The implant procedure · step by step
What actually happens, from first visit to finished smile
A walk-through of every step in the dental implant process — what each visit looks like, what you’ll feel, and how we keep you informed along the way.
The visits, in order
- Visit 1 — Consultation + 3D scan (60 min).
We talk through what you need replaced and why an implant is the right call. A CBCT scan captures the 3D anatomy of your jaw. We review the scan with you and explain exactly where the implant will go, how long the process will take, and what it will cost.
- Visit 2 — Implant placement (60–90 min).
Fully numb. A small opening is made in the gum, the implant is placed into the bone, and the site is closed with a few stitches. Sometimes a small healing cap is placed over the implant; sometimes a temporary tooth fills the visible space. You walk out the same day, sore but functional.
- Healing (3–4 months).
The quiet phase. Your bone fuses to the implant (a process called osseointegration). You eat normally on soft foods first, then return to regular eating. We see you for a quick check-in at one week and at one month to make sure everything is progressing well.
- Visit 3 — Abutment + impression (30 min).
Once healing is complete, a small abutment (connector) is attached to the implant. We take an impression so the lab can fabricate your custom crown. You leave with a temporary on the abutment.
- Visit 4 — Crown delivery (45 min).
The final porcelain crown is fitted, adjusted for your bite, and bonded onto the abutment. We polish, photograph, and send you home with a working tooth that looks like the rest of your smile.
Post-op care
- Day 1–2: Ice on/off, soft foods (eggs, yogurt, soup), over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
- Day 3–7: Soreness fades. Rinse with warm salt water. Avoid the surgical area when brushing.
- Week 2 onward: Mostly normal. Avoid biting hard foods directly with the implant area until the final crown is placed.
- Quit smoking if you can — it’s the single biggest factor in implant failure.
- Call us if you have unusual swelling, persistent bleeding, fever, or anything that doesn’t feel right.
Common questions
Frequently asked
- How long does the whole implant process take?
- Most single-tooth implants take 4–6 months from start to finish. Implant placement itself is a single visit. The 3–4 month healing period is mostly waiting — you live normally during that time. Then 1–2 more visits to attach the abutment and the final crown.
- Is the surgery painful?
- Most patients are surprised how comfortable it is — both during and after. You’re fully numb during placement. Most people manage post-op discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers and report less soreness than after a routine tooth extraction.
- Will I be awake during surgery?
- Yes, with local anesthesia (just numb in the area), and you’re fully comfortable. We also offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation for patients who’d rather be more relaxed. IV sedation is available for complex cases or significant dental anxiety.
- How long is the actual implant placement?
- A single implant placement takes 60–90 minutes including numbing and prep. A multi-implant or All-on-4 case can take 2–3 hours. We give you a clear time estimate before the visit.
- What should I expect during healing?
- Mild soreness for 2–4 days, easily managed with over-the-counter medication. Soft foods for the first week. Stitches dissolve on their own. We see you for a quick check-in at one week and again at one month to make sure things are progressing well.
- When can I eat normally again?
- Soft foods (eggs, yogurt, soup, soft pasta) for the first week. Mostly normal eating by week two, but avoid biting directly with the implant site for the full 3–4 months of healing. After the final crown is placed, eat anything you want.
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