What Is the Dental Implant Timeline?

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, but many patients wonder how long the process takes. At Dental Implants Brookline, the timeline usually runs 4–9 months, depending on your needs. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Planning

At your first visit, we:

  • Review your dental and medical history
  • Take digital X-rays or 3D scans
  • Evaluate bone density and gum health
  • Discuss your goals and treatment options

If bone loss is present, a bone graft may be needed before implant placement.

Step 2: Preparatory Procedures (If Needed)

In some cases, additional treatments are needed before placing the implant:

  • Tooth Extraction

If the damaged or decayed tooth is still present, it will be gently removed. In many cases, if conditions are ideal, we can place the implant immediately after the extraction. This is known as immediate implant placement, and it can significantly reduce your total treatment time.

  • Temporary Tooth with Immediate Placement

In favorable cases where surgery goes smoothly, we may also be able to attach a temporary crown to the fresh implant during the same visit. That means you can leave the office with a new tooth already in place—boosting your confidence during the healing phase.

  • Bone Grafting

If you’ve experienced bone loss, a bone graft may still be required before implant placement. Healing time for this procedure ranges from 3 to 6 months.

  •  Sinus Lift

For upper jaw implants, a sinus lift may be recommended to increase bone height and create space for secure placement.

Step 3: Implant Placement Surgery

  • Titanium implant post placed in jawbone
  • Performed under local anesthesia or sedation
  • Stitches close the area to begin osseointegration (bone fusing with implant)

Healing time: 3–6 months.

Step 4: Healing Phase & Temporary Tooth

  • A temporary crown or bridge may be placed for aesthetics
  • Patients advised to:
    ✔ Eat soft foods
    ✔ Avoid smoking/alcohol
    ✔ Maintain excellent oral hygiene

Step 5: Abutment Placement

  • Small connector between implant post and final crown
  • Minor gum reopening, then 1–2 weeks of healing

Step 6: Final Crown Placement – Your Smile Reveal

  • Custom porcelain crown crafted to match your natural teeth
  • Strong bite force, natural aesthetics, no slipping
  • Durable, long-term solution

At this stage, your smile transformation is complete.

Quick Implant Timeline

  • Consultation: 1–2 visits
  • Bone grafting: 3–6 months (if needed)
  • Implant surgery: 1–2 hours
  • Osseointegration: 3–6 months
  • Abutment: 1–2 weeks healing
  • Final crown: 1–2 weeks after healing

In ideal cases, when an implant is placed immediately after extraction and a temporary crown is added, the total treatment time can be as short as 4 months—from extraction to final crown placement.

Photo 1 – Fractured #8 Tooth with Old Crown

“Fractured front tooth (#8) with porcelain fused to metal crown before dental implant treatment at Alpha Plus Dental Center in Cambridge, MA. Patient presented with broken crown and root damage, requiring immediate implant replacement.”
Photo 2 – Tooth Extraction and Immediate Implant Placement

“Tooth #8 was gently extracted and a dental implant immediately placed with strong stability. Same-day dental implant allows patients to leave with a natural-looking temporary crown instead of a missing tooth.”
Photo 3 – Original Crown Adapted for Implant Cylinder

“Patient’s original porcelain-fused-to-metal crown adapted to fit the implant cylinder. Dental bonding material ensures stability and allows the existing crown to be reused as a temporary implant restoration.”
Photo 4 – Different Angle of Crown with Implant Cylinder

“Close-up view of the patient’s original crown connected to the implant cylinder with dental bonding. This technique preserves the natural smile while the implant integrates with bone.”
Photo 5 – Crown Attached to Implant Cylinder

“Patient’s original crown securely attached to the implant cylinder. Temporary implant restoration blends naturally while the dental implant integrates with bone for long-term success.”
Photo 6 – Implant Crown in Place

“Immediate implant crown placed in position — smile looks natural with only minor gum redness from surgery. Alpha Plus Dental Center specializes in minimally invasive, same-day implant solutions.”

Why Choose Dental Implants Brookline?

  • Comprehensive care under one roof
  • State-of-the-art 3D planning
  • Experienced implant specialists
  • Modern, patient-focused office

📍 185 Harvard St., Brookline, MA
📞 (617) 274-8494 or contact us online!