If you want a clear walkthrough of what to expect, this guide explains the dental implants step by step procedure. You’ll learn what implants are, the typical timeline from planning to final crown, what happens during surgery, common extra procedures that can change timing, and how to care for your new implant as it heals.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once the bone fuses to the implant, it becomes a stable base for a crown, bridge, or denture. Patients choose implants for a natural look, better chewing, and to stop nearby teeth from shifting.
The dental implants step by step procedure
Most implant treatments follow a multi-stage path: exam and planning, surgical placement of the implant, a healing period while bone fuses (osseointegration), and a restorative phase to attach the abutment and final prosthetic. Total time varies from a few weeks (same-day options) to several months depending on bone health and extra procedures.
Pre-operative evaluation and planning
Comprehensive exam and medical history
A dentist reviews your mouth, gums, bite, and medical history to check conditions that affect healing (like diabetes or smoking). This step finds infections or gum disease that must be treated first and helps set realistic expectations for timing and outcomes.
Imaging and digital planning
2D x-rays, 3D scans, and intraoral digital impressions map bone volume and nerve locations. Virtual planning picks the best implant size and position and can create a surgical guide to place the implant precisely, reducing surprises during surgery.
Surgical placement — step by step
Any necessary extractions
If a damaged tooth needs removal, the dentist will extract it gently. Sometimes the implant is placed during the same visit; other times the site is allowed to heal before implant placement.
Placing the implant
A small incision in the gum exposes bone, the site is prepared with a series of drills, and the titanium implant is screwed into place. The gum is closed with sutures. Procedures are done with local anesthesia and optional nitrous for comfort.
Immediate vs. delayed placement
Some patients get a temporary crown the same day (immediate loading) when stability and bone allow. Others follow a healing-first approach where the implant sits undisturbed for weeks to months before restoring to ensure strong osseointegration.
Healing and osseointegration
Bone typically fuses to the implant over 3–6 months, sometimes faster or slower depending on health and grafting. Normal healing includes mild swelling and soreness that fades in days. Follow-up visits check integration and look for signs of infection or complications.
Restorative phase: abutment and final restoration
Once integrated, an abutment connects the implant to a crown, bridge, or denture. Impressions or digital scans capture the exact fit. With an on-site digital lab and CAD/CAM tech, some practices can deliver precise same-day final restorations; otherwise, a lab will craft the final piece for later placement.
Additional procedures that can alter the steps
Bone grafting, sinus lifts, or ridge augmentation add time and steps when bone volume is low. These procedures may require months of healing before implant placement. Your dentist will explain alternatives and timelines during planning.
Risks, recovery expectations, and aftercare
Common side effects are swelling, minor bleeding, and soreness for a few days. Call your dentist for severe pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or signs of infection. Pain control includes NSAIDs and short-term prescriptions if needed. Keep the site clean, avoid smoking, and attend follow-ups to ensure success.
Why choose Lakeview Comprehensive Dentistry for implants?
Lakeview Comprehensive Dentistry offers a 90-minute comprehensive exam with TMJ, periodontal, and ultra low-dose 2D/3D imaging plus intraoral photography to guide decisions. Their fully digital on-site lab (scanning, CAD/CAM, milling, and 3D printing) supports precise same-day final restorations. With sedation options, strict sterilization, and decades serving Lake County, Lakeview combines advanced tech and a relationship-first approach to deliver predictable implant outcomes.
Getting evaluated for dental implants
To get started, book a consult for the 90-minute comprehensive exam. Expect imaging, a review of your medical history, and a clear treatment plan with timing and financing options like CareCredit and Proceed Finance. If implants are right for you, the team will explain each step and schedule care that fits your needs.