Dental Implant Procedure Step-by-Step: What to Expect

Reviewed by Dr. Thien-Thao Le, DDS, MD

Reading time: three minutes

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. Still, many patients feel uncertain about the process itself. Understanding what happens at each stage can make your treatment smoother and less stressful.

Below, our oral surgeons walk you through the dental implant procedure step-by-step—from surgery and healing to final restoration.

Table of Contents

• How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
• Step-by-Step Dental Implant Procedure
• Recovery and Aftercare
• Attaching the Abutment and Crown
• Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Boulder, CO
• FAQs

How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?

Most single-tooth implant surgeries take about 1–2 hours, including sedation and preparation. But the entire process unfolds over several months to ensure lasting stability.

Here’s what to expect:

• Surgery: 1–2 hours for implant placement.
• Healing (osseointegration): 3–6 months for the bone to fuse securely to the implant.
• Final restoration: You return to your dentist for the final restoration. It usually takes 1–2 appointments to attach the abutment and crown.

The timeline can vary depending on factors like bone quality, whether a bone graft is needed, and how quickly your body heals.

Step-by-Step Dental Implant Procedure

Before surgery begins, your oral surgeon will complete a thorough evaluation to ensure your jawbone is healthy enough to support an implant. This includes 3D imaging (CBCT scan) and a review of your medical history. 

If the bone is too thin or soft, a bone graft may be recommended beforehand to build up the area and create a strong, stable foundation. Once your mouth has healed and is ready, your implant surgery can proceed as planned.

Most people having dental implant surgery will also receive anesthesia such as nitrous oxide, IV moderate sedation, or IV deep sedation. The type of sedation used will be determined by your oral surgeon and will be discussed with you before the surgery. 

Here’s how the surgical phase typically proceeds:

1. Gum incision: A small opening is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone.
2. Implant placement: A titanium post is carefully positioned in the jawbone, replacing the missing root.
3. Healing cap placement: A small cover is attached to protect the implant and prevent debris from entering the site.
4. Sutures: The gum tissue is gently stitched closed around the cap.

The entire procedure is typically completed in about one to two hours.

Recovery and Aftercare

Some swelling, soreness, or minor bleeding is normal in the first few days. Follow your post-surgery instructions closely to promote healing and protect the implant site.

Here’s a simple guide for recovery:

1. Apply ice packs to minimize swelling
2. Take prescribed medication as directed
3. Eat soft foods and avoid hot beverages for several days
4. Avoid tobacco products for at least 4 weeks to protect healing bone
5. Brush and floss normally but avoid the surgical site
6. Rinse with Chlorhexidine mouth rinse morning and night
7. Use warm saltwater rinses after meals for gentle cleaning

Regular follow-ups allow your surgeon to monitor bone integration and ensure everything heals properly.

Attaching the Abutment and Crown

Once the implant has fully fused to your jawbone, you will return for the second phase of treatment:

1. Healing cap removal: The surgeon reopens the gum to remove the healing cap.
2. Abutment placement: A small connector post is secured to the implant.
3. Gum healing: The tissue heals around the abutment over 1–2 weeks.
4. Crown attachment: Your dentist fabricates and attaches a custom dental crown that matches your natural teeth.

When finished, your dental implant will look, feel, and function just like a real tooth, providing lasting comfort and confidence.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Boulder, CO

Dental implants are a lifelong investment in your oral health and confidence. At Foley & Le, we make every step of your implant procedure as comfortable and precise as possible.

To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.

FAQs