How Long Does It Take to Get Dental Implants? Timeline, Process & What to Expect

If you’re missing one or more teeth and considering a dental implant, a common question is: How long does the process take? At Parkway Dental Care in Kissimmee, FL, we offer advanced implant solutions tailored to your needs, comfort, and lifestyle. While implants are a long-term investment in oral health, the process involves multiple stages over several months to ensure lasting success.

In this guide, we’ll explain the typical implant timeline, outline the step-by-step procedure, and explain what factors might extend or shorten your treatment.

Understanding the Dental Implant Process

Dental implants replace missing teeth by embedding a titanium post into your jawbone. The post supports a lifelike crown, bridge, or denture. Because the implant must fully integrate with the bone, a process called osseointegration, the whole timeline can span several months.

However, with advanced techniques like CEREC same-day crowns and guided implant surgery, Parkway Dental Care may offer options to accelerate or combine steps for qualified patients.

Tooth Implant Steps: From Consultation to Smile Completion

Getting a dental implant is a process that takes several stages, each designed to ensure the long-term success of your new tooth. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the step-by-step journey to getting a dental implant at Parkway Dental Care in Kissimmee, FL.

Step 1: Consultation & Assessment

Your implant journey begins with a thorough examination. Our team reviews your medical and dental history, takes digital X-rays and 3D scans, and checks the health of your jawbone. This consultation helps us decide whether you’re ready for an implant or need preparatory treatment like a bone graft.

Step 2: Treatment Planning

After diagnostics, we create a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs, whether you need a single implant, multiple implants, or an implant-supported denture. We discuss the timeline, costs, insurance options, and what to expect during each phase.

Step 3: Tooth Extraction (If Needed)

If a damaged or decayed tooth is present at the implant site, it must be gently extracted. Depending on the condition of the bone, we can sometimes place the implant immediately after extraction.

Step 4: Bone Grafting (If Needed)

A bone graft may be performed when there isn’t enough bone to support an implant. This can be done with synthetic or natural bone material and may add several months to the timeline as healing occurs.

Step 5: Implant Placement Surgery

Using local anesthesia, our dentist surgically places the titanium post into the jawbone. This acts as the artificial root for your new tooth. The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours and is performed here at our Kissimmee dental office.

Step 6: Osseointegration and Healing

After placement, your body begins to grow bone around the implant. This natural process, called osseointegration, takes 3–6 months and ensures your implant becomes a stable part of your jaw.

Step 7: Abutment Placement

Once the implant is fully integrated, we place a small connector called an abutment. This holds your future crown, bridge, or denture in place. It may require a minor healing period of 1–2 weeks.

Step 8: Restoration Placement

Finally, we place your permanent restoration. Depending on your case, this could be a custom crown, a bridge, or even a full denture. We ensure it matches your natural teeth in color and shape for a seamless appearance.

Step 9: Follow-Up & Maintenance

After placement, we schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and bite alignment. We’ll also guide you on how to care for your implant so it lasts for years to come.

Total Time: How Long Does It Take to Get Dental Implants?

On average, the full dental implant process takes 4–9 months from start to finish, depending on:

• The number of implants placed
• Whether bone grafting or sinus lifts are needed
• Your body’s healing rate
• The complexity of your bite or restoration
• Immediate vs. delayed placement protocols

Some patients may complete treatment faster with a healthy jawbone and good oral hygiene, while others may need more time to heal between stages.

Same-Day Implants: Are They an Option?

In select cases, same-day dental implants may be an option. This means the implant and crown are placed on the same day, skipping the healing wait time. You might be a candidate if:

• You have strong jawbone density
• You don’t require extractions or grafting
• Your bite is not complex

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Long-Lasting – Implants can last 15+ years with proper care
• Natural-Looking – Custom crowns match surrounding teeth perfectly
• Functionality – Eat, chew, and speak with confidence
• Preserve Jawbone – Stimulate bone growth and prevent facial collapse
• Low Maintenance – No special cleaning needed, just brush and floss

What Happens If a Dental Implant Fails?

Although rare, implant failure can happen due to infection (peri-implantitis), poor osseointegration, or bite pressure. Signs include pain, swelling, or a loose implant. If this occurs, Parkway Dental Care offers:

• Non-surgical adjustments
• Bone grafting and re-implantation
• Alternative restorations like bridges or dentures

We use advanced imaging to detect issues early and keep your treatment on track.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are widely regarded as one of the most durable and reliable tooth replacement solutions available today. On average, a well-placed dental implant can last 15 to 25 years and in many cases, even a lifetime. The titanium post that anchors into your jawbone is designed to permanently fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, making it a long-term solution for missing teeth.

However, the lifespan of your dental implant also depends on factors like your oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, overall health, and dental care routine. While the implant itself may never need to be replaced, the attached crown, bridge, or denture may wear down over time and require replacement after 10–15 years due to normal wear and tear.

Tips to Increase the Longevity of Dental Implants

Want your dental implant to last a lifetime? Here’s how to take care of it:

• Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around the implant area, which can lead to peri-implantitis (an infection similar to gum disease).
• Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist every 6 months or as advised for cleanings and professional evaluations to catch any early signs of implant issues.
• Avoid Smoking or Tobacco Use: Smoking is a major risk factor for implant failure. It restricts blood flow, delays healing, and increases the chances of infection and bone loss.
• Protect Your Implant: If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a night guard. Excessive pressure from bruxism can weaken the implant or damage the crown.
• Follow a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports bone health and strengthens the foundation around your implant.
• Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Refrain from biting hard candy, ice, or pens, as these can damage the crown or put stress on the implant.

By taking these proactive steps, you can greatly improve the success rate and longevity of your dental implant, ensuring that your investment in your smile continues to pay off for decades.

Conclusion: Your Smile Is Worth the Wait

Dental implants offer a life-changing solution for missing teeth, even if they take time. At Parkway Dental Care, our expert team ensures every stage from planning to placement to restoration is done with precision, safety, and care.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or replacing a failed tooth, we’re here to guide you toward a healthy, confident smile that lasts for years. Call Parkway Dental at (407) 635-1196 to book your personalized implant consultation or visit 1064 E Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL.

FAQs

Can I get a tooth pulled and an implant on the same day?

Yes, in many cases. This is called immediate placement. It depends on bone health and the absence of infection.

How long before I can eat normally after implant surgery?

Soft foods are recommended for the first week. Most patients return to normal eating within a few weeks.

Is the implant process painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is used, and post-op pain is usually mild and manageable.

How long does each appointment take?

Implant placement takes 1–2 hours. Follow-up visits, impressions, and crown placement range from 30 to 60 minutes.

What if I need more than one implant?

Multiple implants can be placed during one surgery, and timelines may be similar though complex cases may take slightly longer.

Bibliography & Source

1. Mayo Clinic – Dental Implant Surgery
2. WebMD – What to Expect with Dental Implants
3. Cleveland Clinic – Dental Implants: Purpose & Benefits
4. Verywell Health – Dental Implant Procedure Overview