If you’re wondering how long does dental implant take, you’re not alone. Dental implants are one of the most effective long-term solutions for missing teeth—but the process takes time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage of the dental implant timeline, from consultation to final crown placement, including healing stages, optional bone grafting, and what to expect along the way.
💡 Explore our full-service offering for dental implants
💡 Learn about the types of dental implants and which is right for you.
Average Total Timeframe (Start to Finish)
A dental implant typically takes 3 to 9 months from start to finish, depending on your oral health, need for extractions or bone grafts, and healing response.
With bone graft: 6–12 months
Without bone graft: 3–6 months
So, how long does the process of implantation take? It varies—but planning ahead helps you prepare.
Phase 1 — Consultation & Planning
This phase includes:
Oral exam and X-rays
Treatment planning
Medical history review
How long does the process of implantation take at this stage?
1–2 appointments over 1–2 weeks.
Phase 2 — Tooth Extraction (If Needed)
If your natural tooth needs removal, your dentist may extract it first.
How long do you go without teeth when getting implants?
Most patients wait 2 to 4 months after extraction before implant placement—unless immediate implantation is an option.
We also recommend reviewing the pros and cons of bridging of teeth if you’re comparing options. As you evaluate all your choices, be sure to research the disadvantages of mini dental implants, which are sometimes presented as a faster alternative.
We also recommend reviewing the pros and cons of bridging of teeth if you’re comparing options.
Phase 3 — Bone Grafting (If Required)
If you’ve lost bone density, your dentist may recommend a bone graft.
How long does dental implant take with bone graft?
Bone grafting adds 3 to 6 months to the timeline, allowing bone to regenerate.
How long does dental implant take to heal bone?
Osseointegration in grafted bone can take slightly longer—up to 6 months.
Phase 4 — Dental Implant Surgery
Once your mouth is ready, the titanium implant is surgically placed into your jaw.
How long does dental implant surgery take?
The procedure typically lasts 1 to 2 hours per implant.
How long does dental implant take after surgery?
Healing begins immediately after surgery and leads to the next phase: osseointegration.
If you’re considering alternatives to standard implants, be aware of the disadvantages of mini dental implants, which may offer a faster procedure but come with compromises.
Phase 5 — Healing & Osseointegration
This is the most time-intensive phase.
How long does dental implant take to heal?
Healing usually takes 3 to 6 months, as your bone fuses to the implant.
How long does a tooth implant take to heal?
It depends on your bone quality, general health, and oral hygiene—but most patients heal in under 6 months.
Phase 6 — Abutment & Crown Placement
After healing, an abutment is placed to support the final crown.
How long does dental implant take to complete?
Once healed, the crown is placed within 2 to 3 weeks of abutment surgery.
How long does dental implant take start to finish?
With all stages included, it ranges from 3 to 12 months total.
How long does dental implant take to complete from this point?
Abutment healing takes about 2 weeks, then the crown is placed—completing the process.
For patients who require full-arch restoration or want a non-removable alternative to traditional dentures, permanent dentures are also a long-term solution worth considering. These use dental implants as anchors, providing a fixed, stable bite and a natural-looking smile —
Often with a faster timeline for aesthetic results. Click here to get a free consultation and find out if you’re a candidate.
how long before dental implants feel normal?
Patients often wonder: how long before dental implants feel normal?
You may feel slight sensitivity at first, but most people adapt within 1 to 2 weeks after crown placement.
How long do tooth implants take to put in?
The actual placement of a dental implant typically takes about 1 to 2 hours per tooth. This includes preparing the site, placing the titanium post into the jawbone, and stitching the area if needed. However, this is only one part of the process. Full healing and integration with the jawbone (called osseointegration) can take 3 to 6 months before the final crown is placed.
Can a tooth implant be done in one day?
Yes, in some cases, a dental implant can be placed and a temporary tooth added on the same day. This is known as immediate load implants or same-day implants. It’s typically only possible if the patient has good oral health, strong jawbone structure, and no active infection. While the procedure is quicker, healing and long-term success still depend on post-care and bone integration.
How long after extraction to get implant?
The standard waiting period after a tooth extraction is 3 to 6 months to allow the bone and gum tissue to heal before placing an implant. However, if the conditions are right (no infection, healthy bone), immediate implant placement can be done at the time of extraction. Your dentist will assess if this is possible for your case.
How long does it take to put a screw in for an implant?
The process of placing the titanium implant screw (the root of the implant) usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. This minor surgery is done under local anesthesia and is relatively quick. Healing afterward takes longer, but the screw placement itself is a fast procedure.
Can they pull a tooth and put an implant in the same day?
Yes, a tooth can be extracted and replaced with an implant in the same appointment, depending on the health of the bone and surrounding tissue. This is called an immediate implant, and it can help reduce overall treatment time and preserve jawbone structure.
Can you extract a tooth and put an implant in the same day?
Yes, it’s possible under the right circumstances. The dentist must ensure there’s enough healthy bone, no infection, and that the implant can be securely placed. Immediate placement can also reduce the number of surgeries and speed up the overall process.
How long does a full set of dental implants take?
A full mouth dental implant treatment typically takes 3 to 9 months from start to finish. This includes consultations, extractions (if needed), implant placement, healing time, and placement of the final prosthetic teeth. If bone grafting is required, the process can take longer. Some advanced treatments, like All-on-4, may allow for quicker results.
Smiles at Lakewood Ranch – Full Arch Recovery Time
SF Oral Surgery – Ultimate Guide to Implant Recovery
