01
Consultation
We start by listening. Your prosthodontist examines your mouth, reviews your imaging and health history, and talks through your goals to confirm implants are the right fit for you.
Dental implants · What to expect
What to expect with dental implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth from the root up. Here’s exactly what the journey looks like — from first consult to final tooth — so you know what to expect before you begin.
How it works
The implant journey, step by step.
Every case is planned before it begins. Here are the six steps most implant patients move through — so nothing about the process is a surprise.
02
Your plan
Before anything begins, we map the whole plan — how many implants, the sequence, the timeline, and the cost — so you understand the path and can decide with confidence.
03
Implant placement
The implant, a small titanium post, is placed in the jawbone during a focused, comfortable procedure. Most patients are surprised how manageable the day turns out to be.
04
Healing
Over the following months the implant fuses with your bone — a process called osseointegration — creating a stable foundation. You won’t go without teeth while you heal.
05
Your new tooth
Once healed, we attach your custom crown, bridge, or denture, matched to your natural teeth, and check the bite. You leave able to eat, speak, and smile again.
06
Follow-up & care
We review the fit and your comfort, then show you how to care for your restoration so it stays healthy and lasts for years.
Good to know
Common questions about dental implants
How long does the dental implant process take?
Most dental implant treatments take several months from start to finish. The longest part is the healing time, when the implant post bonds with the jawbone before the final crown is attached. Your prosthodontist will give you a timeline based on your own mouth at your first visit.
Are dental implants painful?
Most people find the implant placement more comfortable than they expected, and many compare the recovery to a routine dental procedure. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is common and is usually managed with simple care. Your care team will give you clear instructions for staying comfortable.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term replacement for a missing tooth. With good daily care — brushing, flossing, and regular checkups — many implants serve their owners for many years. Your prosthodontist can explain what affects the lifespan of your specific implant.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults in good general health with healthy gums and enough jawbone can be considered for dental implants. If bone has shrunk where a tooth was lost, a bone-building step may come first. The only way to know for certain is an exam with a prosthodontist.
Keep exploring
Related pathways
A few next steps if you want to go deeper before you reach out.
The implant care pathway
See how implant reconstruction is planned and sequenced, step by step.
See the pathwayMeet the doctors
The prosthodontists who plan and place your restorative care.
Meet the doctorsIs full-mouth rehabilitation for you?
A complete, sequenced plan for rebuilding a full mouth — the whole picture.
See the pathway