How Long Does a Dental Implant Take?

Thinking about a dental implant can bring up a lot of questions. You may wonder about the procedure, recovery, and, especially, how long the entire process will take. It’s a common question, and understanding the timeline can help you feel more prepared for your personalized dental experience.

Each person’s situation is unique, so there isn’t a single, one-size-fits-all answer. The entire dental implant process typically takes between 5 to 8 months from start to finish, though this can change based on your personal health needs. Let’s break down what that timeline looks like and what you can expect at each step.

The Typical Timeline for a Dental Implant

A dental implant is a multi-step journey to create a durable new tooth. The process is spread out over several months to give your body the time it needs to heal properly. This careful approach helps give your new tooth a strong foundation for the years to come.

The 3 Phases of the Dental Implant Process

Phase 1: Evaluation & Prep Work

Your journey starts with a consultation. We’ll talk about your health and what you hope to achieve with an implant. This may involve a CT scan so we can get a clear view of your jawbone structure.

Sometimes, preparation work is needed before we can place an implant. If a tooth needs to be removed or your jawbone needs a bit of extra support, we handle that here. A bone graft procedure, for instance, can add about 3 to 6 months of healing time before we move to the next phase.

Phase 2: Place the Implant Post

The next step is a procedure to place a small titanium post into your jawbone. This appointment usually takes 1 to 2 hours. This tiny post acts like a new root for your tooth, creating a secure base.

After the post is in place, your jaw needs time to heal. Over the next 3 to 6 months, your bone will naturally fuse with the implant. This process is called osseointegration and is what makes dental implants so stable.

Phase 3: Attach Your New Crown

Once your jaw has fully healed around the post, it’s time to place your new tooth. This final phase often involves two visits a couple of weeks apart. We take an impression of your mouth to create a custom crown that perfectly matches the colour and shape of your other teeth.

When your crown is ready, we securely attach it to the implant post. You can then leave our office with a complete smile. This final touch brings the whole process together.

Factors That Affect Your Implant Timeline

Your Jawbone Health

The health of your jawbone plays a big part in the implant timeline. If a tooth has been missing for a while, the bone in that area may have become thinner or weaker. A bone graft can help rebuild this area and create a solid foundation for the implant.

A bone graft is a common and straightforward procedure. However, it does require its own healing period. This can add a few months to your overall timeline before the implant post can be placed.

Immediate Placement After a Tooth Extraction

In certain situations, it’s possible to shorten the timeline of a dental implant. If your jawbone is healthy and strong, we may be able to place the implant post in the same appointment as a tooth extraction. This is known as immediate placement.

This approach can save you a few months of waiting. During your consultation, we can determine if this is a suitable option for you. It all depends on your individual oral health.

A Note on Same-Day Implants

You may see advertisements for “teeth in a day,” which sounds very appealing. While technology has advanced, the long-term success of an implant often depends on giving it time to heal. For some full-arch restorations, it may be possible to place a full set of temporary teeth in one day, but the post still needs to fuse with your bone without being disturbed by movement.

Rushing this healing phase can affect the stability of the implant. We can discuss all available options with you.

What to Expect During Your Appointments

How Painful Is a Tooth Implant Procedure?

Your comfort is a top priority for us. Before the procedure begins, we use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth completely. You shouldn’t feel pain during the appointment—just some light pressure at times.

We want you to feel as relaxed as possible. We can discuss different options to help you feel at ease from start to finish. We are here to support you throughout your visit.

Do They Put You to Sleep for Dental Implants?

We offer sedation options to help you feel calm and comfortable during your procedure. These can range from mild sedatives that help you relax to deeper methods. Your well-being is important to us.

We can talk about what makes the most sense for you during your consultation. Together, we can find an approach that helps you have a positive experience. Your peace of mind matters.

How to Care for Your New Dental Implant

Lifespan of an Implant & Crown

With the right care, your new implant can last for a very long time. The titanium post itself can last a lifetime because it becomes part of your jaw. The crown—the part you see—also has a long lifespan.

• Crowns: 10 to 15 years
• Implant-Retained Bridges: 5 to 15 years
• Implant-Retained Dentures: 10 to 20 years

Daily Care & Professional Cleanings

Good oral hygiene habits are the key to its longevity. You can help your new tooth last by treating it just like your natural teeth. A simple, consistent routine makes all the difference.

• Brush twice a day and floss daily.
• Avoid chewing on very hard objects like ice or pens.
• Stay hydrated.
• Schedule regular checkups with your dentist for cleanings and exams.

These simple steps can help you enjoy your new smile for years to come. 

Your Path to a New Smile

Your dental health is a gift that we want to help you preserve. Let the team at Generations Dental in Grande Prairie show you how. Book an appointment with our experienced dental team today.