Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Dental implant treatment is completed in stages to allow the jawbone and surrounding tissues to heal properly and support long-term stability. Each stage serves a specific role in supporting healing and long-term implant stability.
Legacy Surgery offer dental implants in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
Stage One – Implant Placement
The first stage of dental implants involves placing the implant into the jawbone. This implant serves as the foundation of the entire restoration and takes the place of the natural tooth root.
The purpose of this stage is to establish a stable anchor within the bone. The implant must be positioned and supported by healthy bone so it can later carry normal chewing forces.
Implant placement is typically completed in a single visit, followed by a healing period of 3-6 months before moving to the next stage.
Stage Two – Healing and Osseointegration
The second stage of dental implants focuses on healing and osseointegration. Osseointegration refers to the natural process in which the jawbone grows around and bonds directly to the implant surface.
This phase is essential because it is what allows the implant to function like a natural tooth root. Without sufficient healing time, the implant would not be stable enough to support a permanent restoration.
This stage commonly takes about three to six months. The exact timeline varies based on individual healing response, bone quality, and overall oral health. This waiting period is a planned part of treatment and is critical for long-term success.
Stage Three – Final Restoration
The final stage of dental implants is the placement of the permanent restoration. At this point, the implant has bonded with the jawbone and can support a visible tooth replacement.
During this stage, the final crown or prosthetic is attached to the implant. This restores normal function, appearance, and bite alignment, completing the implant process.
Once the restoration is in place, the staged treatment sequence is complete, and the implant functions as a stable, long-term tooth replacement. The final restoration phase is typically completed over one to two visits after osseointegration is confirmed.
Dental Implants at Legacy Surgery
The dental implant process is unique to each patient and depends on oral health, healing response, and lifestyle factors. A consultation helps determine how the staged approach applies to your situation.
To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230
2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA
FAQs
How long does the entire dental implant process take from start to finish?
In many cases, the full dental implant process takes several months from implant placement to final restoration. Most of this time is dedicated to healing and osseointegration rather than active treatment visits.
If I need a bone graft, how long will the implant process take?
When a bone graft is needed, it usually adds several additional months before implant placement or before the implant can fully integrate. The exact timing depends on how long the grafted bone needs to heal before moving to the next stage.
Can I get a tooth extracted and a dental implant placed on the same day?
In some cases, a dental implant can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction. This depends on factors such as bone support, whether there is infection present, and overall oral health. Your oral surgeon will determine whether same-day placement is appropriate during your evaluation.