What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the bone has fused to it, a crown is attached on top — and the result looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth.
Implants are the closest dentistry has come to genuinely replacing a lost tooth rather than working around it. Unlike a bridge, an implant does not require trimming the healthy teeth on either side. Unlike dentures, it is fixed, stable and never moves when you eat or speak.
At Mera Dental Clinic in Delhi, implants are placed by Dr. Naseem Ashraf and Dr. Nishit Dikshit, both periodontists and implantologists — the speciality concerned with the gums and bone that implants depend on.
Why replacing a missing tooth matters
A gap is not only a cosmetic issue. Leaving it changes the whole mouth over time:
- Bone melts away. Jawbone is maintained by the forces transmitted through a tooth root. Remove the root and the bone at that site begins to resorb within months — which is why long-term denture wearers develop a sunken facial profile.
- Teeth drift. Neighbouring teeth tilt into the space and the opposing tooth over-erupts, disturbing the bite and creating food traps and gum problems.
- Chewing suffers. Load shifts to the other side, wearing those teeth faster.
- Speech changes, particularly with missing front teeth.
- Later treatment gets harder. The more bone is lost, the more likely you will need grafting before an implant is possible.
An implant is the only tooth replacement that preserves the bone at the site, because it transmits chewing forces into the jaw the way a natural root does.
Are you a candidate for implants?
Most healthy adults are. What we assess:
- Bone volume and density at the site — measured on X-ray, and with a CBCT scan where needed.
- Gum health. Active gum disease must be treated first; implants placed into infected tissue fail.
- General health. Uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications and heavy smoking all reduce success rates — none are automatic disqualifications, but they need discussion.
- Smoking. The single biggest modifiable risk factor for implant failure.
- Jaw growth. Implants are placed once growth is complete, generally from the late teens.
If bone is insufficient, bone grafting or a sinus lift can rebuild the site and make implants possible. Being told elsewhere that you have "not enough bone" often does not mean the door is closed.
Types of implant treatment
Single tooth implant
One implant, one crown. Replaces a single missing tooth without touching the neighbours.
Multiple implants
Several implants restoring several missing teeth, either individually or supporting a small implant bridge.
Implant-supported bridge
Two or more implants carrying a bridge to replace three or more consecutive missing teeth — fewer implants than teeth, so more economical than one implant per tooth.
All-on-4 and full-arch implants
A complete fixed set of teeth for an entire jaw, supported on four to six implants. For patients with no teeth or failing teeth throughout an arch, this restores full chewing function permanently — a transformation over conventional dentures.
Implant-retained overdenture
A removable denture that clips securely onto two or more implants. Far more stable and comfortable than a conventional lower denture, at lower cost than a full fixed arch.
The implant process, step by step
- Consultation and planning. Examination, X-rays and where needed a 3D CBCT scan to measure bone precisely and plan the implant position, angle and depth before any surgery.
- Preparatory treatment. Any gum disease is treated and unsalvageable teeth removed. Bone grafting or a sinus lift is done at this stage if required.
- Implant placement. Under local anaesthesia, the gum is opened, the implant is placed into prepared bone, and the site is closed with stitches. It takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes per implant and is far less dramatic than most people imagine.
- Osseointegration. The bone fuses to the implant surface over roughly three to six months. This biological healing is what makes implants so stable, and it cannot be rushed. A temporary tooth can usually be provided so you are never left with a visible gap.
- Abutment placement. Once integrated, a small connector is fitted to the implant and the gum is shaped around it.
- Impressions and the final crown. A custom crown is made and fitted, matched in shade and shape to your natural teeth.
- Review and maintenance. We check the implant, the bite and the surrounding gum at regular intervals thereafter.
In selected cases with good bone, immediate placement after extraction — or an immediate temporary tooth on the day — is possible. We will tell you honestly whether your case suits it.
Does implant surgery hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and is not painful. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward it feels — bone itself has no pain sensation, and placing an implant is often more comfortable than the extraction that preceded it.
Afterwards expect some swelling and soreness for two to three days, well controlled by ordinary painkillers. Most people return to work the following day. Sedation is available for patients who are anxious about the surgery.
How long do implants last?
Implants have among the highest success rates in dentistry — well above 95% in healthy patients — and a well-maintained implant can last a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacing after ten to fifteen years of wear, but the implant itself is designed to be permanent.
What threatens them:
- Peri-implantitis — gum disease around an implant. Implants cannot decay, but the gum and bone around them can become infected exactly like natural teeth. Daily cleaning and regular maintenance visits prevent it.
- Smoking, which substantially raises failure rates.
- Uncontrolled diabetes, which impairs healing.
- Grinding, which overloads the implant — a night guard protects it.
- Skipping maintenance visits.
Aftercare after implant surgery
- Bite gently on the gauze for the first hour to control bleeding.
- Use an ice pack on the cheek in the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Soft, cool foods for the first few days; avoid chewing on the surgical site.
- Do not rinse vigorously for 24 hours, then use warm salt-water rinses gently.
- No smoking. This matters more than any other instruction — smoking dramatically increases early failure.
- Take medication as prescribed and complete any antibiotic course.
- Keep the rest of your mouth clean, brushing normally away from the surgical site.
- Attend review appointments, and thereafter clean around your implant daily with floss or an interdental brush and attend maintenance cleanings.
Cost of dental implants
Implant cost depends on the number of implants, the implant system used, the crown material, and whether grafting or a sinus lift is needed. An implant costs more upfront than a bridge or denture — but it lasts far longer, preserves bone and leaves neighbouring teeth untouched, which is why patients often find it better value over time.
We give you a complete written treatment plan with the total cost before starting, so there are no staged surprises. EMI options are available, and your first consultation and X-ray are free. Call +91 98912 42043 for current pricing.
Why choose Mera Dental for implants
Implants sit in bone and are surrounded by gum, so they belong squarely in the domain of periodontics — and both our implant surgeons are periodontists. Dr. Naseem Ashraf, BDS (AMU), MDS Periodontics, with over twenty years of experience, and Dr. Nishit Dikshit, BDS (AMU), MDS (MAIDS). Read more on our about us page.
- Specialist-led surgery with proper 3D planning where indicated.
- Grafting and sinus lift available in-house, so limited bone is not the end of the conversation.
- Full-arch and All-on-4 solutions for patients with no teeth or failing teeth.
- Strict sterile surgical protocol.
- Honest assessment — if an implant is not the right answer for you, we will say so and explain the alternatives.
- Transparent pricing with EMI and a written plan before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting an implant hurt?
No. Placement is done under local anaesthesia and most patients find it easier than an extraction. Expect mild swelling and soreness for two to three days afterwards, controlled with ordinary painkillers.
How long does the whole process take?
Typically three to six months from placement to final crown, because the bone needs time to fuse to the implant. In selected cases an immediate temporary tooth can be fitted so you are never without a tooth.
How long do implants last?
A well-maintained implant can last a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacing after ten to fifteen years of normal wear.
I was told I do not have enough bone. Can I still have implants?
Often yes. Bone grafting and sinus lift procedures rebuild the site so implants become possible. We assess this with a 3D scan before ruling anything out.
Can I have implants if I have diabetes?
Yes, provided your blood sugar is reasonably controlled. Well-controlled diabetes has success rates close to those of non-diabetic patients. Uncontrolled diabetes impairs healing, so we would work with you on that first.
Does smoking affect implants?
Significantly. Smoking is the biggest modifiable risk factor for implant failure. Stopping — even just around the surgery and healing period — meaningfully improves your odds.
Are implants better than a bridge?
In most cases yes, because they do not require trimming healthy neighbouring teeth and they preserve bone. A bridge is faster and avoids surgery, so it remains the better option in some situations.
Can implants replace all my teeth?
Yes. Full-arch options such as All-on-4 restore an entire jaw on four to six implants, giving fixed teeth that do not move — a major improvement over conventional dentures.
Do implants need special cleaning?
They need the same daily brushing and cleaning between teeth as natural teeth, plus regular professional maintenance. Implants cannot decay, but the gum and bone around them can become infected if neglected.
Is there an age limit for implants?
There is no upper age limit — health matters more than age, and we place implants successfully for patients in their seventies and eighties. The lower limit is jaw growth being complete, generally the late teens.
Book an implant consultation
Bring us the gap, the failing tooth or the denture you have never got on with, and we will assess whether implants are right for you — with a clear plan and honest pricing. Your first consultation and X-ray are free.
Call +91 98912 42043 or book online. Open Monday to Saturday 9 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 2 PM.