A dental implant is a three-part system — a titanium post anchored in the jawbone, an abutment connecting it to your restoration, and a crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Treatment involves a consultation with imaging, surgical placement, a healing period called osseointegration, and finally your custom restoration, typically taking 3 to 6 months from start to finish.
If you’re weighing implants against other tooth-replacement options, it helps to understand exactly what happens at each stage. Here’s the process, explained plainly.
The Three Parts of an Implant
The titanium post functions as an artificial tooth root, placed directly into your jawbone. The abutment connects that post to your final restoration. And the crown, custom-shaped and shaded to match your smile, is the part that actually looks and functions like a tooth. Together, this three-part system is what makes implants feel and perform so differently from a removable denture.
Step 1: Consultation and Imaging
We start with a detailed evaluation of your bone density and overall oral health, using imaging to plan exact implant placement. This is also where we determine which type of restoration fits your case — a single dental implant for one missing tooth, or full mouth dental implants for patients missing most or all of their teeth.
Step 2: Surgical Placement
The implant post is placed into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure, typically done under local anesthesia. For patients who’d rather be more relaxed during the process, sedation dentistry is available.
Step 3: Osseointegration
This is the healing phase where your jawbone actually fuses to the titanium post, a process called osseointegration. It’s what gives implants their long-term strength and stability, and it typically takes a few months to complete.
Step 4: Abutment and Final Restoration
Once healing is complete, the abutment connects your implant to its final restoration. For patients replacing a full arch, that restoration is often a permanently fixed zirconia fixed bridge, custom-built in our in-house lab for a natural, precise fit.
Fixed vs. Removable: What’s the Difference?
Not every implant-supported restoration is permanently fixed. Some patients prefer a removable option that still anchors to implants for stability. Our fixed vs. removable teeth page breaks down which approach might suit your lifestyle better.
What Determines Cost
Price depends on how many teeth you’re replacing and which restoration type you choose. Our cost and comparison page outlines what affects pricing, along with financing options on our insurance and financing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole implant process take? Most patients complete treatment in 3 to 6 months, from placement through osseointegration to final restoration, though the exact timeline depends on your case.
Does implant surgery hurt? Placement is done under local anesthesia, with sedation options available for patients who want to be more relaxed. Most patients describe recovery as manageable, similar to a tooth extraction.
What is osseointegration, and why does it matter? It’s the process where your jawbone fuses with the titanium implant post. It’s what gives implants their strength and stability, and it’s the reason implants function so much like natural teeth compared to other replacement options.
What if I’m missing several teeth, not just one? Full mouth dental implants can replace an entire arch using a smaller number of strategically placed implants, often finished with a fixed zirconia bridge.
Can I choose between a fixed and removable restoration? In many cases, yes. Our fixed vs. removable teeth page compares the two so you can decide what fits your daily life best.
How much do dental implants cost? It depends on how many teeth you’re replacing and your specific treatment plan. Our cost and comparison page outlines the factors involved, and we provide a personalized estimate at your free consultation.
Ready to Start the Process?
Request an appointment at our Aurora or Westminster office for a free consultation with our implant team.
