A dental implant permanently replaces a missing tooth with a titanium post fused to your jawbone, topped with a custom crown that looks and works like a natural tooth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are fixed in place, preserve your jawbone, and can last 25+ years with proper care.
At Smile Dental Kondapur and Vizag, single implants start from ₹25,000. Treatment takes 3-4 visits over 4-6 months (bone needs time to fuse with the implant — this can't be rushed). Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Fellow of Implantology from Germany, has placed implants for 29 years across both locations.
Get Your General Answers
An implant is right for you if...
- You're missing one or more teeth from extraction, injury, or decay
- You want a permanent fix that doesn't depend on neighboring teeth (unlike a bridge)
- You want to prevent the bone loss that happens when a tooth socket sits empty
- Your gums are healthy (or you're willing to treat gum issues first)
- You have adequate bone support (confirmed by our 3D imaging during consultation)
- You can commit to 4-6 months from implant placement to final crown
This works best when...
- Gum health is good or treated first — placing an implant in infected gums risks failure
- You don't smoke, or are willing to stop during healing — smoking increases implant failure risk by 5x
- Bone support is adequate or can be safely built with grafting if needed
- Grinding is managed with a night guard — excessive force on implants causes problems
- You're patient with the timeline — bone healing can't be accelerated without risking the result
Sometimes a bridge is faster and more practical. We'll compare both options honestly and help you decide what fits your situation, timeline, and budget.
Visit 1: Consultation + Planning
- We examine the gap, surrounding teeth, gum health, and bone
- 3D imaging to map bone volume and density precisely
- We explain whether implant, bridge, or denture is the best option for you
- If implant is right: placement plan, timeline, and cost confirmed
Visit 2: Implant Placement (30-90 minutes)
- Local anesthetic (you're numb, awake but comfortable — sedation available)
- Titanium implant placed into the jawbone where the missing root was
- Healing cap placed on top
- Most patients return to work the next day
Healing: 3-6 months
The implant fuses with your jawbone (osseointegration). You can't see this happening, but it's what makes implants so stable. During this time, the gap may have a temporary tooth for appearance.
Visit 3: Abutment + Crown Impression
- Connector piece (abutment) attached to the implant
- Impression or iTero scan taken for your custom crown
Visit 4: Final Crown Fitting
- Custom crown cemented onto the abutment
- Bite checked and adjusted
- Done — your implant looks and functions like a natural tooth
During implant placement
Most patients say it was easier than they expected. You're numb, so no sharp pain — just pressure. The procedure takes 30-90 minutes depending on complexity. Sedation available if you prefer not to be fully aware.
First 48 hours after
Mild swelling and discomfort — similar to a tooth extraction. Managed with prescribed medication and ice packs. Soft foods for the first few days.
During healing (3-6 months)
The implant site shouldn't cause ongoing pain. If it does, contact us. Avoid chewing hard foods directly on the implant site. Attend all follow-up appointments so we can monitor healing.
First week
Soft foods. Gentle brushing around the area. Don't smoke. Take medications as prescribed. Swelling and mild discomfort reduce steadily.
During healing (3-6 months)
Normal activities resume within a few days. Avoid putting heavy chewing force on the implant site while bone integration occurs. Follow our hygiene instructions for the area.
After final crown
Treat it like a natural tooth — brush, floss, regular checkups. A well-maintained implant can last 25+ years. The crown on top may need replacement after 10-15 years (normal wear). Regular professional cleanings keep the gum around the implant healthy.
Single Tooth Implant: ₹25,000 - ₹70,000
The total cost depends on two main components:
- Implant fixture (titanium post): ₹25,000-70,000 depending on brand — Korean (Adin, Bioline), Israeli (Neodent, Neo Biotech), or European systems (Bredent, Bio-Horizon, Nobel Biocare)
- Implant crown (prosthetic tooth): ₹10,000-18,000 additional — this is the visible tooth that sits on top of the implant. Metal-ceramic crowns at the lower end, zirconia at the higher end.
Important: The implant crown is priced separately from the implant fixture. Your total investment = implant + crown. We confirm the combined cost during consultation so there are no surprises.
Additional costs that may apply:
- Bone grafting: If needed, adds ₹10,000-50,000 depending on graft type and volume
- Sinus lift or ridge augmentation: Assessed during consultation if bone volume is insufficient
Implant vs bridge: the honest comparison
Single implant (with crown): ₹35,000-88,000. Lasts 25+ years. Preserves bone. Doesn't touch neighboring teeth.
3-unit bridge: ₹12,000-35,000. Lasts 10-15 years. Requires reshaping 2 healthy adjacent teeth permanently. Needs replacement eventually.
Total cost over 15 years: Implant wins in most cases. We show you the math for your specific situation.
What happens to bone when a tooth is missing
Within the first year of losing a tooth, you lose about 25% of the bone that supported it. That bone loss continues over time, eventually affecting neighboring teeth and changing your facial appearance. An implant is the only tooth replacement that stimulates the jawbone and prevents this loss. Bridges and dentures sit on top but don't stop bone shrinkage underneath.
Dental implants during your India visits
Implants typically need 2 India trips:
- Trip 1 (1 week): Consultation + implant placement
- Trip 2 (1 week, 4-6 months later): Final crown fitting
If bone grafting is needed first, add a preliminary visit 3-6 months before implant placement.
WhatsApp us your X-rays before Trip 1. We'll confirm candidacy and provide a treatment plan before you book flights.
Cost comparison: Single implant in India: ₹25,000-45,000. Same in US: ₹1,50,000-4,00,000. In UK: ₹1,20,000-3,20,000. In Australia: ₹1,50,000-3,50,000.
Do dental implants hurt?
During placement: no — you're numb. After: mild discomfort for 2-5 days, manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers. Most patients say it was easier than expected.
How long do implants last?
The implant itself (titanium post) can last a lifetime with good care. The crown on top typically lasts 10-15 years before needing replacement. Regular checkups and good hygiene extend everything.
Can I get an implant if I have diabetes?
Usually yes, if your diabetes is well-controlled. Uncontrolled blood sugar affects healing. We'll discuss your specific health situation during consultation.
Implant vs bridge — which should I choose?
Implants preserve adjacent teeth and last longer. Bridges are faster and cheaper upfront but need replacing and require permanently reshaping healthy teeth. We'll show you the comparison for your case.
How long does the whole process take?
4-6 months from implant placement to final crown. The waiting is for bone healing — this can't be safely shortened. You'll have a temporary tooth for appearance during the wait.
What if I don't have enough bone?
Bone grafting can rebuild the area. This adds time (3-6 months for the graft to heal before implant placement) and cost, but makes implants possible for many patients who'd otherwise be told no.
