When you’re considering replacing a missing tooth, one of the most common questions is, “How long does a dental implant procedure take?” Whether you’ve just started your research or have already talked to your dentist, it’s natural to wonder how much time you’ll spend in the dental chair—and when you’ll get to enjoy your new smile.
From the first consultation through healing and receiving your final crown, each step of the dental implant process comes with its own timeline. The full process can take anywhere from a few months to nearly a year, depending on your oral health and what other treatments you may need to restore your smile.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you can expect, how long each stage takes, and what healing feels like, so you can plan for your treatment with confidence.
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Step 1: Planning
The first step of the implant journey is a thorough consultation with one of our dentists. During this appointment, we’ll examine your mouth, take X-rays or scans, and review your medical history. We want to ensure your jawbone is healthy enough to support an implant and that you are a good candidate for the procedure.
If you are, we’ll create a custom treatment plan and explain the next steps.
Estimated time: One appointment, plus 1-2 weeks for planning and scheduling.
Step 2: Preparation
This step may be pretty fast for some patients. If the site where the implant will be placed does not need grafting and the tooth was extracted at least five months ago, you can skip this step and go straight to implant placement.
However, some patients might need a little additional treatment before we can place the implant. The treatments might include a tooth extraction, bone grafting, or treatment for gum disease. For example, you may need a bone graft if your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough to support an implant. After the graft, you’ll need time to heal and grow new bone tissue.
These steps ensure the implant has a strong, healthy foundation and a good chance of success.
Estimated time: 1-6 months, depending on the type of procedure and healing time.
Step 3: Implant Placement
The implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into your jawbone. It acts as a replacement root for your new tooth. Most implants take about 1-2 hours and are done under local anesthesia. Many of our patients report that this step is less uncomfortable than expected!
After the post is in place, the implant needs time to fuse with your jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, ensures that your new tooth will be very stable and last for a long time.
Estimated time: 1-2 hours for placement and 3-6 months for healing.
Step 4: Abutment Placement
We can place the abutment once your implant has healed and integrated with your bone. The abutment is a small connection piece that fits into your implant and holds the crown in place. Placing the abutment is a minor procedure done under local anesthesia. After we place the abutment, the surrounding gum tissue will need time to heal before we add the crown.
Estimated time: 1 hour for placement, 2-3 weeks for healing.
Step 5: Final Crown Placement
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for! After your gums have healed, we will take impressions or make digital scans to create custom crowns that match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
Once your crown is ready, we’ll place it on the abutment, check the fit, and make any final adjustments. The result is a strong, natural-looking tooth that blends in with your beautiful smile.
Estimated time: 2-3 weeks after healing to receive and place the crown.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
So, how long does it take to restore a site with an implant? Typically, the placement of an implant does not take long, but we usually schedule a two-hour appointment to account for the preparations and X-rays.
The entire process of getting dental implants takes around nine months, including the healing, planning, and additional procedures. Your exact timeline will vary depending on:
- Your oral health and bone density
- Whether you need a bone graft or a tooth extraction
- How quickly your body heals after each step
It may take time, but the results are worth it. You could have stable, comfortable, and long-lasting replacement teeth that restore both the function of your teeth and your confident, happy smile.
We’ll Be With You, From Consultation to Final Crown
Dental implants can be a long-term investment in your oral health. The process does take some time, but each step is carefully designed for your comfort and the best possible outcome for your teeth.
Starting this journey can be a big step, but we’ll be with you along the way. The Full Heart Dentistry team will guide you through the implant process with kindness, expertise, and personalized care.
If you’d like to explore the possibility of dental implants and if they are right for you, please call us. We’ll schedule a dental implant consultation and help you take the next steps toward restoring your beautiful smile.
Related: How Long Do Dental Implants Last?