What to Expect from a Dental Implant

The implant process happens in phases and may take several weeks to months depending on your needs. Here’s a clear, step-by-step breakdown of what to expect with an implant-focused restoration.

Overall Timeline: 3 to 9 Months

The full implant process typically takes 3 to 9 months, depending on your bone health, healing speed, and whether grafting is needed.

• Healing time after each step is essential for long-term success.
• Some patients complete treatment faster if no bone graft is required; however, most times your provider will encourage bone grafting for longevity and stable healing.
• Others may need more time if healing takes longer or additional steps are added.
• Patients with underlying conditions may take longer to heal. This could include those who smoke, are undergoing cancer treatment, have diabetes, liver disease, or other underlying diseases. Your provider will ask you these questions at your initial consultation.
• Patients who want longevity from their implants are encouraged to eat a healthy balanced diet, avoid smoking, avoid recreational drugs, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• You will be provided with a list of vitamins and supplements that we recommend to aid in your healing process.

1. Consultation and Planning

• Your dentist will review your dental history and create a custom treatment plan, especially if you are considering dental implants for seniors.
• X-rays, a CBCT, or a 3D panoramic scan will assess bone strength, density, condition, and spacing.
• You’ll discuss treatment goals, cost, and next steps.
• If you’re a good candidate, the plan may begin right away.

2. Tooth Removal (If Needed)

• If a damaged tooth is still in place, it must be removed before an implant is placed.
• Most extractions heal within 1–2 weeks.
• In some cases, implants can be placed the same day.
• Your dentist will advise on the right timing for you.

3. Bone Graft (If Needed)

• Many dentists will recommend adding bone grafting material to the socket after a tooth is extracted. This helps preserve the socket and surrounding bone.
• Bone graft is placed to preserve bone density and extend the life of your implants.
• A bone graft may also be added if your jaw isn’t strong enough to hold the implant.
• Healing from bone grafting usually takes 3–6 months, depending on healing time.
• This step ensures your implant has long-term support.
• Not all patients need this; it depends on bone density.

4. Implant Placement

• The implant placement procedure starts like most dental procedures. The patient is made comfortable and the area is numbed.
• These surgical procedures are available with or without sedation. Your sedation options include:
  • Inhaled Sedation (Nitrous Oxide)
  • Oral Sedation (a series of small pills)
  • IV Sedation
• Once ready, and the patient is fully numbed, the surgery will begin.
• The implant placement is fairly quick and involves a titanium post that is placed into the jawbone, under the gumline.
• Most people say the procedure feels like a long filling and is pain-free.
• A healing cap may be placed to protect the implant, or the implant post may be sutured over for healing.
• Healing begins immediately after placement as the titanium post fuses with your natural bone.

5. Healing Phase – Osseointegration

• Your jawbone will fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration.
• This typically takes 3–6 months to fully stabilize the implant.
• You may receive a temporary tooth or overdenture while the site heals.
• Your dentist will monitor healing progress with routine follow-ups and rechecks.

6. Abutment Placement

• An abutment is a small connector that sits above the gumline and holds the crown, partial, or denture.
• This is placed after the implant fully heals and fuses to the bone.
• Gums may need a couple of weeks to adjust to the abutment and the prosthetic attachment.
• This is the final connection piece that prepares your mouth for the final restoration prosthetic.

7. Final Crown, Partial, or Denture

• The final step is placing a custom crown, partial prosthetic, or full prosthetic (denture/over-denture) that looks and feels like your natural teeth.
• If you are getting a crown, your crown will be matched in color and shape to your other teeth.
• If you are getting a prosthetic full or partial denture, it can be any color, shape, and size you would like. If you bring in an old photo, we can match your original smile.
• This final crown or prosthetic restores full function and completes your smile.
• You’ll leave with a permanent solution that can last decades.

Aftercare & Maintenance

• Just like natural teeth, dental implants need daily care and regular checkups.
• Brush and floss every day to keep gums healthy.
• Use soft tools like water flossers or implant-safe brushes.
• Visit your dentist every 6 months for cleanings and exams in accordance with your office’s implant warranty.
• Always follow the complete guidelines of your dental office to ensure that you are properly maintaining your implants for longevity.

FAQ

Is the dental implant procedure painful?

Most patients feel only mild soreness. Most take Tylenol for any discomfort after the procedures. The procedure itself is done with local topical anesthesia and the option of inhaled, oral, and sometimes IV sedation.

Do I need to take off work for the surgery?

You may want to rest for 1–2 days, but recovery is usually quick. Most of our patients report that they went back to work the next day and had only mild soreness. Most patients do not show any physical signs of even having a dental procedure done. There is typically little to no swelling, bruising, or any other visual physical symptoms the next day.

Are dental implants permanent?

With proper care, they can last over 20 years or even a lifetime.