A single dental implant may take about one to two hours to place. However, the full dental implant process usually takes much longer.
For many patients, the process takes about three to nine months from the first exam to the final crown. It may take longer if you need a tooth extraction, bone graft, or extra healing time.
The exact timeline is different for every patient. Your bone health, gum health, medical history, and the number of implants can all affect the process.
At Green California Dental Group, we provide dental implant treatment for patients in Burbank and Glassell Park near Eagle Rock. A consultation is the best way to get a timeline based on your needs.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Usually Take?
The implant surgery itself is often the shortest part of the process.
The longer part is the healing period. The implant needs time to join with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration.
A general timeline may look like this:
| Stage | General Timeline |
|---|---|
| Consultation and imaging | One visit |
| Tooth extraction, if needed | Same day or a separate visit |
| Bone grafting, if needed | May add several months |
| Implant placement | About one to two hours for one implant |
| Healing and bone integration | Often several months |
| Abutment and final crown | One or more follow-up visits |
These are general estimates. Your dentist will explain what applies to your case.
Step 1: Dental Implant Consultation
The first step is a dental implant consultation.
Your dentist will examine your mouth and review your health history. X-rays or 3D imaging may also be used to check the jawbone and plan the implant position.
The dentist will look at:
- The amount of bone in the area
- The health of your gums
- The location of nearby teeth
- Your bite
- Any signs of infection
- Your medical history and medications
This visit helps the dentist decide if you can move straight to implant placement or if another step is needed first.
Step 2: Tooth Extraction, If Needed
Some patients already have a missing tooth. Others still have a damaged or infected tooth that needs to be removed.
In some cases, the tooth can be removed and the implant can be placed during the same visit. This is called immediate implant placement.
In other cases, the area needs time to heal before the implant is placed. This may be needed if there is infection, bone loss, or damage around the tooth.
Your dentist will decide which option is safer for you.
Step 3: Bone Grafting, If Needed
A dental implant needs enough strong bone for support.
If the jawbone is too thin or weak, your dentist may recommend bone grafting. A graft helps rebuild the area so it can support an implant.
Bone grafting can add several months to the full dental implant timeline. The area needs time to heal and form new bone before the implant can be placed.
Not every patient needs a bone graft. Imaging during the consultation will help the dentist decide.
Step 4: Dental Implant Placement
During implant placement, the dentist places a small implant post into the jawbone. This post acts like an artificial tooth root.
The area is numbed before treatment. A single implant placement may take about one to two hours, but the time can vary.
The appointment may take longer if:
- More than one implant is being placed
- A bone graft is done at the same time
- A tooth is removed during the visit
- The case is more complex
After the implant is placed, the gums are closed or shaped around the area. You will receive instructions for eating, cleaning, and managing discomfort.
How Painful Is Getting a Dental Implant?
Most patients are numb during implant placement. This means you should not feel sharp pain during the procedure.
You may feel pressure, movement, or vibration. These feelings are normal.
After the numbness wears off, mild soreness and swelling are common. The amount of discomfort depends on the number of implants and whether an extraction or bone graft was also done.
For many patients, discomfort is strongest during the first few days and then starts to improve.
Call your dentist if pain gets worse instead of better, or if you notice fever, pus, heavy bleeding, severe swelling, or implant movement.
Are You Put to Sleep for Dental Implants?
Most dental implants can be placed with local anesthesia. This numbs the treatment area while you remain awake.
Some patients may also receive sedation. Sedation can help if you are very nervous, having several implants placed, or having a more complex procedure.
Options may include:
- Local anesthesia
- Oral sedation
- Nitrous oxide
- IV sedation in certain cases
You are not always put fully to sleep for dental implant surgery. Your dentist will recommend an option based on your treatment and comfort level.
Step 5: Healing and Osseointegration
After placement, the implant needs time to join with the jawbone.
This process is called osseointegration. It creates a strong base for the final crown.
Healing often takes several months. The exact time depends on:
- Bone quality
- Implant location
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Gum health
- Medical conditions
- How well the area is cared for
You may feel normal long before the implant is fully joined with the bone. Feeling better does not mean healing is complete.
Your dentist will check the implant before placing the final tooth.
How Long Does Jaw Pain Last After a Dental Implant?
Mild jaw soreness is common for a few days after implant surgery.
You may also notice swelling, tenderness, or minor bruising. These symptoms should slowly improve.
The amount of soreness may be greater if you had:
- Several implants placed
- A tooth extraction
- A bone graft
- A longer procedure
Contact the dental office if pain is severe, lasts longer than expected, or becomes worse after it first starts to improve.
Step 6: Abutment and Final Crown Placement
Once the implant is stable, the next step is to attach the replacement tooth.
A small connector called an abutment may be placed on top of the implant. The final crown is then made to match your nearby teeth.
This stage may require more than one visit. The dentist may take scans or impressions so the crown fits your bite.
The final crown is placed after the dentist confirms that the implant is ready.
Can Dental Implants Be Fitted in One Day?
Some patients may be able to receive an implant and a temporary tooth on the same day.
This is often called a same-day implant or immediate-load implant.
However, this does not mean the implant is fully healed in one day. The implant still needs time to join with the jawbone.
Same-day treatment may depend on:
- Strong bone support
- Good implant stability
- Healthy gums
- No major infection
- The location of the missing tooth
- Your bite and chewing forces
A temporary tooth may be placed first. The final crown is often added after healing.
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can You Get an Implant?
The timing depends on the condition of the tooth and bone.
There are three common options:
- Immediate placement: The implant is placed during the extraction visit.
- Early placement: The area heals for a short period before implant surgery.
- Delayed placement: The area heals for several months first.
Immediate placement is not right for everyone. Infection, bone loss, and gum damage may require more healing time.
What Can Make the Dental Implant Process Take Longer?
Some patients finish treatment faster than others.
The process may take longer if you need:
- A tooth extraction
- Bone grafting
- Sinus lifting
- Treatment for gum disease
- Treatment for an infection
- Several implants
- More healing time due to health conditions
Smoking can also slow healing and lower the chance of implant success. Your dentist may recommend stopping before and after treatment.
What Can Affect Your Eligibility for Dental Implants?
Many adults can qualify for dental implants. Some health or dental issues may need to be treated first.
Factors that may affect treatment include:
- Active gum disease
- Severe bone loss
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Heavy smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Active infection
- Certain medications or health conditions
These issues do not always mean you cannot get an implant. They may simply change the plan or timeline.
Which Is Worse: Tooth Extraction or Implant Placement?
There is no single answer for every patient.
A simple extraction may be faster than implant placement. A difficult extraction may cause more soreness.
Implant placement is planned and done under anesthesia. Many patients report that recovery is easier than they expected.
The amount of discomfort depends on the tooth, bone, procedure, and your own healing.
Dental Implants in Burbank
Green California Dental Group provides dental implant consultations and treatment at our Burbank dental office.
If you have a missing tooth or a tooth that may need to be removed, our team can examine the area and explain the expected timeline.
Your plan may include extraction, bone grafting, implant placement, healing, and the final crown.
Dental Implants in Glassell Park Near Eagle Rock
We also provide implant care at our Glassell Park dental office near Eagle Rock.
This office serves patients from Glassell Park, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Atwater Village, and nearby Los Angeles areas.
Our team can review your bone health, gum health, and treatment goals to give you a more accurate timeline.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
A dental implant may take several months from start to finish, but much of that time is spent healing.
The actual implant placement may take only one to two hours. The final timeline depends on whether you need an extraction, bone grafting, or extra healing time.
Learn more about dental implants at Green California Dental Group.
Schedule a consultation at our Burbank or Glassell Park office to receive a treatment plan based on your teeth, jawbone, and overall health.