Your 2024 Guide To The Process Of Getting A Dental Implant

The process of getting a dental implant can seem complex, but it’s a predictable series of steps that restore chewing, appearance, and oral health. This guide explains the process of getting a dental implant, who benefits, and what to expect: diagnosis, surgery, healing, restoration, and aftercare.

Why choose a dental implant?

Dental implants preserve jawbone, feel and function like natural teeth, and often last decades. Compared with bridges or dentures, implants stop bone loss, improve chewing efficiency, and look more natural. For many people, implants mean better long-term oral health and confidence.

Step-by-step: The process of getting a dental implant

1) Consultation & full assessment

Your dentist reviews medical and dental history, performs an oral exam, and takes 3D imaging like a CBCT scan. Intraoral scans (TRIOS) capture tooth and tissue details. These tests map bone, nerves, and tooth position to decide if an implant is right.

2) Digital treatment planning

Using CBCT data, photogrammetry, and smile simulation, the team plans ideal implant position for function and esthetics. 3D planning helps predict outcomes and create surgical guides or provisional restorations before surgery.

3) Preparing the site (if needed)

If bone or gum tissue is lacking, grafts or sinus lifts may be done first. Modern lasers and minimally invasive techniques reduce bleeding and speed healing. Sometimes tissue work and bone grafting are done at the same time as implant placement.

4) Surgical placement

Surgery places the implant into the jawbone. Many practices use guided implant placement with chrome guides, navigation systems (X-Nav or InstaRisa), or robotic assistance (Yomi) for higher precision. Sedation options are available to keep you comfortable.

5) Healing and osseointegration

The implant needs time to fuse with bone (osseointegration). This takes weeks to months depending on location and bone quality. You’ll have follow-up checks to monitor healing and manage any discomfort.

6) Restorative phase (crown/bridge/overdenture)

After integration, digital impressions or photogrammetry capture the implant position. In-house milling or 3D printing can produce provisionals quickly. Final crowns, bridges, or overdentures are designed for fit, color, and bite.

7) Aftercare and long-term maintenance

Good home care, regular cleanings, and peri-implant checks keep implants healthy. Watch for changes like redness, loosening, or pain and report them early.

Common risks and how they’re reduced

Risks include infection, nerve irritation, or implant failure. Modern imaging, guided surgery, sterile protocols, and experienced clinicians greatly lower these risks.

Timeline and cost factors to expect

Single-tooth implants often finish in 3–6 months; full-arch cases can take longer with staged treatment. Costs vary by the number of implants, grafting needs, materials, and whether labs or in-house tech are used.

Who is a good candidate?

Good candidates have adequate bone or can receive grafts, are in reasonable health, and avoid heavy smoking. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes require stabilization first. Diagnostic imaging confirms candidacy.

About Dr. Brian Ferber and Ferber Dental Group

Dr. Brian Ferber, DMD (University of Pennsylvania) has advanced training in implant dentistry, IV sedation, and surgical bone grafting. Ferber Dental Group in Greenacres, FL has placed over 20,000 implants and uses CBCT, photogrammetry, TRIOS scanning, 3D printing, diode lasers, and guided-implant technologies to improve accuracy and comfort.

Next steps: Ready to start the process of getting a dental implant?

Schedule a consultation to review your history and imaging. Bring any recent dental records and a list of medications. Your first visit will include exam, CBCT imaging if needed, and a clear treatment plan. Contact the office to book your visit.