The implant process, start to finish
Knowing the sequence takes most of the uncertainty out of implant treatment. Here is the journey from first consultation to final teeth — and who is with you at each stage.
1 · Consultation & imaging
Understanding your situation
Your first visit covers your health history, an exam, and detailed imaging — including 3D imaging when it helps your surgeon see bone volume and nearby structures such as nerves and sinuses.
You leave this visit knowing whether implants are a sound option for you, what alternatives exist, and what the plan would involve.
2 · Planning
One plan, coordinated across your care team
Your oral surgeon and your restorative dentist agree on the plan together: where implants go, whether grafting is needed, what temporary teeth you will wear, and what the final restoration will be.
This is also when your comfort plan is selected and your estimate and benefits verification are completed — before you commit to anything.
3 · Placement
The surgical visit
The implant is placed in the jaw during a planned surgical visit, using the anesthesia option you chose. If grafting is part of your plan, it may happen at an earlier visit or at the same time as placement.
You go home with written aftercare instructions and a direct way to reach us with questions.
4 · Healing & integration
Letting bone do its work
The implant integrates with your bone during a healing period. How long this takes varies by patient and procedure — your surgeon gives you a personal timeline and checks progress at follow-up visits.
Depending on your plan, you may wear a temporary tooth or appliance during this stage so daily life continues normally.
5 · Final restoration
Completing your teeth
When your surgeon confirms the implant is ready, your restorative dentist takes over to design and attach the final crown, bridge, or arch.
From there, the restoration is cared for like natural teeth — daily hygiene plus regular dental visits — and both offices remain available if questions come up.
Know the sequence, lose the uncertainty.
Knowing the sequence takes most of the uncertainty out of implant treatment — from first consultation and imaging through planning, placement, healing, and the final teeth.
At your consultation, your surgeon maps out your sequence, explains what each stage waits for, and updates you at every follow-up so you always know where you are in the process.
A note on timelines
Why we do not quote a universal timeline
Websites that promise the same schedule to everyone are guessing.
Your timeline depends on whether an extraction or grafting comes first, how your bone heals, how many implants are planned, and the type of final restoration. Two patients with the same missing tooth can follow different schedules for good clinical reasons.
What we can promise: at your consultation your surgeon will map out your sequence, explain what each stage waits for, and update you at every follow-up so you always know where you are in the process.
Related reading
Wondering about bone grafting? See when and why grafting is recommended →
See your own timeline
A consultation with imaging turns this general roadmap into your personal plan.