What Is Dental Implant Surgery?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant fuses with the bone — a process called osseointegration — a crown, bridge, or denture is attached on top, completing the restoration.

The result is a replacement tooth that is fixed permanently in the jaw, functions exactly like a natural tooth, looks completely natural, and preserves the surrounding bone. Unlike bridges, implants do not require shaping of adjacent healthy teeth. Unlike dentures, they never move or require removal.

At Smile Hub Clinics, all implant placements are performed by Dr. Abdullah Karamat — BDS, FCPS, Certified Implantologist. The Certified Implantologist qualification requires dedicated surgical training and examination in implant placement protocols, distinguishing it from general dental practice.

Types of Implant Cases We Handle

Most Common

Single Tooth Implant

One titanium implant placed to replace a single missing tooth. Topped with a custom zirconia crown. The most conservative option — no adjacent teeth are affected.

Multiple Missing

Implant-Supported Bridge

Two or more implants support a bridge replacing several adjacent missing teeth. Avoids a removable partial denture without shaping healthy neighbouring teeth.

Full Arch

Full Arch Rehabilitation

Multiple implants placed across the full upper or lower arch to support a fixed zirconia bridge — replacing all teeth permanently. See our Full Mouth Rehabilitation page.

Immediate

Immediate Placement

In selected cases, an implant can be placed immediately after tooth extraction — reducing the number of surgeries and overall treatment time significantly.

Are You a Candidate for Implants?

Most adults are suitable for implants. Here are the key factors:

Missing one or more teeth
Sufficient jawbone volume
Healthy gums (no active gum disease)
Non-smoker or willing to quit during healing
Controlled systemic health (e.g. diabetes)
Finished growing (18+ years old)
Severe uncontrolled diabetes
Active smoker (higher failure risk)
Severe bone loss without grafting
Certain medications (bisphosphonates)

Many patients who were told they are "not suitable" for implants can be treated after bone grafting or other preparatory procedures. A full assessment at consultation will determine what is possible for your specific case.

Implants vs Bridges vs Dentures

FactorImplantBridgeDenture
PermanenceFixed — permanentFixed — permanentRemovable
Adjacent teethNot affectedMust be shapedNot affected
Bone preservationYes — stimulates boneNoNo
FeelLike natural toothNear naturalArtificial feel
LifespanLifetime (implant)10–15 years5–8 years
CostHighestMediumLowest
Surgery requiredYesNoNo

The Implant Surgery Process

1

Assessment & Imaging

A full clinical examination including periapical X-rays assesses bone height, width, and density. Any required preparatory treatment — extractions, bone grafting, or periodontal treatment — is planned and completed first.

2

Surgical Placement

The implant is placed under local anaesthesia. An incision is made in the gum, a precise osteotomy (channel) drilled into the bone, and the titanium implant fixture inserted. The gum is sutured. The procedure typically takes 45–60 minutes per implant and is well-tolerated by most patients.

3

Osseointegration — Healing Phase

Over the next 2–4 months, the titanium implant fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. This phase is critical for implant stability and longevity. A temporary restoration may be worn during this period.

4

Abutment Placement

Once osseointegration is confirmed, a small connector piece (abutment) is attached to the implant. This protrudes above the gum line and serves as the anchor for the final crown or bridge.

5

Final Crown Delivery

A custom-made zirconia or Emax crown is fabricated to match your natural teeth and cemented onto the abutment. The result is a permanent, natural-looking tooth that functions identically to the real thing.

Why Choose Smile Hub Clinics for Implants?

Certified Implantologist — Not Just a General Dentist

Certified Implantologist qualification: Dr. Abdullah holds a dedicated Certified Implantologist credential — a qualification requiring specific surgical training and examination in implant protocols beyond general dental training. This matters: implant placement is a surgical procedure and the surgeon's training directly affects outcomes.

FCPS Prosthodontist for the restoration: The same doctor who places your implant also designs and fits your crown. Most implant cases split these roles between a surgeon and a separate restoring dentist — at Smile Hub, one FCPS-qualified specialist manages both.

X-ray documentation on every case: Pre-operative planning X-rays and post-placement confirmation X-rays are standard on every implant case. We document the precision of placement and confirm osseointegration before loading. This level of documentation is rare at the price point we offer.

In-house endodontist for complex cases: Some implant sites require root canal treatment of adjacent teeth or management of residual infection. Dr. Athar Parvez (FCPS Endodontist) handles these in the same clinic — seamlessly coordinated with the implant timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is implant surgery painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia — you will feel pressure and vibration but no pain during surgery. Post-operatively, mild soreness and swelling for 3–5 days is normal and managed with standard pain relief and antibiotics. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is. The discomfort is generally less than a difficult tooth extraction.
How long does the full implant process take?
From first consultation to final crown, the process typically takes 3–6 months — most of which is the osseointegration healing time, not active treatment. The surgical appointment itself is 45–60 minutes. Immediate loading cases (where a temporary crown is placed same-day) are possible in selected patients with high primary stability.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
In healthy non-smoking patients with good bone volume, the success rate of dental implants is approximately 95–98% over 10 years. Success rates are slightly lower in smokers, poorly controlled diabetics, and patients with inadequate bone. The most common cause of implant failure is peri-implantitis — an infection around the implant caused by poor oral hygiene. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
What if I don't have enough bone?
Insufficient bone volume is one of the most common reasons patients are told they cannot have implants. In many cases, bone grafting can create the necessary volume for successful implant placement. Ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, and socket preservation procedures are all performed at Smile Hub Clinics. Dr. Abdullah will assess your bone at consultation and advise whether grafting is needed and what it involves.
Can I get an implant if I smoke?
Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure and peri-implantitis. It impairs healing and reduces blood supply to the bone. We can still place implants in smokers, but patients are strongly advised to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery and during the healing phase. Patients who continue smoking throughout healing have significantly higher failure rates and shorter implant lifespans.
How do I care for a dental implant?
Care for an implant exactly like a natural tooth — brush twice daily with a soft brush, floss daily using implant-specific floss or an interdental brush, and attend regular check-ups. Implants cannot decay, but the surrounding gum and bone can develop peri-implantitis if hygiene is poor. Regular professional cleaning and check-ups are essential for long-term implant health.