Dental implants usually follow a few main steps: an exam and treatment plan, tooth removal if needed, implant placement, healing while the implant bonds to the bone, and then attachment of the abutment and final crown.

Steps

  1. Consultation and assessment.
    The dentist checks your teeth, gums, jawbone, and medical history, often using X-rays or 3D imaging to see whether implants are a good fit.
  1. Tooth extraction, if needed.
    If a damaged tooth is still present, it may be removed before the implant is placed, or sometimes during the same visit.
  1. Bone grafting, if needed.
    If your jawbone is too thin or weak, a graft may be added first so the implant has a solid base.
  1. Implant placement.
    The dentist or oral surgeon makes a small opening in the gum and places the titanium implant into the jawbone.
  1. Healing and bone integration.
    Over the next few months, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, which creates a strong anchor.
  1. Abutment placement.
    Once healing is far enough along, a connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant.
  1. Final crown or tooth.
    The dentist takes impressions or scans, then fits the custom crown, bridge, or denture onto the abutment.

Timing

The full process often takes several months, especially if you need an extraction or bone graft first. Healing after implant placement commonly takes about 2 to 6 months, though the exact timeline varies by case.

What it feels like

Most people get local anesthesia, and sedation may be offered for anxiety or longer cases. Afterward, it’s normal to have some soreness, swelling, and food restrictions while the area heals.

Practical note

A simple way to picture it is: plan, place, heal, restore. The implant acts like an artificial root, and the crown is the visible tooth on top.