Your dental implant journey
Once you’ve accepted your treatment plan, what’s next? Take a deep dive into the procedures that may be included in your next steps so you’re prepared for what’s ahead.
Dental implant process
Your treatment plan
Like every smile, no two implant journeys are exactly the same, and neither are treatment plans. While what we recommend for your treatment is based on your unique needs, explore the most commonly recommended procedures for getting your smile back.
Implant procedure pre-work
Before you get your implants placed, we’ll examine your oral health at your consultation. Depending on when you’re ready to get implants, one or more of these procedures may be in your plan to begin your journey.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, preserving your natural teeth is no longer what’s best for your oral health. If a tooth or teeth are experiencing severe tooth decay or gum disease, we may recommend an extraction visit to prepare your mouth for implants.
Periodontal cleaning
As you age, the chance of developing periodontal disease increases due to a variety of potential causes. The good news is your dentist or implant expert can get your gums healthy again with periodontal cleaning so your smile is ready for implants.
Bone grafting
After scanning your smile at your first implant visit, your jaw will be assessed to see if it has enough tissue to support implants. If it doesn’t, your dentist will add bone material to your jaw so your new teeth stay strong and remain in place.
Dental implant procedure
When your mouth is healed from any pre-work, or if you’re eligible for same-day placement, you’re ready for your final implant procedure: inserting dental implants.
Prep your mouth
Create an insertion
Place the implants
Take an impression
Head home with your smile
Your final smile
3 - 4 months after placement
After your jaw has healed for 3 to 4 months, you’ll be ready to finalize your smile. First we’ll take an impression of your healed mouth so we can craft your prosthetic, a crown or denture, to be custom to you.
Then, once your new prosthetic is ready, we’ll have you come in to make sure everything fits and you love your new smile.
Preparing for treatment
What you need to know
Before any procedure, we recommend only consuming liquids or very soft foods, or fasting. For more tips on preparing for your procedures and healing after, explore our Getting Used to Implants resource.
Dental implant procedure FAQs
Have more questions about your procedure? We’ve got you covered.How long does a dental implant procedure take?
Single tooth implants - on average, less than an hour
Multiple implants - on average, up to 2 hours
The time it takes to place dental implants varies based on the number of implants you need. If you’re eligible, you can also get same-day placement if you need tooth extractions.
How are implants connected to my new teeth?
Your natural teeth have what’s known as a tooth root, and implants mimic them by being placed in your jaw. To ensure any new teeth are secure, we either attach them directly to your implant, or to a connector known as an abutment. This keeps your new teeth stable so they feel similar to your natural teeth and give you a higher chewing capacity than dentures. When working with your local team, your Implant Expert or oral surgeon will select an abutment based on aesthetics and your oral health needs.
Can I get a same day implant placement on my first visit?
Same-day implants are a preferred method for care. Treatments vary depending on your unique situation. Speak to your Implant expert about what they recommend for your oral health needs and if you need any pre-work procedures before your implant placement.
How painful are dental implants?
Your comfort is our top priority. We aim to keep you as comfortable as possible during your implant placement procedure. Before your procedure, your Implant expert or dentist will asses your situation and use anesthetics to minimize potential discomfort.
Will I be without teeth while waiting for my final smile?
No. Our goal is to make sure you always have your smile, so while you wait for your custom crown or implant denture, you’ll be provided a healing cap or denture for home use. This ensure that you can smile, speak and eat naturally so your life is never on hold again.
Living with implants
Your new life awaits
Your new smile is in, so what’s next? Explore daily care tips for your implants so they’ll keep you speaking, eating and smiling happily for years to come.
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