The complete dental implant process takes 3 to 6 months from start to finish. The actual surgery to place the implant takes only 1 to 2 hours, but you need several months of healing time for the implant to fuse with your jawbone before the final crown can be placed. If bone grafting is required, add another 3 to 4 months to the timeline.
Many patients are surprised to learn that the surgery itself is quick and minimally invasive. As Dr. Eugene Bernstein explains, “If you have enough bone, it takes 15 to 20 minutes for one implant. For multiple implants, it may take around 40 minutes.” The longer timeline accounts for your body’s natural healing process, not time spent in the dental chair.
Dental Implant Timeline: Step by Step
Here is what to expect at each stage of the dental implant process:
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Planning
Duration: 1 appointment (45 minutes to 1 hour)
Your dentist examines your mouth, reviews your medical history, and takes digital X-rays or 3D cone beam CT scans. These images show your bone structure, nerve locations, and sinus position to plan precise implant placement. You will discuss your options and receive a treatment plan with a cost estimate.
Step 2: Preparatory Procedures (If Needed)
Duration: Adds 3 to 4 months if bone grafting is required
Some patients need tooth extractions or bone grafting before implant placement. If you need a bone graft, the graft material must heal and integrate with your existing bone before the implant can be placed. This adds several months to the overall timeline but creates a strong foundation for long-term success.
Step 3: Implant Placement Surgery
Duration: 1 to 2 hours for surgery, then 3 to 6 months of healing
The titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia, and most patients report less discomfort than with a tooth extraction. After surgery, you enter the healing phase where the implant fuses with your bone through a process called osseointegration. Lower jaw implants typically heal in 3 months; upper jaw implants take 4 to 5 months due to softer bone.
Step 4: Abutment Placement
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour, minor procedure
Once the implant has fully integrated with your bone, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached. This is a minor procedure that may involve opening the gum tissue to expose the implant. Your gums need about 2 weeks to heal around the abutment before the final crown is placed.
Step 5: Final Crown Placement
Duration: 1 to 2 appointments over 2 weeks
Impressions are taken of your mouth to create a custom crown that matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. The final crown is attached to the abutment, completing your new tooth. Once placed, you can use your implant just like a natural tooth.
How Long Does the Implant Surgery Itself Take?
The actual time in the dental chair for implant placement is much shorter than most people expect:
Single implant: 15 to 30 minutes of actual surgical time, plus preparation and recovery in the office (about 1 hour total)
Multiple implants: 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how many implants are placed
Full mouth (All on 4): 2 to 4 hours for the complete procedure
Dr. Bernstein notes that implant placement is often less invasive than tooth extraction. Most patients are surprised at how quickly and comfortably the procedure goes.
Why Does the Healing Process Take So Long?
The 3 to 6-month healing period is essential for implant success. During this time, your body goes through a process called osseointegration, where the bone grows around and fuses with the titanium implant post.
This fusion is what makes dental implants so strong and long-lasting. The implant essentially becomes part of your jawbone, providing a stable foundation that can support chewing forces for decades.
Rushing this process can lead to implant failure. If a crown is placed before the implant has fully integrated, the forces of chewing can cause the implant to loosen or fail. The healing time is an investment in the long-term success of your restoration.
Dr. Bernstein explains the healing timeline: “On the lower jaw, it takes about two and a half to three months. We recommend waiting at least three months. On the upper jaw, it takes a bit longer, around four to five months. In some cases, with softer bone, we recommend waiting six months.”
What If You Need a Bone Graft?
If you have insufficient bone to support an implant, bone grafting can rebuild your jaw. This adds time to the overall process but makes implants possible for patients who otherwise would not be candidates.
Minor bone graft: Sometimes a small graft can be done at the same time as implant placement, adding no extra healing time.
Standard bone graft: Requires 3 to 4 months of healing before the implant can be placed.
Major bone graft or sinus lift: May require 4 to 6 months of healing before proceeding with implant placement.
Can You Get Dental Implants in One Day?
You may have seen advertising for same-day implants or teeth in a day. Here is what this actually means:
Same-day implants, also called immediate load implants, involve placing the implant and attaching a temporary crown on the same day. This is possible for some patients who have excellent bone quality and density. However, the temporary crown is later replaced with a permanent crown after the implant has fully healed.
For full mouth restorations like All on 4, patients can leave the office with a full set of temporary teeth on the same day as surgery. The permanent prosthesis is placed after healing is complete.
Not everyone is a candidate for same-day implants. Your dentist will evaluate your bone quality and overall situation to determine the safest and most effective approach. For most patients, the traditional timeline produces the best long-term results.
How Many Appointments Will You Need?
A typical dental implant case requires 4 to 6 appointments spread over several months:
Appointment 1: Consultation, examination, and treatment planning
Appointment 2: Implant placement surgery (and bone graft if needed)
Appointment 3: Follow-up check during healing (1 to 2 weeks after surgery)
Appointment 4: Abutment placement (after healing is complete)
Appointment 5: Impressions for final crown
Appointment 6: Final crown placement
Some of these appointments may be combined depending on your specific case. Your dentist will provide a personalized treatment schedule.
Dental Implant Treatment in Newark, NJ
At Gentle Dental of NJ, we guide you through each stage of the implant process with clear communication and gentle care. Our experienced team uses advanced technology to make treatment as efficient and comfortable as possible.
What to expect at our practice:
Experienced Team: Dr. Eugene Bernstein has been placing dental implants for over 24 years with a 98% success rate.
Advanced Technology: 3D cone beam CT imaging ensures precise treatment planning and optimal implant placement.
All Services Under One Roof: Our periodontist handles bone grafting and complex cases right here in our office.
Flexible Scheduling: Evening and Saturday appointments available to fit your schedule.
Bilingual Staff: Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese to serve Newark’s diverse community.
Schedule a consultation to learn about your implant timeline. We will evaluate your specific situation and provide a clear treatment plan with realistic expectations. Call 973-817-8888 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a single tooth implant take?
A single tooth implant takes 3 to 6 months from placement to final crown. The surgery itself takes about 1 hour. If bone grafting is needed, add 3 to 4 months to the timeline.
How long does it take to recover from dental implant surgery?
Most patients return to normal activities within 1 to 2 days after implant surgery. Any discomfort typically subsides within a few days with over-the-counter pain medication. Full healing of the bone takes 3 to 6 months, but this does not prevent you from working or doing daily activities.
Can dental implants be done in one visit?
Some patients qualify for same-day implants, where a temporary crown is placed immediately after surgery. However, the implant still needs months to fully heal before a permanent crown is placed. Most patients require multiple visits over several months for the best long-term results.
How long after extraction can I get an implant?
In some cases, an implant can be placed immediately after extraction. More commonly, the extraction site needs 2 to 3 months to heal before implant placement. Your dentist will recommend the best timing based on your specific situation.
How many days off work do I need for dental implants?
Most patients take 1 to 2 days off work after implant surgery. Some return to work the same day for desk jobs. If you have a physically demanding job, your dentist may recommend a few more days of light activity. Schedule a consultation to discuss what to expect for your specific situation.