Getting dental implants is a multi-step process that involves planning, surgery, and healing—but the result is a strong, natural-looking replacement that can last a lifetime.
<p class="" data-start="57" data-end="319">Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect from start to finish:</p><hr class="" data-start="321" data-end="324"><h3 class="" data-start="326" data-end="373"><strong data-start="330" data-end="373">1. Initial Consultation and Examination</strong></h3><p class="" data-start="375" data-end="465">Your journey begins with a visit to your dentist or oral surgeon. During this appointment:</p><ul data-start="467" data-end="648"><li class="" data-start="467" data-end="519"><p class="" data-start="469" data-end="519">Your oral health and medical history are reviewed.</p></li><li class="" data-start="520" data-end="586"><p class="" data-start="522" data-end="586">X-rays or 3D scans are taken to evaluate your jawbone structure.</p></li><li class="" data-start="587" data-end="648"><p class="" data-start="589" data-end="648">A customized treatment plan is created based on your needs.</p></li></ul><blockquote data-start="650" data-end="759"><p class="" data-start="652" data-end="759"><em data-start="652" data-end="759">Note: If you have insufficient bone density, your dentist might recommend a bone graft before proceeding.</em></p></blockquote><hr class="" data-start="761" data-end="764"><h3 class="" data-start="766" data-end="805"><strong data-start="770" data-end="805">2. Tooth Extraction (If Needed)</strong></h3><p class="" data-start="807" data-end="1012">If the implant is replacing a damaged or decayed tooth, the dentist will extract it. In some cases, the <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.drteeth.co/dental-services/oral-implantology/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">dental implant</span></a> can be placed the same day as the extraction, but often there's a short healing period first.</p><hr class="" data-start="1014" data-end="1017"><h3 class="" data-start="1019" data-end="1057"><strong data-start="1023" data-end="1057">3. Bone Grafting (If Required)</strong></h3><p class="" data-start="1059" data-end="1293">If your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough to support an implant, a <strong data-start="1129" data-end="1143">bone graft</strong> may be necessary. This procedure strengthens the bone and provides a solid foundation. Healing after grafting can take several weeks to a few months.</p><hr class="" data-start="1295" data-end="1298"><h3 class="" data-start="1300" data-end="1336"><strong data-start="1304" data-end="1336">4. Implant Placement Surgery</strong></h3><p class="" data-start="1338" data-end="1478">Once the jaw is ready, the titanium implant post is surgically inserted into the bone. This step is done under local anesthesia or sedation.</p><ul data-start="1480" data-end="1624"><li class="" data-start="1480" data-end="1519"><p class="" data-start="1482" data-end="1519">The gum is opened to expose the bone.</p></li><li class="" data-start="1520" data-end="1567"><p class="" data-start="1522" data-end="1567">A hole is drilled, and the implant is placed.</p></li><li class="" data-start="1568" data-end="1624"><p class="" data-start="1570" data-end="1624">The gum is stitched closed over or around the implant.</p></li></ul><hr class="" data-start="1626" data-end="1629"><h3 class="" data-start="1631" data-end="1683"><strong data-start="1635" data-end="1683">5. Healing and Osseointegration (3–6 Months)</strong></h3><p class="" data-start="1685" data-end="1922">This phase is critical. It’s when <strong data-start="1719" data-end="1739">osseointegration</strong> occurs—meaning the implant fuses with your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for the artificial tooth. Healing time varies depending on the individual and the implant’s location.</p><hr class="" data-start="1924" data-end="1927"><h3 class="" data-start="1929" data-end="1958"><strong data-start="1933" data-end="1958">6. Abutment Placement</strong></h3><p class="" data-start="1960" data-end="2184">Once the implant is fully fused, a small connector called an <strong data-start="2021" data-end="2033">abutment</strong> is attached to the implant. This step may require reopening the gum slightly, though in some cases, the abutment is placed during the initial surgery.</p><hr class="" data-start="2186" data-end="2189"><h3 class="" data-start="2191" data-end="2233"><strong data-start="2195" data-end="2233">7. Crown Fabrication and Placement</strong></h3><p class="" data-start="2235" data-end="2397">After the gums heal around the abutment, your dentist takes impressions of your mouth to create a custom crown that matches your natural teeth in shape and color.</p><ul data-start="2399" data-end="2528"><li class="" data-start="2399" data-end="2459"><p class="" data-start="2401" data-end="2459">The crown is either cemented or screwed onto the abutment.</p></li><li class="" data-start="2460" data-end="2528"><p class="" data-start="2462" data-end="2528">The final result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.</p></li></ul><hr class="" data-start="2530" data-end="2533"><h3 class="" data-start="2535" data-end="2571"><strong data-start="2539" data-end="2571">8. Follow-Up and Maintenance</strong></h3><p class="" data-start="2573" data-end="2737">Regular checkups are essential to monitor the implant and surrounding gums. With good oral hygiene and routine dental care, your dental implant can last a lifetime.</p><hr class="" data-start="2739" data-end="2742"><h3 class="" data-start="2744" data-end="2766"><strong data-start="2748" data-end="2766">Final Thoughts</strong></h3><p class="" data-start="2768" data-end="3040">Although getting dental implants takes time and commitment, the end result offers unmatched comfort, stability, and aesthetics. If you're considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if you're a good candidate and begin your journey toward a confident, lasting smile.</p>
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