What Are The Steps Involved In Getting A Dental Implant?
Many patients considering dental implants want to know exactly what to expect throughout the treatment process. Although every patient is unique, the sequence of treatment is generally very similar. Depending on your clinical situation, treatment may involve a single surgical appointment or may be completed over several months. Factors such as bone quality, infection, healing, and the condition of the tooth being replaced all influence the timeline. The following guide outlines each step of the implant process so you know what to expect from your initial consultation through the delivery of your final crown.
Step-by-Step Implant Timeline
| Appointment | What to expect | Length | |
| 1. Consult + Exam | ● Review health history ● Review X-rays and plan the implant procedure ● Review recommended plan and timeline | 30–45 min | |
| 2. Extraction, Bone Graft, Membrane, Implant | ● Administration of local anesthesia ● Removal of broken/decayed tooth (if there is a tooth) Two possible routes on surgery day: ● Route A (when conditions allow it): Implant is placed. Then supported with bone graft material and membrane ● Route B (when conditions do not allow it): Only bone graft material & membrane is placed The implant has to be placed in 3-4 months | 60–90 min | |
| 3. Post-op (2 weeks later) | ● Check healing and comfort Review cleaning instructions and diet/activity guidelines | 5–15 min | |
| 4. Suture removal (2 weeks later) | ● Remove sutures and answer questions | 5–15 min | |
| 5. Uncover implant (2–3 months later) | ● Check healing clinically and radiographically ● Make a small incision in the gum & uncover the implant | 30 min | |
| 6. Impression (2-3 weeks later) | ● Take final impressions and select a shade for crown fanrication ● Usually no anesthesia is needed | 30-45 min | |
| 7. Delivery (2-3 weeks later) | ● Final crown delivery (seat crown, check bite, review home care) | 30 min | |
Will the implant be placed on the initial surgery day?
If the conditions are right, the implant, supported bone graft material and a membrane can be placed at the same time the tooth is extracted. If the conditions are not ideal, such as excessive bone loss or the presence of an infection, the implant has to be placed at another visit. This allows the site to heal properly.
What are the advantages of placing the implant same visit?
A traditional dental implant case usually takes two surgeries about 3-4 months apart. If an implant can be placed at the time of tooth removal, both surgical procedures are completed in a single appointment. This shortens the overall healing time by around 3 months.
Will I walk out with a tooth?
Unless a removable temporary appliance (commonly called a flipper) has been fabricated before surgery, patients generally do not leave the office with a replacement tooth on the day of implant placement. If desired, a temporary removable appliance can usually be fabricated in advance or shortly after surgery and is often ready within approximately a week.
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