Dental implants are the closest thing dentistry has to growing a new tooth. A small titanium post replaces the root, the jawbone fuses to it, and a custom crown sits on top. Unlike a bridge, it does not lean on the teeth either side, and unlike a denture, it does not come out. This guide covers who implants suit, what happens at each stage, how long it takes, what it costs at White Oak and how to make an implant last.
What is a dental implant made of?
An implant has three parts. The implant itself is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone, which acts as the new root. The abutment is a small connector that sits on the implant at gum level. The crown is the visible tooth, made in ceramic or zirconia and shade-matched to your other teeth. At White Oak, the implant and abutment are covered in the implant price, while the crown is priced separately based on the material you choose.
Who is a good candidate for implants?
Most adults in reasonable general health can have implants. What matters most is:
- Enough jawbone. The implant needs bone to hold on to. If the bone has shrunk after a long-standing gap, a bone graft can rebuild it.
- Healthy gums. Active gum disease has to be treated first, because it is the main cause of problems around implants later.
- Controlled health conditions. Uncontrolled diabetes slows healing; well-controlled diabetes is usually fine.
- Not smoking, or stopping around treatment. Smoking is the biggest controllable risk factor for an implant failing to fuse.
Age on its own is rarely a barrier; many people have implants placed in their sixties and seventies.
What happens, step by step?
- Consultation and 3D scan. Dr. Ananya examines your mouth and arranges a 3D CBCT scan at a diagnostic imaging centre in Ranchi. The scan shows the height, width and density of the bone, and where the nerves and sinuses are, so the implant's position, angle and depth are planned before any treatment starts.
- Implant placement. Under local anaesthesia, the implant is placed in the bone. It usually takes 90–120 minutes, and most patients say it felt easier than having a tooth removed.
- Healing and integration (3–4 months). The bone grows onto the implant surface, a process called osseointegration. This is what makes an implant so stable. You are not left with a gap: a temporary tooth can usually be fitted in the meantime.
- Crown fitting. Once the implant has fused, the abutment and your final crown are fitted and the bite is checked so the new tooth takes its share of chewing without being overloaded.
- Reviews. We see you at one week, one month, three months and twelve months to confirm everything is healing and working as planned.
From placement to final crown, the whole process usually takes 4–6 months. It takes longer if a bone graft is needed first.
Does getting an implant hurt?
The placement itself is done under local anaesthesia, so you feel pressure rather than pain. Afterwards, expect mild soreness and some swelling for three to five days, which ordinary painkillers usually control. Most people go back to work the next day. Eat soft food on the other side for the first week, avoid smoking and follow the aftercare instructions you are given. Our implant aftercare guide walks through the first two weeks day by day.
What if I'm missing several teeth, or all of them?
You don't need one implant per tooth. A bridge can span two or three missing teeth on two implants. For a whole arch, All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants hold a complete fixed set of teeth on four or six implants. For denture wearers, two to four implants can turn a loose denture into one that clips firmly in place. Which option suits you depends on your bone, which the CBCT scan shows.
How much do dental implants cost at White Oak?
A single implant starts from ₹25,000 for the implant and abutment, with every review in the first year included. The crown that sits on top is priced separately, depending on the material you choose. The cost rises if you need a bone graft, or if several teeth are being replaced. You get the full cost in writing before anything starts. For a detailed breakdown, read our dental implant cost guide.
Cost estimatorWhat will your implant cost?Tell us how many teeth and whether you may need grafting to get a realistic range in under a minute (the crown is priced separately).Estimate my costHow long do dental implants last?
Large long-term studies put implant survival at around 95% after ten years. With good care, the implant itself can last a lifetime. The crown on top takes the daily wear, and typically needs replacing after 15–20 years.
How do I look after an implant?
- Brush and clean between teeth daily. Implants cannot decay, but the gum around them can become infected (peri-implantitis) if plaque is left there.
- Keep your review and cleaning appointments. Small bite or gum problems are simple to fix when caught early.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Grinding overloads implants just as it wears natural teeth.
- Don't smoke. It raises the risk of gum problems around the implant for years afterwards.
Is an implant right for me, or would a bridge or denture be better?
An implant is usually the best long-term choice for a single missing tooth when the neighbouring teeth are healthy. A bridge can make more sense when those teeth already need crowns, and a denture is the gentlest way to replace many teeth without surgery. Our guide to tooth replacement options in Ranchi compares all three side by side, and our page on dental implants in Ranchi sets out what's included.
