Short answer: Implant treatment consists of planning with an examination and a CT scan, placing the implant in the jawbone under local anesthesia, waiting for it to fuse with the bone, and taking an impression to attach the permanent tooth. The fusion period is usually 2–3 months in the lower jaw and 3–6 months in the upper jaw. In cases that need no additional procedures, the total time is mostly 3–6 months, and longer when a graft is needed.
A dental implant is an artificial root, usually made of titanium in the form of a small screw, that is placed in the jawbone in place of the root of a lost tooth. Together with the crown, bridge or denture made on top of it, it aims to restore both the function and the appearance of the missing tooth. So how is an implant placed, and how long does it take? The answer is not a single appointment; an implant is a planned process that requires patience, with each stage building on the previous one. Most of the time is taken up not by surgery but by the waiting period for the bone to heal. In this article we walk through the implant stages in order, from the examination to the permanent tooth, along with their estimated durations.
Examination and CT scan
The first stage of implant treatment is detailed planning based on an intraoral examination, a review of your medical history and imaging that shows the bone structure in three dimensions. This stage lays the foundation for the treatment to proceed safely and predictably.
- Medical history: Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, medications used for osteoporosis, blood thinners, smoking and previous radiotherapy to the head and neck can affect the treatment plan. If necessary, the relevant physician is consulted.
- Intraoral examination: Gum health, the condition of the neighboring teeth, the bite and any clenching habit are evaluated. If there is active gum disease or decay, it is treated before the implant.
- Panoramic X-ray: Gives an overall view of the whole jaw.
- Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT): The height, width and density of the bone and the position of important anatomical structures such as the nerve canal and sinus are examined in three dimensions.
- Digital planning: In some cases the angle and depth of the implant are planned on a computer, and a surgical guide is prepared if needed.
At the end of this evaluation, the number and size of the implants, whether additional bone procedures are needed and the type of restoration are determined. The treatment fee is also provided in writing after this planning.
Surgery: placing the implant
In the surgical stage, the gum is opened under local anesthesia, a controlled socket for the implant is prepared in the jawbone with special drills, and the implant is placed in this socket. Then the implant is either covered with a cover screw and the gum is stitched closed, or a healing cap that extends through the gum is attached.
Placing a single implant under suitable conditions is usually completed in a short session. If the bone volume is insufficient, a bone graft can be placed in the same session or beforehand. In the upper back area, if bone height is reduced because of the sinus cavity, a sinus floor elevation (sinus lift) may be needed. These additional procedures extend the total treatment time.
In the first days after the procedure, mild pain, swelling and some oozing are to be expected. The dentist gives instructions on applying cold, eating and oral care; stitches are usually removed within 7–14 days.
Healing period
After the implant is placed, the waiting time for bone tissue to fuse with the implant surface (osseointegration) is usually about 2–3 months in the lower jaw and 3–6 months in the upper jaw. These times vary depending on bone quality, whether a graft was placed and how quickly the person heals; the exact time is determined by the dentist based on checkup findings.
During the waiting period, a temporary prosthesis can be used so that there is no aesthetic problem in the front areas. During this time, not smoking, not putting excessive load on the healing area and taking care with oral hygiene are important for healthy fusion.
Is immediate loading possible?
If bone quality and the implant's initial stability are sufficient, in some cases a temporary tooth can be attached on top of the implant on the day it is placed or within a few days. This approach is not suitable for every patient, and the temporary tooth needs to be protected from chewing forces. Suitability is evaluated by the dentist based on the implant stability measured during surgery.
Impression and restoration stage
Once fusion with the bone is complete, an abutment is placed on the implant, an impression is taken, and the permanent crown, bridge or denture made in the laboratory is secured to the implant.
- Healing cap: If the implant was left closed under the gum, it is uncovered with a minor procedure and a healing cap is attached so that the gum heals in the right shape. This wait usually takes 1–3 weeks.
- Impression: An impression is taken with traditional impression materials or digitally with an intraoral scanner. The tooth shade is chosen to match the neighboring teeth.
- Try-in: If necessary, the framework and crown are tried in to check fit, bite and aesthetics.
- Delivery: The permanent crown is secured to the implant with a screw or special cement, and the bite is adjusted.
If several teeth are missing, implant-supported bridges can be planned, and where all teeth are missing, fixed or removable implant-supported dentures. Depending on the scope of the case, the restoration stage may take a few weeks.
When can an implant be placed after an extraction?
When the implant is placed after a tooth extraction can be planned with three different timings, depending on the condition of the bone at the extraction site, whether there is infection and aesthetic expectations.
- In the same session as the extraction (immediate implant): If there is no active, widespread infection at the extraction site and the bone walls are intact, the implant can be placed on the same day as the extraction. This method can shorten the total treatment time.
- Early placement: The implant can be placed about 4–8 weeks after the extraction, allowing the gum to finish healing.
- Delayed placement: Usually 3–6 months are allowed after the extraction for the bone to heal completely. If bone loss is significant, the site can be preserved by placing a graft in the socket during the extraction.
Waiting too long after a tooth is extracted can lead to bone loss, which is most pronounced in the first months. This may later require an additional bone procedure. That is why it is helpful to discuss implant planning at the same time as the decision to extract.
Total time
In cases where the bone structure is suitable and no additional procedures are needed, implant treatment is usually completed within 3–6 months; when a bone graft, sinus lift or a healing period after extraction is needed, it can extend to 6–12 months.
The main factors that affect the timeline are:
- Whether the implant is placed in the lower or upper jaw
- Bone volume and density
- The need for a bone graft or sinus lift
- The timing between extraction and implant
- Conditions that affect healing, such as diabetes and smoking
- The type and scope of the restoration
After treatment is completed, regular oral care and checkups are essential for the implant to last a long time. To prevent inflammation of the gum around the implant (peri-implantitis), you should brush, clean between your teeth and have professional checkups at the intervals your dentist recommends. For people who clench their teeth at night, a protective night guard may be recommended. For other common questions about implant treatment, you can take a look at our frequently asked questions page.
Examination for implant planning in Ankara
If you have a missing tooth or a tooth that will soon need to be extracted, an examination and imaging will make clear whether an implant is right for you and how the process will go. At our polyclinic in Park Oran Ofis in Oran, Çankaya, every stage of the planning is explained to you in detail. To make an appointment, you can reach us via our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can an implant be done in a single day?
If bone quality and the implant's initial stability are sufficient, in some cases a temporary tooth can be attached on the same day as the implant. However, the permanent tooth is attached only after fusion with the bone is complete. Suitability is determined based on the examination and surgical findings.
How long after an extraction can an implant be placed?
If conditions are suitable, an implant can be placed in the same session as the extraction, 4–8 weeks later for the gum to heal, or 3–6 months later for the bone to heal completely. The timing is planned by the dentist according to the condition of the bone and any infection at the extraction site.
Is a CT scan necessary for an implant?
In most cases, cone beam CT is recommended to see the bone volume and the position of structures such as the nerve canal and sinus in three dimensions. This helps place the implant in a safe position.
Will I be without a tooth during the healing period?
Especially in the front areas, a temporary prosthesis can be used during the waiting period. In suitable cases, a temporary tooth can also be attached on top of the implant. The options are discussed during planning.
