The dental implant procedure, explained.

Phase 1: Planning. We start with a comprehensive exam, digital scans, and a CBCT (3D X-ray) of the area. This lets us evaluate bone quality and quantity, identify nerve and sinus locations, and plan the exact implant position before any surgery. Some cases need bone grafting first to build up the site — we’ll let you know honestly if that applies.

Phase 2: Placement. The implant placement is an outpatient surgical procedure done in our office. We use local anesthesia (and sedation if you want it). A small incision in the gum, a precisely angled hole into the bone, the titanium implant placed, and the gum sutured closed. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is.

Phase 3: Healing. The implant needs three to six months for the bone to grow into and bond with the titanium surface (a process called osseointegration). During this time, you wear a temporary tooth replacement if it’s in a visible area. The implant itself is invisible — nothing is poking out of your gum.

Phase 4: Restoration. Once the implant is fully integrated, we attach an abutment (a small connector) and place the final crown, bridge, or denture attachment on top. This phase usually takes two to three short visits and is comfortable and uneventful.

Total time from start to finished tooth is usually four to nine months, depending on healing and complexity. We pace it carefully — rushing osseointegration is the most common cause of implant failure.