If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants are often the most durable and natural-looking solution. But if you’re considering them for the first time, it’s common to wonder: What is the process for dental implants? How long does it take? Will it hurt?
This guide walks you through the dental implant process step by step, from your first consultation to final crown placement. Whether you’re researching your options or preparing for surgery, understanding the full timeline and healing phases can help you feel confident throughout the process.
The dental implant process is a multi-stage treatment designed to replace missing teeth with artificial roots (implants) that support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are surgically anchored into the jawbone, making them a permanent solution.
The entire procedure typically spans 3 to 6 months, depending on your bone health, the number of implants, and whether additional treatments like extractions or bone grafts are required.
Many critical steps are involved in placing a dental implant, and understanding this process can help you prepare for the long-term procedure. Let’s review the entire dental implant process step by step.
Timeline: 1 appointment
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with our dental implant expert, Dr. Soumen Chatterjee. He’ll evaluate your medical history, take digital X-rays or 3D scans, and assess the health of your gums and jawbone.
What happens:
Note: If your jawbone is too thin or soft to support an implant, you may need a bone graft, which can extend the overall dental implant process timeline by several weeks to months.
Timeline: Day of extraction + 1–2 weeks healing
If the implant is replacing a damaged or decayed tooth, the dentist must remove it before implant placement. In some cases, the implant can be placed the same day. Otherwise, healing must occur first.
What happens:
Timeline: 3–6 months (only if required)
Bone grafting is necessary when there is not enough bone to support the implant. This is common if the tooth has been missing for a long time or after periodontal disease.
What happens:
Not everyone needs this step, but it’s a key part of the process of dental implants for patients with bone loss.
This is the core step of the dental implant process. Dr. Soumen Chatterjee surgically places a titanium or ceramic post into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root.
What happens:
Healing begins immediately, but full osseointegration (when the implant fuses to the bone) can take 3 to 6 months, depending on your body’s response.
Timeline: 3–6 months
This step is often the longest part of the dental implant process timeline. Your jawbone grows around the implant and anchors it in place.
The healing process for dental implants involves:
During this time, you’ll have follow-up visits to check healing. Once osseointegration is complete, you’re ready for the final phase.
Timeline: 1–2 weeks of healing
The abutment is a small connector that joins the implant to your final crown or denture. This minor procedure is done once the implant is fully stable.
What happens:
In many modern cases, the abutment can be placed simultaneously with the implant, eliminating this step.
Timeline: 2–3 appointments
The final step is the design and placement of your permanent crown, bridge, or denture. It’s custom-made to match your natural teeth in shape, color, and bite.
What happens:
Once in place, your new tooth will look and function just like a natural one.
While the surgery itself is minor and typically painless, the healing process for dental implants is where most of the time is spent. Here’s what to expect:
Tip: Avoid smoking or excessive alcohol during healing, as they can slow integration and increase the risk of failure.
| Stage | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Consultation & Imaging | 1–2 weeks |
| Extraction (if needed) | +2 weeks healing |
| Bone Graft (if needed) | +3–6 months |
| Implant Placement | 1–2 hours |
| Osseointegration | 2–6 months |
| Abutment & Crown Placement | 2–3 appointments |
| Total Timeline | ~3 to 9 months total |
The dental implant process may be lengthy, but it delivers unmatched results: a stable, beautiful smile that can last a lifetime. Unlike bridges or dentures, implants preserve your jawbone, protect neighboring teeth, and restore full chewing power and confidence.
Whether you need one tooth replaced or a full arch restored, the dental implant process is a personalized, step-by-step journey toward permanent tooth replacement.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with a qualified implant provider near you to begin your personalized dental implant process today.
Friendly, happy staff from the moment I walked in. Thorough cleaning with a lot of great info provided.
Everything was great
Thorough exam, explained everything completely, pointed things out in detail and gave honest opinions on results and care.
This place is so great I will pay out of pocket for visits. Tash does an amazing job!
Gracious and willing to fit me in after I was late. Felt welcomed and at ease. Smooth process and informative. Have treatment options and finance as well. Feel relieved and in good hands. Steve
Great experience for routine hygiene appt !!Very knowledgeable hygienist
Well, no one really likes visiting the dentist which is probably why they call and email you to the point you think they are stalking you. Don't blame them. Plus, the dental assistant cheerleads your ... Read More
The staff was very friendly and everything was explained to me so that I could understand what is needed to be done I highly recommend Midwest Dental
I can't believe how great the staff are Laureen n Kerry at the front desk are right on the money, they greet you with a smile and know your name, they give you a warm welcome and they talk to you. Mos... Read More
Dr. Chatterjee is incredible. He never once told me to quit chewing tobacco, but his influence inspired me to do it. Absolutely worth the drive from Verona.
Friendly, happy staff from the moment I walked in. Thorough cleaning with a lot of great info provided.
Thorough exam, explained everything completely, pointed things out in detail and gave honest opinions on results and care.
This place is so great I will pay out of pocket for visits. Tash does an amazing job!
Gracious and willing to fit me in after I was late. Felt welcomed and at ease. Smooth process and informative. Have treatment options and finance as well. Feel relieved and in good hands. Steve
Well, no one really likes visiting the dentist which is probably why they call and email you to the point you think they are stalking you. Don't blame them. Plus, the dental assistant cheerleads your "perfect" teeth then the dentist comes in and says you need 12 cavities filled, 3 crowns, a root canal, invisiline braces and a mouth guard for sleeping at night (that is a bit of an exaggeration 😁) But he does this in a way that at least makes you feel a bit better about it which is nice. The dentist does an excellent job on the teeth too and often helps bring down the cost a bit when possible which helps take the sting out of the whole experience. The staff is also always pleasant. Given the nature of what they do that is got to be a bit of a challenge and the work they put into it is definitely appreciated. It's never easy going to the dentist but they all do a great job making it at least a lot smoother experience, so 5 stars is what I rate them. Thanks Midwest Dental Portage Wisconsin.
The staff was very friendly and everything was explained to me so that I could understand what is needed to be done I highly recommend Midwest Dental
I can't believe how great the staff are Laureen n Kerry at the front desk are right on the money, they greet you with a smile and know your name, they give you a warm welcome and they talk to you. Most places you go to they don't even talk to you it's just tell you to have a seat and they're get to you when they get to you but the staff a Midwest Dental are different it feels like family when you go there and let's not forget Tasha she's the hygienist, she wants the best health for your mouth and will take care of you, talk to you so you can understand what is really going on and I like that,I like Midwest Dental because they have my best care in mind they don't try to push things on you that is not needed or to try to make them money. Everything they do is with your best care in mind and I love that thank you Midwest Dental I'm going to tell everybody about this place because it's wonderful The staff is great the doctor is great I just love going there.
Dr. Chatterjee is incredible. He never once told me to quit chewing tobacco, but his influence inspired me to do it. Absolutely worth the drive from Verona.
