How Long Does the Entire Implant Process Take?
If you are considering dental implants, it is helpful to know the timeline. Here is a realistic overview.
The complete dental implant process typically takes 3 to 9 months from start to finish. The timeline depends on several factors.
Typical timeline:
- Consultation and planning (1β2 visits): Exams, X-rays, CT scan, treatment planning
- Tooth extraction (if needed): The tooth is removed; healing time adds 4β8 weeks before implant placement
- Bone graft (if needed): Adds 3β6 months of healing before the implant can be placed
- Implant placement surgery: 1β2 hours for a single implant
- Osseointegration (healing period): 2β6 months for the bone to bond with the implant
- Abutment placement: A short appointment to attach the connector piece
- Crown fabrication and placement: 2β4 weeks for the lab to make the crown
- Final crown delivery: Your new tooth is attached
- Bone quality β dense bone heals faster; soft bone takes longer
- Need for grafting β bone grafting adds 3β6 months
- Immediate placement β if the implant can be placed right after extraction, this saves several weeks
- Location β lower jaw implants often heal faster than upper jaw implants
- Overall health β healing times vary by individual