Your implant treatment timeline

Stage 1: remote preliminary review

Before travel, a clinic may request photographs, a health questionnaire and any recent radiographs. These records can help the team discuss broad options and identify information still needed. They cannot confirm gum health, bite, tooth mobility, active infection or every detail of the available bone.

A useful preliminary response should state:

• which options appear possible rather than promised;
• what additional records are required;
• which elements of the quotation remain provisional;
• whether one or more journeys are likely;
• what could change after examination.

Stage 2: examination, panoramic imaging and CBCT

The Istanbul appointment should include a medical and dental history, examination of the teeth and gums, bite assessment and suitable imaging. Panoramic radiographs provide an overview. CBCT may be used where three-dimensional assessment of the implant site and nearby anatomical structures is clinically justified.

CBCT is not a substitute for examination and should not be presented as automatically necessary for every patient. When used, it may help the dentist assess bone dimensions and the relationship to structures such as nerves, roots and the sinus. The plan should also consider whether retaining or treating a natural tooth is a sound alternative to extraction and implant placement.

Stage 3: written plan and consent

Before surgery, the patient should understand:

• the proposed implant position and restorative goal;
• alternatives, including no treatment where relevant;
• whether extraction, grafting or sinus augmentation may be needed;
• the expected temporary solution;
• material and component information;
• known risks and limitations;
• likely number of visits and total fee;
• maintenance and aftercare arrangements.

The implant is only one part of the treatment. The plan should identify the abutment and final crown or bridge and make clear whether they are included in the same quotation.

Stage 4: implant placement

Implant placement is performed after appropriate preparation and consent. The surgical approach varies with the site and anatomy. In some cases an implant may be placed at the time a tooth is removed; in others the extraction site is allowed to heal first. A graft may be placed before or at the same time as the implant when indicated.

After placement, the implant may be covered by gum tissue or fitted with a healing component. Post-operative instructions should explain cleaning, diet, medication, activity and how to contact the clinic if symptoms are concerning.

Stage 5: the temporary tooth

A temporary tooth can protect appearance and function while healing takes place. Options may include a removable tooth, a bonded temporary, a provisional crown or a provisional bridge. Not every temporary is connected to the new implant.

“Teeth in a day” should not be interpreted as the final biological result being complete in one day. Immediate loading is a clinical decision based on stability, bone, bite and the design of the provisional restoration. The temporary may require dietary restrictions and later replacement with a definitive restoration.

Stage 6: healing and osseointegration

Osseointegration describes the direct biological connection that develops between bone and the implant surface. NHS patient information commonly describes a healing period of several months, but the actual interval is individual. Site, bone quality, grafting, general health, smoking, infection control and implant stability can all affect the plan.

During this phase, follow the cleaning instructions, avoid overloading a provisional restoration and attend any requested reviews. Contact the treating team rather than waiting for the final visit if pain, swelling, mobility, discharge or bite problems are worsening.

Stage 7: abutment and final crown or bridge

Once the dentist considers the implant ready for restoration, a scan or impression records the implant position and the surrounding teeth and gums. The laboratory then makes the final crown or bridge. An abutment connects the implant to that restoration.

At fitting, the dentist checks seating, contact with neighbouring teeth, bite, appearance and access for cleaning. The patient should receive component details and maintenance instructions. Implant restorations still require professional review; they are not immune to gum inflammation, wear, loosening or fracture.

One-trip and two-trip scenarios

How long should you stay in Istanbul?

There is no safe universal stay length. The first trip must allow time for examination, planning, surgery and an early review where indicated. The restorative trip must allow for scans or impressions, laboratory work, try-in where needed, fitting and a final check. Add a travel buffer rather than booking a return flight immediately after the last planned procedure.

Ask the Dentagram team to confirm the case-specific appointment sequence and provisional treatment stages before booking non-refundable travel.

When grafting or sinus augmentation changes the plan

Reduced bone can alter implant position, timing and cost. A smaller graft may sometimes be performed with implant placement. A larger augmentation may require a separate healing phase before the implant. Posterior upper-jaw cases may require assessment of the sinus and available bone height. The dentist should explain why the procedure is proposed, the material, alternatives and effect on travel.

Frequently asked questions

Evidence and further reading

• Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, “Having a dental implant”
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, “Dental Implants”
• PubMed, systematic review of CBCT in dental implant planning
• PubMed, CBCT and implant planning review

This guide provides general information and does not replace an individual clinical examination, diagnosis or treatment plan.