The journey to a renewed smile with Wildwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry using a dental implant is a multi-step process. While the surgery to place the implant is often quicker than you might expect, the entire process from start to finish takes a few months. This timeline is all about giving your body the time it needs to heal properly, creating a strong and lasting result for your new tooth!
The complete dental implant process, from your first consultation to the final crown, typically takes between 3 and 9 months. Your path is unique to you, but we’re always happy to walk you through what to expect.
Your Dental Implant Timeline at a Glance
The total time depends on your specific oral health needs, like whether you need a tooth removed or a bone graft first. We’ll get into that later, but for now, your journey often follows these 5 key stages:
- The First Visit & Plan: One appointment to see if an implant is a good fit for you.
- The Prep Work: This step is only for those who need a tooth removed or a bone graft, which can add 3 to 4 months of healing time.
- Implant Placement Day: The surgery itself, which usually takes about 1 hour.
- The Healing Period: The longest phase, lasting 3 to 6 months, while the implant fuses with your jawbone.
- The Final Touches: 1 or 2 appointments to place your brand-new tooth.
Your First Visit: The Consultation and Plan
Your journey begins with a simple conversation. This first visit is the perfect time to ask all your questions while our dental team gets a clear picture of your smile’s health.
Your dentist performs a thorough exam and may take some images, like X-rays or a 3D scan. This helps the team look closely at your jawbone and the area where the implant will go. It’s an important step to confirm everything is ready for a successful procedure. Together, we can decide if a dental implant is the right choice for you.
Using all this information, the team creates a personalized plan that details each step of the process, so you know exactly what to expect from your treatment.
The Procedure and Healing Phase
The plan is set, and we’re ready to go! The next phases involve placing the implant and giving your body time to heal.
The appointment to place your dental implant is straightforward, and it’s typically done in just an hour. Your mouth is numbed, so you should feel comfortable the whole time, though you might notice a little bit of pressure. If you feel uncomfortable, let us know. Our team can discuss other options to help you feel completely relaxed.
During the procedure, the dentist will place a small titanium post into your jawbone. This post acts as a new, sturdy root for your future tooth. It’s a precise process designed to create a secure fit for your final restoration.
After the implant post is in place, your body needs time to heal. During this time, the implant post fuses directly with your jawbone, creating a very strong foundation for your new tooth. This healing phase is a key part of the process and usually takes 3 to 6 months.
That may feel like a long time, but don’t worry, you don’t have to live with a gap in your smile while you heal. We can often provide a temporary tooth to wear, depending on the location of the missing tooth. You’ll also receive simple care instructions, which may include:
- Stick to soft foods for a short time
- Keep the area clean as directed
- Attend a few short check-up appointments
The Final Step: Attach Your New Tooth
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Once your implant has fully healed and bonded with your jawbone, it’s time to place your beautiful new tooth! This final stage typically requires only 1 or 2 more visits to complete.
First, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant post. Then, your dentist secures a custom-made crown on top. This crown is carefully designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, so it blends in seamlessly with your smile.
What Can Change Your Implant Timeline?
Every smile is different, so your journey might include an extra step or two before the implant can be placed. This extra time is worth it, as it helps us build a strong foundation for your new tooth.
For example, if you have a damaged tooth that needs to come out, we’ll have to remove it before we can begin the process.
For an implant to be successful, you need enough healthy jawbone to support it. If your jawbone is a little thin, a simple procedure called a bone graft can help. This adds about 3 to 4 months of healing time before the implant is placed, but it creates the solid base your new tooth needs.
Transform Your Smile with Dental Implants
Now that you understand the dental implant timeline, we hope you feel prepared for your smile restoration journey. Our team is always here to answer your questions.
To learn more about your personal options, schedule a consultation with Wildwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We’re ready to help you take the next step. Let’s keep smiling together!
