The Dental Implant Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about getting a dental implant, but not sure what the process involves?

Dental implants are one of the most effective, long-lasting solutions for missing teeth. But because they involve a few steps (and a bit of patience), it’s important to understand what the full journey looks like before you begin.

Tend aims to make every part of your implant experience as stress-free as possible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from your first consultation to the moment you bite into your favorite food again with confidence.

But first, let's start with the basics.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone, where it acts as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. It is used to support tooth restoration options, such as crowns and bridges. Together, the implant and the restoration look and function much like a natural tooth.

Dental implants are strong, stable, and designed to last decades. This makes them one of the most trusted methods of tooth replacement.

The benefits of dental implants to replace missing teeth

Tend Wall Street lead dentist Dr. Angela Abernathy notes that missing a tooth can impact the mouth and the body in multiple ways. When the front teeth are missing, it’s hard to bite into food, while missing back teeth makes it harder to grind food up sufficiently.

“If food isn’t properly processed, it can lead to GI issues as well as other issues with different body systems,” Dr. Abernathy says. “Additionally, the remaining teeth can become worn and fractured as a result of chewing compensation. They may even shift out of place, and cause bite and jaw issues.”

“Teeth are important for chewing food, but they also help support the structure of your face, cheeks and lips,” Dr. Abernathy adds. “When teeth are missing, the cheeks and lips lose their natural support and begin to collapse inward. Your face will start to look sunken in, and appear older.” By preserving the underlying bone and filling the gaps left by missing teeth, implants help keep your facial profile full and youthful.

One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they help preserve your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area no longer receives the stimulation it needs from chewing. Over time, that bone naturally begins to shrink, which can weaken the jaw and affect neighboring teeth.

Because implants are anchored directly into the bone, they act much like natural tooth roots, keeping the jawbone stimulated and preventing this loss. This makes implants unique compared to other tooth replacement options, which rest on top of the gums and can’t provide the same level of support.

The dental implant process step-by-step

Now that we’ve reviewed what implants are, and why they’re an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth, let’s get into the dental implant process.

Step 1: The Consultation

Your dental implant journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with a Tend dentist. During this visit, your dentist will determine if implants are the right solution for you and develop your treatment plan. They will start by reviewing your medical and dental history to understand any health factors that could affect healing.

They’ll also take detailed X-rays or 3D scans to get a clear view of your jawbone, teeth, and surrounding structures. These images help your dentist see if there’s enough healthy bone to hold an implant securely and if your gums are in good condition to support treatment.

If the scans show that your jawbone is thin or weak in certain areas, your dentist may recommend pre-treatments such as bone grafting or a sinus lift to create a stable foundation (more on this in Step 2). In addition, they’ll examine your bite (how your teeth fit together) since proper alignment is important for long-term implant success.

The consultation is also your chance to ask questions and talk about your personal goals for treatment. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch, your dentist will explain your options and outline a personalized treatment plan.

By the end of the visit, you’ll have a clear understanding of the steps ahead, the estimated timeline, and the expected results, so you can move forward with confidence.

In summary, here is what to expect during your consultation:

• Oral Examination: Evaluation of your teeth and gums.
• Review X-rays, CT Scans or 3D Imaging: Detailed images to check bone density quality.
• Discussion: Treatment options, including dental implant bridges and mini dental implants. Review medical history, current medications, ask questions and discuss your goals.
• Treatment Plan: Tailored to your specific needs and oral hygiene habits.

Step 2: Pre-Treatment (If Needed)

Not everyone is ready for dental implants right away. Your dentist may recommend certain pre-treatments to make sure your mouth and jaw are healthy enough to support an implant for the long term.

One of the most common is bone grafting, which helps rebuild areas of the jawbone that have thinned or shrunk after tooth loss. A strong, stable jawbone is essential because the implant needs to fuse securely with it. Sometimes a sinus lift (a bone graft for the upper jaw) may be needed for implants in the upper back teeth, where the bone is naturally thinner.

For a minor bone graft, healing may take about 3 - 4 months before the implant can be placed. Larger grafts may require 6 months or more. A sinus lift usually adds a similar amount of time, often 4 - 9 months, depending on how much bone needs to be added and how your body heals.

Other possible pre-treatments include tooth extractions, if a damaged tooth still needs to be removed before the implant can be placed, or gum disease therapy, to treat any inflammation or infection in the gums.

These steps add extra time to the dental implant treatment plan, but they help create the right foundation, ensuring your implants are not only immediately successful, but also long-lasting.

Step 3: Dental Implant Surgery

This is the big moment: the titanium implant is placed into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure.

On the day of your surgery, your dentist will begin by numbing the area where the implant will be placed with local anesthesia. Once you’re comfortable, a small opening is made in the gum to expose the jawbone. A precise space is then created in the bone, and the implant post is gently placed into this spot. The post is positioned at the right angle and depth to act like a natural tooth root.

After the implant is secured, the gum is closed around it with a few small stitches to protect the site while it heals. The entire procedure is typically completed in under an hour for a single implant.

What to expect directly after dental implant surgery

After the procedure, you’ll leave with clear aftercare instructions from your dentist. These often include advice for sticking to a soft-food diet for the first week, how to keep the surgical site clean, and recommendations to avoid habits like smoking that can slow healing. Your dental team will also schedule follow-up visits to check your progress.

It’s normal to feel some mild soreness, swelling, or bruising in the first few days after implant surgery. These symptoms are part of the healing process and usually improve quickly with rest, prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication, and ice packs. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within a day or two, though it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days.

Step 4: Osseointegration and Healing

Once your implant is in place, healing begins. This happens via the process of osseointegration.

Osseointegration is when your jawbone fuses with the dental implant post, securing it like a natural tooth root. This process typically takes 3 - 6 months. Factors like your overall health, the strength and density of your jawbone, whether bone grafting was needed, and lifestyle habits such as smoking can influence how quickly the bone bonds to the implant. In general, healthier bone and gums mean faster healing, while more complex cases may take a little longer.

To aid healing, maintaining good oral hygiene is vital. Regular dental check-ups will help monitor progress and prevent complications. Your dentist may recommend avoiding hard foods for a period of time to reduce pressure on the implant site.

Yes, it takes time, but it’s worth it! Osseointegration is what makes dental implants so durable and effective long-term.

Step 5: Abutment Placement

The abutment, which is the small connector piece that attaches your implant to the final restoration, is usually placed after the implant has fully healed and fused with the jawbone. This happens during a short, separate procedure once osseointegration is complete, typically a few months after the implant post is first placed. More rarely, the abutment is placed at the same time as the post, so this step may vary depending on your treatment plan.

During the abutment placement, your dentist reopens the gum just enough to expose the implant, and the abutment is carefully screwed onto the top of the implant.

In some cases, a temporary crown or healing cap may be attached to the abutment during the remainder of the healing process.

A healing cap is a small cover placed over the implant post after surgery or when the abutment is attached. Its main job is to guide the gum tissue as it heals, shaping it so there’s enough space for the final restoration to fit naturally.

A temporary crown may be attached for front teeth where appearance matters. Its main purpose is cosmetic, giving you a natural-looking smile while you heal. Temporary crowns are made from lighter materials and aren’t designed to handle full biting or chewing pressure.

Step 6: Crown, Bridge, or Denture Placement

Once your gums have healed around the abutment, it’s time to attach the final restoration, the part that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Depending on your treatment plan, this could be a single crown, an implant-supported bridge, or even a full or partial denture supported by multiple implants.

Your dentist will take precise impressions or digital scans of your mouth to ensure a perfect fit and natural appearance. Restorations are typically crafted from durable materials like ceramic or porcelain that match the color and shape of your existing teeth. When it’s ready, the restoration is securely attached to the abutment, usually with a small screw or dental cement.

This step is typically straightforward and does not require anesthesia. The result is a stable, natural-looking tooth replacement that restores your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.

How long does the dental implant process take?

On average, the full dental implant process can take 3 - 9 months from start to finish, depending on:

• Whether extractions or bone grafting are needed
• How long osseointegration takes for you
• Your personalized treatment plan

Throughout this time, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for success.

Is the dental implant process worth it?

For many patients, absolutely. While the treatment requires time and commitment, the benefits of dental implants make them one of the best investments in your oral health.

Key advantages to dental implants:

• Permanent solution (no slipping or adhesives)
• Preserves jawbone health
• Feels and functions like a natural tooth
• Improves bite strength and chewing
• Protects nearby teeth from shifting
• Restores confidence in your smile

Your dedicated Tend dental team will be with you every step of the way, making the process clear, comfortable, and customized to your needs.

Are there any risks or disadvantages to dental implants?

Dental implants are one of the most reliable and widely successful tooth replacement options available today, but like any medical procedure, they do come with some risks and considerations. The most common issues after surgery, things like mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the implant site, are temporary. These usually resolve within a few days.

In rare cases, complications such as infection, delayed healing, or the implant not fusing properly with the bone can occur. Certain health factors, like smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or low bone density, may increase the risk of these problems. Your dentist will take a close look at your overall health and jawbone strength before recommending implants.

It’s also worth reiterating that implants take time. Because the implant must fuse with your jawbone, the full process stretches over several months, especially if pre-treatments like bone grafting are needed. Finally, while implants are an investment, many patients find the long-term benefits, such as durability, stability, comfort, and natural appearance, make them well worth it.

Caring for your dental implant

Good news: Implants are low-maintenance and easy to care for. Follow this simple guide to keep your implant in top condition:

• Brush and floss daily, just like your natural teeth
• Use a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive toothpaste
• Come to Tend for regular dental checkups and professional cleanings
• Avoid hard or sticky foods that might damage the implant or surrounding teeth. A balanced diet supports recovery and overall health.
• Avoid smoking, which can slow healing and affect implant success

With proper care, your implant can last 15–25 years or more.

FAQs about dental implants

How painful is the dental implant process?

Most patients are surprised at how comfortable implant treatment feels overall. The surgery is done with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, you may notice some soreness or swelling for a few days, similar to what you might feel after a tooth extraction. Over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs are usually enough to manage any discomfort.

How long does the implant process take?

The full timeline depends on your unique case. As noted above, for many people, the process takes about 3 - 6 months from consultation to final restoration. If you need pre-treatments like bone grafting or a sinus lift, the timeline may extend closer to 6 - 12 months to allow for proper healing. Your dentist will give you a personalized plan so you know what to expect.

What foods can I eat during recovery?

In the first week or so after surgery, it’s best to stick to soft foods that don’t put pressure on the implant site. Think yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, oatmeal, and pasta. As healing progresses, you can gradually reintroduce more solid foods. Your dentist will provide guidance and a timeline for when it’s safe to return to a normal diet.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Many people are excellent candidates for implants, but a few factors matter. You need to have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the implant. Certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or untreated gum disease, may affect your eligibility. A consultation with your dentist, including X-rays or scans, is the best way to find out if implants are right for you.

Why choose Tend for dental implants?

When you choose Tend, you’re not just getting a dental procedure. You’re getting a modern, supportive care experience. Our top-rated team combines clinical precision with warmth and transparency to make your smile journey as stress-free as possible.

Here's why you should consider Tend:

• Soothing, thoughtfully designed studios
• Expert clinicians trained in implant dentistry
• Major insurance plans accepted, plus flexible financing
• Detailed treatment plans built around you
• Follow-up support to ensure your long-term comfort and success

Choosing Tend means opting for quality, expertise, and personalized care in your journey to restore your smile with dental implants.

Insurance help and flexible financing

At Tend, we believe cost shouldn’t stand in the way of care. Our team will work directly with your insurance provider to help you understand your coverage, and we offer flexible financing options to make treatment more manageable. Our goal is to keep everything transparent and accessible, so you can focus on your health and your smile, not the paperwork.