How Long Does A Dental Implant Procedure Take?

Missing teeth can impact everything—from your confidence to how you chew your favorite foods. Dental implants have quickly become the gold standard for replacing lost teeth, but one common question remains: “How long does a dental implant procedure really take?”

Here’s the truth—it’s not an instant fix, but it’s definitely worth the wait.

Let’s walk through the complete timeline of getting dental implants, from consultation to the final crown, so you know exactly what to expect.

Unpacking The Dental Implant Timeline—Step by Step

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Planning (1–2 Weeks)

Before anything happens, a dentist or oral surgeon needs to evaluate your oral health. This includes:

• Dental X-rays or 3D scans
• Review of medical history
• Gum health check
• Bone density evaluation

If your jawbone is too thin or soft, you might need a bone graft—more on that in a moment.

During this time, the dentist will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your mouth and timeline.

Step 2: Bone Grafting (If Needed) (3–6 Months Healing)

Not everyone needs this step, but if your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support a dental implant, you may require a bone graft. This helps build a solid foundation for the implant post.

Healing Time: After a graft, your body needs time to grow new bone tissue. This healing phase can take 3 to 6 months, depending on the type of graft and individual healing speed.

Step 3: Implant Placement (1–2 Hours)

Once your jaw is ready, a dentist surgically places the titanium implant post into the bone. This acts as the root for your future artificial tooth.

The procedure itself usually takes 1 to 2 hours per implant, and you’ll be under local anesthesia or sedation for comfort.

You’ll go home with a healing cap over the implant and will need time for the next critical phase: osseointegration.

Step 4: Osseointegration (3–6 Months)

Osseointegration is the body’s natural process of fusing the implant with your jawbone. This creates the strong, stable base dental implants are known for.

This step can’t be rushed—it typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on your health, age, and bone quality.

Step 5: Abutment & Crown Placement (2–3 Weeks)

After the implant has fully integrated, dentists will attach a small connector called an abutment to the implant. This is what holds the dental crown.

Then comes the final phase: the custom-made crown. It’s designed to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color.

Once placed, it’s game over for that gap in your smile—you’re back in action with a functional, natural-looking tooth!

Why The Wait is Worth It

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, over 3 million people in the U.S. have dental implants, and that number is growing by 500,000 annually—proof of the treatment’s popularity and success.

Aftercare and Maintenance (Ongoing)

Although the physical procedure ends with the crown placement, the care doesn’t stop. Maintaining your dental implants in Hickory means:

• Brushing and flossing daily
• Regular dental check-ups
• Avoiding hard or sticky foods
• Quitting smoking, which can hinder healing

With proper care, your implant can last 20 years or more, making it a smart long-term investment.

Overall Timeline: Anywhere from 5 to 9 months—longer if bone grafting is involved.

Yes, getting dental implants takes time—but what you get in return is a durable, natural-looking solution that can outlast bridges or dentures. Think of it as an investment not just in your smile, but in your overall oral health and self-confidence.

So, if you’re ready to replace that missing tooth, talk to our dentist and map out a timeline that works for you. It’s not a race—it’s a transformation. And it’s totally worth it.