, and our team will explain your estimate and any out of pocket costs up front.
How to Care for a Dental Implant
A healed implant is cleaned much like a natural tooth. Brush twice a day, floss daily and keep up with professional dental cleanings so we can check the gums around it. Not sure how often to book? Read our guide on how often you should get your teeth cleaned. If you grind your teeth, ask about a custom night guard to protect your new crown, and avoid chewing ice or other hard objects.
Why Choose Southdale Dental Office for Your Dental Implant Care?
Since 1995, families from London, St. Thomas, Komoka and Dorchester have trusted Southdale Dental Office for gentle, judgment free care. Meet our dentists to see who will guide you through each stage.
- Experienced, trusted dentists with decades of combined experience
- Transparent pricing and insurance friendly billing
- Saturday appointments from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., plus weekday hours
- Conscious and mild sedation for nervous patients
- An English and Arabic speaking team
Book a Dental Implant Consultation in London, ON
We are accepting new patients. Request an appointment online, call 519-686-4867 or contact our team. You will find us at 104-553 Southdale Rd E, London, ON N6C 1A2.
Dental Implant FAQs
How long does the dental implant process take?
Most dental implant treatment takes several months from consultation to final crown, mainly because your jawbone needs time to heal around the implant. Your timeline depends on how you heal, whether a tooth must be removed first and the design of your crown. Your dentist gives you an estimated schedule at your consultation, so you know what to expect at each stage.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
Most patients describe pressure rather than pain, because the area is numbed during placement. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is common and usually manageable. If you feel anxious, ask about conscious or mild sedation. Our experienced team explains what to expect beforehand, and you can call us if discomfort ever feels worse than expected.
How long do dental implants last?
With good care, a dental implant can last many years. The titanium post fuses with your bone, while the crown on top may eventually need replacing from normal wear. Daily brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings give your implant the best chance of lasting, and habits like smoking or grinding your teeth can shorten its lifespan.
Am I too old for dental implants?
There is no fixed age limit for dental implants. Your overall health and the condition of your gums and jawbone matter more than your age. Many adults of different ages are good candidates. Your dentist reviews your medical history and examines your mouth at a consultation to confirm whether implants are a safe and suitable choice for you.
Can I get dental implants if I smoke?
Smoking can slow healing and may affect how well an implant fuses with the bone, so your dentist will talk with you about it before treatment. Cutting back or quitting beforehand and during healing gives your implant a better chance of success. An honest conversation helps us build a plan that protects your results.
Are dental implants covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan. Some private insurance plans cover part of the cost, while others do not. Bring your plan details to your consultation, and our team will explain your estimate, help with claim paperwork and outline any out of pocket costs before treatment begins. We believe in clear, transparent pricing so there are no surprises.
Do I need a consultation before getting a dental implant?
Yes. A consultation lets your dentist examine your teeth and gums, review your medical history and take any images needed to confirm you are a good candidate. You also receive a clear treatment plan and estimate. It is the first step of every implant journey, and there is no pressure to decide on the day.
What is the difference between a dental implant and a dental crown?
A dental implant is the titanium post that replaces a missing tooth root, while a dental crown is the cap that covers the visible part of a tooth. An implant uses a crown on top, but crowns can also protect a damaged natural tooth. You can learn more on our dental crowns page.
Can I have sedation during dental implant treatment?
Conscious and mild sedation are available for nervous patients at Southdale Dental Office, and your dentist will tell you which option suits your treatment and medical history. You can read more in our guide to dental anxiety and conscious sedation or ask our team when you book.
What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?
Neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap, your bite may change and chewing can become harder on one side. Over time, this may affect the rest of your smile. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant or a dental bridge helps protect your bite and your confidence. Your dentist can explain which option fits you.
Is Southdale Dental Office accepting new patients for dental implant consultations?
Yes. We are welcoming new patients from London, St. Thomas, Komoka and Dorchester. Call 519-686-4867 or request an appointment online. Please bring photo ID, your insurance details and a list of your current medications to your first visit, and our team will take care of the rest.