How long does the dental implant process take?
The dental implant process can take a few months to over a year, depending on your oral health and care needs. However, every person’s journey is different.
Your timeline may vary based on factors such as bone strength, healing time, and whether any preparatory treatments like bone grafting are required.
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The step-by-step dental implant process
Getting implants isn’t just one appointment — it’s a step-by-step process that restores your smile with care and precision:
Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Scan
Your journey starts with a relaxed one-on-one consultation. We’ll assess your oral health, take a 3D scan and discuss your goals. Everything’s done on the day — no extra visits or waiting for results. You’ll also get a guided tour of the clinic so you can feel right at home.
Stage 2: Personalised Treatment Plan
Using your scan and clinical data, we’ll design a custom plan tailored to your needs. This includes planning the ideal position for each implant so your new teeth feel natural, function properly and look just right in your smile.
Stage 3: Pre-Surgery Preparations (If Needed)
Some patients may require procedures such as extractions, bone grafting or a sinus lift before implant surgery. These create a strong foundation for your new tooth or teeth. Healing times vary, but we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect.
Stage 4: Implant Placement Surgery
The implant is gently inserted into the jawbone under sedation, helping you feel relaxed and comfortable. The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours per implant. In most cases, we place a temporary tooth immediately after to keep your smile intact while you heal.
Stage 5: Healing and Bone Integration
Over the next few months, your implant naturally bonds with your jawbone — a process called osseointegration. This step is key to long-term success, and we’ll support your healing every step of the way with regular check-ins and personalised care.
Stage 6: Abutment Placement
Once healing is complete, we place a small connector called an abutment. This links your implant to your future tooth. Most people heal within two weeks, and our team is here to answer questions and offer support throughout this period.
Stage 7: Final Tooth Placement
At this final step, we attach your permanent crown, bridge or denture. It’s designed to match your smile and feel just like natural teeth. Once everything fits perfectly, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new smile.
What could delay the implant process?
Several factors can delay the timeline of the dental implant process, including:
- Bone Density: If your jawbone isn’t strong enough, a bone graft may be needed before placing the implant. This can extend the timeline by a few months.
- Gum Health: Gum disease must be treated first, as healthy gums are essential for the implant to stay stable and secure.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders may affect healing time. Some medications, like those for osteoporosis, may also affect the process.
- Extra Procedures: In some cases, extractions or a sinus lift are completed first, which may lengthen the overall process.
- Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, poor diet, or inadequate oral care can slow healing. Your dentist may suggest quitting smoking before starting.
- Infections or Complications: Post-surgery issues and infections need to be addressed before moving forward, which may cause delays.
- Healing Time: Everyone heals differently. Age, health, and your body’s natural recovery speed all play a role in how long things take.
How can I help my body heal faster?
Every small effort helps make your recovery smoother and safer. Faster healing helps you complete each stage of the dental implant process more quickly, reducing the time for each stage.
While the healing process can vary, you can support your healing by:
- Eating soft, nutritious foods
- Keeping your mouth clean with gentle brushing
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol
- Attending all follow-up visits
- Following your dentist’s care instructions carefully
Discover what’s possible with dental implants
The journey with dental implants can be gradual, and every smile is unique. Implants can be a wonderful way to replace missing teeth and support your oral health over time.
At FoX Implant Centre, we’re dedicated to supporting you with personalised care. Reach out today for a free consultation — we’re excited to help you take that first step.
FAQ
Whether you’re getting a single implant or a full mouth dental implant, the process can take 3 to 6 months, depending on your unique needs. Healing time is important to ensure the implants bond well with your jawbone. We’ll guide you through each step, and in many cases, temporary teeth are placed early so you won’t go without a smile.
The timeline usually includes: your consultation and scans, implant placement, healing (3–6 months), then placement of your custom teeth. Everyone’s journey is slightly different, but we’ll build a clear plan just for you and present all the possible payment options — so you always know what’s happening and feel supported from start to finish.
First, we assess your needs with scans and create a personalised treatment plan. Next comes implant placement, followed by healing time for the bone to integrate. Once you’re ready, your permanent, natural-looking teeth are fitted. Throughout the process, our friendly team is here to guide and support you — including help with accessing your superannuation if you’re eligible.
No need to worry — in most cases, we provide temporary teeth during the healing stage so you can continue to eat, speak and smile. These are carefully fitted after your surgery and are replaced with your final teeth once your implants have fully healed and integrated with the bone.
Some patients are eligible for same-day or immediate-load implants, where temporary teeth are placed on the same day as surgery. This depends on your oral health and bone condition. We’ll let you know if this is suitable for you after your consultation and detailed assessment.
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