The Step by Step Process of Getting Dental Implants
The step by step process of getting dental implants typically involves a consultation and exam, surgical placement of a titanium post into the jawbone, a healing period of 3 to 6 months for the bone to fuse with the implant, and the attachment of a custom crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the success rate is 95% to 98%. This article walks through every stage so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
How the Dental Implant Process Works From Start to Finish
The dental implant process works from start to finish in a series of carefully planned stages. Each stage builds on the one before it. The process may seem long, but it gives your body time to heal and makes sure the implant bonds securely with your bone.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, about 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they are the only option that preserves jawbone health and prevents bone loss.
For patients throughout Cherry Hill and the surrounding Camden County area, understanding each step can make the process feel much less overwhelming. Here is what happens at each stage.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation and Exam
The first step is a thorough consultation and exam. Your dentist will take digital X-rays, review your medical history, and examine your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. Healthy gums and enough jawbone density to support the titanium post are the two main requirements.
According to the NIDCR, adults aged 20 to 64 have an average of 25.5 remaining teeth. Many people have already lost one or more teeth to decay, gum disease, or injury. The consultation helps your dentist evaluate your situation and build a treatment plan.
During this visit, we also discuss your goals and expectations. We explain the timeline, the number of visits involved, and answer any questions. This is also when we determine if any prep work, like a bone graft, is needed before the implant can be placed.
New patients can review our patient information page before their first visit to understand what to bring and what to expect during the intake process.
Patients in Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, and Voorhees who are considering dental implants as a permanent tooth replacement can schedule a free consultation to find out if they are a candidate.
Step 2: Bone Grafting (If Needed)
Bone grafting adds bone material to your jaw in areas where the bone has become too thin or soft to support an implant. Not every patient needs this step, but it is common for people who have been missing a tooth for a long time.
After a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, approximately 30% of the alveolar ridge bone is lost after tooth extraction. This bone loss can make it difficult to place a stable implant without grafting first.
The graft material is placed into the area where more bone is needed. Over the next several weeks or months, your body replaces the graft material with new, natural bone. Depending on how much bone needs to be rebuilt, this healing phase can add 3 to 6 additional months to your overall timeline.
Many patients who need bone grafting also have other dental concerns that should be addressed first. If you are unsure whether your teeth need more than a standard cleaning, knowing the signs that point to restorative treatment can help you prepare.
Patients who need both restorative dental care and implant treatment often complete those steps in a planned sequence to get the best result.
Step 3: Implant Placement Surgery
Implant placement surgery is the core of the entire process. During this procedure, your dentist surgically places a small titanium post into your jawbone. This post acts as an artificial tooth root and will eventually support the crown.
Titanium is used because it is extremely biocompatible. According to the National Library of Medicine, titanium implants make up over 90% of the global dental implant market due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to fuse naturally with bone tissue. The body accepts titanium without triggering an immune response.
The procedure itself is typically done using local anesthesia. Most patients report that the discomfort is less than they expected. Many say that implant placement is less painful than a tooth extraction. The surgery usually takes one to two hours per implant, depending on the location.
After the post is placed, the gum tissue is closed over or around the implant. You will be given aftercare instructions that include eating soft foods, avoiding hard chewing on the implant side, and keeping the area clean.
Families who need to address a missing tooth quickly can also call for emergency dental services if pain or swelling develops unexpectedly after any procedure.
Step 4: Osseointegration and Healing
Osseointegration is the biological process where your jawbone fuses directly with the titanium implant. This is the most important phase of the dental implant process and what makes implants different from every other tooth replacement option.
According to a 2024 meta-analysis published in Clinical Oral Investigations, dental implants have a survival rate of approximately 92% at the 20-year mark. That long-term durability is only possible because of osseointegration. Without a solid bone-to-implant bond, the implant cannot support a crown.
This healing phase typically takes 3 to 6 months. During the first few weeks, your body forms new bone cells around the implant surface. Over the following months, that bone matures and hardens, locking the implant firmly in place. Patients with excellent bone density may heal faster. Those with certain health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes may need more time.
Throughout this phase, you will visit your dentist for periodic checkups to monitor healing. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene during this time. Regular dental cleanings and exams help prevent infection and keep the surrounding teeth and gums healthy.
Step 5: Abutment Placement
Abutment placement is a minor procedure that connects the implant post to the final crown. The abutment is a small connector piece that sits on top of the implant and protrudes slightly above the gum line.
Once your dentist confirms that osseointegration is complete through X-rays and stability testing, a small incision reopens the gum to expose the top of the implant. The abutment is then secured to the post. In some cases, the abutment is placed at the same time as the original surgery.
After the abutment is placed, the gum tissue needs about 2 to 3 weeks to heal around it. During this time, a healing cap may be used to shape the gum tissue so it looks natural when the final crown is attached.
Working with a dental team experienced in placing and restoring implants in-house makes this process smoother. Our dentists bring decades of combined training in restorative and surgical procedures.
Step 6: Custom Crown Fabrication and Placement
Custom crown fabrication and placement is the final step in the dental implant process. This is when you receive the visible tooth that everyone sees when you smile.
Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a dental lab. The lab creates a crown that matches the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth. Once the crown is ready, it is attached to the abutment with cement or a small screw.
A well-made implant crown is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth. According to a study published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, about 96% of dental implant patients report being satisfied with their results. A stable implant, a well-fitted abutment, and a custom crown deliver a result that looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth.
For patients in the broader Cherry Hill and South Jersey area, implant placement and restoration done in one practice means fewer referrals and a smoother experience.
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
Dental implants are not the only way to replace missing teeth, but they are the most durable and the only option that prevents jawbone loss. Here is how they compare to the two most common alternatives.
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dental Bridges | Dentures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 25+ years with proper care | 5 to 15 years | 5 to 10 years |
| Preserves jawbone | Yes | No | No |
| Affects adjacent teeth | No | Yes (requires filing down) | No |
| Stability | Fused to jawbone | Anchored to nearby teeth | Sits on gum tissue |
| Success rate | 95% to 98% | Varies by case | N/A (prosthetic fit) |
| Feels like natural teeth | Yes | Close | No |
Sources: American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American College of Prosthodontists, Clinical Oral Investigations (2024), National Library of Medicine
Patients who are unsure which option is right for them can explore both crowns and bridges and implants with their dentist to find the best fit for their situation.
Those who need a removable option may benefit from full or partial dentures, which can also restore chewing function and improve appearance.
How to Care for Your Dental Implant After Placement
Caring for a dental implant after placement is very similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss daily around the implant site, avoid chewing on very hard objects like ice, and visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings.
According to a large-scale cohort study published in Clinical Oral Implants Research, the cumulative survival rate of dental implants at 10 years was 96.8% and at 15 years was 94%. Patients who followed consistent hygiene routines and attended regular checkups had the best outcomes.
Smoking is one of the biggest threats to implant health. The CDC notes that smokers are significantly more likely to develop gum disease, which can weaken the bone around an implant over time. If you smoke, your dentist will strongly recommend quitting before and after implant surgery.
South Jersey residents looking to maintain their oral health long-term should schedule routine cleanings and exams to keep both natural teeth and implants in top condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Painful Is a Dental Implant Procedure?
A dental implant procedure is typically less painful than most patients expect. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during placement. Most patients describe the discomfort afterward as mild to moderate, similar to a tooth extraction. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage soreness. According to studies published in the National Library of Medicine, the majority of implant patients report feeling comfortable within a few days.
Can Dental Implants Cause Problems Years Later?
Dental implants can cause problems years later, but this is uncommon when proper care is maintained. The most common long-term concern is peri-implantitis, an infection of the tissue around the implant caused by plaque buildup. According to a review in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, peri-implantitis is largely preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Attending your checkups at a Cherry Hill dental office and brushing and flossing daily are the best ways to protect your implant for decades.
Should an 80-Year-Old Get Dental Implants?
An 80-year-old can absolutely get dental implants, as long as they are in good overall health and have adequate jawbone density. Age alone is not a disqualifying factor. According to industry data, 12.9% of all dental implants are placed in patients aged 65 to 74, and many patients in their 80s receive implants successfully. The CDC estimates that 26% of Americans aged 75 and older have no remaining teeth, making implants a valuable option for restoring function and quality of life.
Can You Bite Into Food With Implants?
You can bite into food with implants just like you would with natural teeth. Once the implant has fully healed and the crown is placed, it functions as a permanent tooth anchored in your jawbone. Patients can eat apples, steak, and other foods that would be difficult with dentures.
Can People Tell If You Have Dental Implants?
People cannot tell if you have dental implants. Modern implant crowns are custom-made to match the exact color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. The crown sits at the gum line just like a natural tooth with no visible metal or artificial appearance.
Do Some People Reject Dental Implants?
Some people do experience implant failure, though true rejection is rare. Because titanium is biocompatible, the body does not treat it as a foreign object. Failure is more often caused by infection, insufficient bone, smoking, or uncontrolled diabetes. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the overall success rate is 95% to 98%, and proper patient screening before surgery helps reduce the risk significantly.
Your Next Step Toward a Complete Smile
Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant is one of the most predictable and long-lasting treatments in modern dentistry. From the first consultation through the final crown placement, each step gives you a result that feels natural and lasts for decades. With success rates above 95% and patient satisfaction near 96%, implants remain the preferred choice for a permanent solution.
If you are in Cherry Hill or anywhere in the South Jersey area and have been thinking about replacing a missing tooth, we are here to help. Omega Dental Arts has a team with over three decades of combined experience and offers free consultations for patients ready to take the first step.
We provide in-house dental implant placement and restoration right here in Cherry Hill, with same-day availability and a commitment to keeping every patient comfortable and informed.
