What to Expect from Start to Finish
Getting dental implants is a multi-step process that requires patience and commitment. Understanding each phase helps you prepare mentally, physically, and schedule accordingly. Here's your comprehensive roadmap.
⏱️ Total Timeline: 3-9 Months (Average: 4-6 Months)
1
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you're a good candidate for dental implants and to create your personalized treatment plan.
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Comprehensive Exam: Full oral examination including X-rays, 3D scans (CBCT), and photographs to assess bone quality and quantity
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Medical History Review: Discussion of medications, health conditions, and lifestyle factors that may affect healing
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Treatment Planning: Custom plan created including timeline, costs, and whether bone grafting is needed
2
Some patients require preparatory procedures before implant placement. This phase may include tooth extraction, bone grafting, or sinus lifts. Not all patients need this step.
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Tooth Extraction: Damaged tooth removed; healing takes 2-4 weeks before bone graft (if needed)
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Bone Grafting: Procedure to add bone material if jawbone is too thin or soft; requires 3-6 months for integration
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Sinus Lift: For upper jaw implants where sinus is too close; adds 4-6 months to timeline
3
The titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone. This is typically done under local anesthesia with sedation options available for comfort.
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Surgical Procedure: Incision made in gum, hole drilled in bone, implant post inserted and gum sutured closed
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Immediate Aftermath: Expect swelling, minor bleeding, and discomfort for 3-7 days; pain medication prescribed
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Temporary Solution: May receive temporary crown, bridge, or denture while healing (aesthetics maintained)
4
This is the most critical phase where your jawbone grows around and fuses with the implant post. This creates a strong, stable foundation for your new tooth.
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Natural Integration: Bone cells attach to titanium surface creating biological bond; lower jaw heals faster (3-4 months) than upper jaw (5-6 months)
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Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ins to monitor healing and ensure proper integration without complications
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Care Requirements: Soft diet initially, excellent oral hygiene, no smoking, avoid hard foods on implant side
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After osseointegration is confirmed, a small connector piece (abutment) is attached to the implant post. This will hold your final crown in place.
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Minor Procedure: Gum reopened (if healed over), abutment screwed onto implant, gum tissue allowed to heal around it
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Healing Time: Gums heal around abutment in 1-2 weeks; mild discomfort similar to first surgery but less intense
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Impressions Taken: Molds made of your teeth to create custom crown that matches your natural teeth perfectly
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The final step! Your custom-made permanent crown is attached to the abutment, completing your dental implant and restoring full function and aesthetics.
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Crown Options: Choose between removable crown (screwed in, can be removed by dentist) or permanent (cemented onto abutton)
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Final Fitting: Crown checked for fit, bite, color match, and comfort; adjustments made as needed
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Immediate Use: You can eat normally right away! Treat like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits
