
A tooth that has been knocked out, broken, or damaged beyond repair is a common problem. It affects your smile, and it makes chewing harder. A dental implant is one way to get back a tooth that chews close to the original and looks natural. Here is how a modern implant is done, step by step.
What a dental implant is
An implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium, a metal the body tolerates well. Once it is placed in the jawbone, the bone gradually bonds to its surface and holds it firmly, much like a natural root. A crown is then fitted on top to give you a tooth you can actually chew with.
So an implant has three parts: the root in the bone, a connector (the abutment), and the crown you see in the mouth.
The implant process
- Examination and planning. We check your teeth, gums, and bite, then take a digital X-ray and a dental CT scan to see how much bone you have and how dense it is, and where the nerves and sinuses sit. From that we plan the position, size, and angle of the implant in advance.
- Placement. The titanium root is placed in the bone at the planned position under local anesthetic. In most cases it does not take long, and you go home the same day.
- Healing. The bone now bonds to the implant surface. This usually takes a few months, depending on your bone. In some cases we can fit a temporary tooth for the wait.
- The crown. Once the implant is firm, we take a digital 3D scan and have a crown made to match the color, shape, and bite of your other teeth, then attach it to the implant.
The technology that makes placement more precise
The big change from the old way is that the planning happens on a 3D image. The CT scan shows the bone's width, height, and density before we start, so we can choose an implant that suits the bone you have, keep clear of nerves and sinuses, and reduce the risks during placement.
The digital scanner replaces impressions for the crown stage. There is no tray of putty to hold in your mouth, and the crown that comes back fits neatly against the neighboring teeth.
The crown on the implant
The tooth that goes on the implant is designed for you alone. We choose a shade and shape that blend with the teeth beside it and adjust the bite so chewing feels comfortable. If several teeth are missing, implants can also anchor a bridge or a denture, so the denture stays firm and does not shift when you eat.
Benefits of a dental implant
- Chewing feels close to a natural tooth, because the bite force goes straight into the bone.
- The neighboring teeth are left untouched, unlike a bridge, which needs them trimmed.
- It helps preserve the jawbone where the tooth was lost. Bone slowly shrinks away when a gap is left empty for a long time.
- You clean it like your other teeth. Nothing to take out and soak.
- With good care it lasts a long time.
Who suits an implant
Not everyone can have an implant straight away. The best candidates have healthy gums with no untreated gum disease, and enough jawbone to hold the implant. If the bone is thin or has shrunk, some cases need bone grafting first.
Smokers, people with poorly controlled diabetes, and people with some other medical conditions can still often have implants, but they need closer assessment and may need some preparation first. We look at the scans and your medical history and talk it through honestly with you.
Prices
- Dental implant: 45,000 to 89,000 baht per tooth
These are starting prices. We confirm the exact fee after the examination and the CT scan, because it depends on the position, the implant type, and whether bone grafting is needed. See the dental implants page and the price list.
Caring for an implant
- Brush twice a day and clean around the implant with floss or an interdental brush every day.
- Use a mouthwash if we recommend one, especially in the first weeks after placement.
- While the bone is healing, avoid chewing hard food on the implant side.
- Stop or cut down smoking. It affects healing and the gum around the implant.
- Keep your check-ups and regular cleanings. The gum around an implant can become inflamed just like the gum around a natural tooth.
Book a consultation
If you are thinking about an implant, or you have a missing tooth and are not sure what to do about it, come and talk to us. We will examine you, take the images, and explain your options before you decide anything.
- LINE
- Phone: 098 831 0246
- Open daily 10:00–20:00 (closed Tuesdays)
- Tooth Boutique Dental Clinic, Venice Di Iris, Vacharapol Road, Bang Khen, Bangkok. Parking available.
