Getting a dental implant is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health and confidence. So, it’s natural to ask, “How long does the dental implant procedure take?” While the process isn’t instant, the time involved is purposeful. The timeline isn’t long because it’s difficult; it’s long because it’s thorough. Every stage, especially the healing period where the implant fuses with your jawbone, is a deliberate step toward a solution that can last a lifetime. This careful, methodical process is the key to achieving a permanent, worry-free result.
Key Takeaways
- Healing is the longest—and most important—step: The dental implant process isn’t about endless appointments. Most of the timeline is dedicated to osseointegration, the natural process where your jawbone fuses with the implant, creating a rock-solid foundation for your new tooth.
- Your unique situation sets the pace: The total time can vary because it’s tailored to you. Factors like your jawbone health, whether you need a bone graft first, and the number of teeth being replaced all influence your personal treatment schedule.
- A smooth recovery depends on teamwork: Your role after the procedure is crucial. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions, like sticking to soft foods and keeping the area clean, is the best way to ensure proper healing and a successful, long-lasting result.
How Long Will My Dental Implant Procedure Take?
One of the first questions people ask about dental implants is about the timeline. It’s completely understandable—you want to know what to expect on your journey to a new smile. While the exact timing is unique to you, the overall process follows a clear, predictable path. The good news is that much of this time is dedicated to healing, with only a few key appointments needed to achieve a permanent, beautiful result. Let’s walk through the typical stages and what they mean for your schedule.
First Things First: What Is a Dental Implant?
Think of a dental implant as a brand-new tooth root. It’s a small, sturdy post, usually made of biocompatible titanium, that is placed into your jawbone where a tooth is missing. This post acts as a strong foundation. Once it has fully integrated with your bone, a custom-made crown (the part that looks like a tooth) is attached to it. This method is widely considered the gold standard for replacing a one missing tooth because it mimics the structure and function of a natural tooth, preserving your jaw health and giving you a smile that feels completely real.
How Do Dental Implants Compare to Other Options?
When you’re looking to replace a missing tooth, it’s smart to weigh all your options. Dental implants are an incredible solution, but they aren’t the only choice available. Traditional methods like dental bridges and dentures have helped people for decades, and understanding how they work is key to making a confident decision for your health and lifestyle. The main difference comes down to permanence and preservation. While other options fill the gap in your smile, a dental implant is the only one that also replaces the tooth root. This is vital for maintaining your jawbone health and preventing the bone loss that naturally occurs when a tooth is gone. This distinction is what makes implants feel and function so much like your natural teeth.
Choosing the right path is about looking at the big picture. Do you want a removable solution, or something fixed permanently in place? Are you comfortable with a procedure that involves altering healthy adjacent teeth, or do you prefer a standalone fix? For those missing many or all of their teeth, options like All-on-4 dental implants provide a full-arch restoration that is secured in place, offering a completely different experience than traditional dentures. Let’s break down how these other common treatments compare so you can see why implants are so often considered the gold standard.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge does exactly what its name suggests: it “bridges” the gap left by a missing tooth. This solution consists of a false tooth, called a pontic, which is held in place by crowns attached to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. To place the crowns, your dentist must first file down these adjacent teeth, permanently altering their structure to make room for the bridge. While this method avoids surgery involving the jawbone, it comes at a cost to otherwise healthy teeth. A bridge can be a functional solution for replacing one missing tooth, but it places extra strain on the supporting teeth and doesn’t address the underlying issue of bone loss in the jaw where the original tooth was.
Dentures
Dentures are probably the most well-known option for tooth replacement. They are custom-made, removable plates that fit over your gums to replace some or all of your teeth. For many, the lower upfront cost is a major advantage, and the process is non-surgical. However, this convenience comes with trade-offs. Because dentures are not anchored to the jawbone, they can sometimes feel unstable, shift while you eat or speak, and may require special adhesives to keep them in place. Over time, your jawbone will change shape without tooth roots to stimulate it, meaning your dentures will need to be refitted or replaced. While they restore the appearance of a full smile, they don’t offer the same security or function as a solution that is integrated with your bone, like when you replace multiple missing teeth with implants.
Your Dental Implant Procedure: A Quick Overview
The journey to a new tooth has a few main steps, each with a specific purpose. It all starts with a consultation where we map out your personalized treatment plan. From there, the process generally looks like this:
- Implant Placement: The titanium post is surgically inserted into your jawbone. See how implant surgery works.
- Healing (Osseointegration): This is the most important waiting period. Over a few months, your jawbone naturally fuses with the implant, creating an incredibly strong bond.
- Attaching the Abutment: A small connector piece, called an abutment, is placed on top of the implant.
- Placing the Crown: Your final, custom-crafted tooth is secured to the abutment, completing your new smile – see before and after results.
For more complex cases, like replacing several missing teeth, the fundamental steps remain the same.
Mapping Out the Average Timeline
From your first consultation to the day you walk out with your final tooth, the entire dental implant process typically takes between five to eight months. While the actual surgery to place an implant is often completed in about an hour, the majority of the timeline is dedicated to healing. This crucial waiting period, called osseointegration, is what makes implants so successful and durable. Rushing this step isn’t an option, as it’s the key to ensuring your implant becomes a permanent part of your smile. We’ll keep you comfortable throughout, even offering dental implant sedation to make your appointments as stress-free as possible.
What Can Speed Up or Slow Down the Process?
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Jawbone Health: If your bone isn’t dense enough to support an implant, a bone graft may be recommended.
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Number of Implants: A single tooth implant requires less time than a full-mouth restoration like All-on-4.
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Preparatory Steps: Tooth extractions or grafting may add healing time but are critical for long-term success.
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Your Personal Healing Process: Lifestyle factors like smoking or medical conditions may slow osseointegration.
The 5 Stages of the Dental Implant Procedure
Thinking about the dental implant process as one long procedure can feel overwhelming. It’s much more helpful to see it as a series of distinct, manageable stages. Your journey to a new smile is a partnership between you and your dental team, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. While the total timeline varies from person to person, the path we take is clear and well-established.
The entire process, from your first conversation with us to the day you walk out with your final tooth, can take anywhere from a few months to a year. It’s important to remember that a significant portion of this time is dedicated to healing, where your body is doing the quiet work of integrating the implant. Each appointment has a specific purpose, and understanding these stages can help you feel confident and prepared as you move toward a permanent, beautiful smile. Let’s walk through what you can expect at each step.
The Specialist Team Behind Your New Smile
When you decide to get a dental implant, the skill of the person placing it is one of the most important factors for a successful outcome. This is where a specialist team, often led by a periodontist, makes all the difference. A periodontist isn’t just a general dentist; they are a specialist who has completed three additional years of focused training after dental school. Their expertise is centered on the very foundation of your smile: the gums and the jawbone. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, these specialists are the experts in the structures that support your teeth, which is exactly what you need for a stable, long-lasting implant. Having this level of expertise on your side ensures your new smile is built on the strongest possible foundation.
Why a Periodontist Matters for Implant Success
The success of your implant hinges on the health of your jawbone and gums, and a periodontist is uniquely qualified to manage this. They can accurately assess your bone density and determine if a preparatory step, like a bone graft, is needed to create a solid base for the implant. This personalized approach is crucial because the majority of the implant timeline is dedicated to osseointegration—the natural process where the implant fuses with your bone. A periodontist’s deep understanding of this biological process ensures everything goes smoothly, setting you up for a predictable recovery and a result that stands the test of time. It’s this specialized care that transforms a good outcome into a great one.
Step 1: Your Consultation and Personalized Plan
This is where it all begins. Your first visit is a conversation, not a commitment. You’ll meet with our Board-Certified Periodontist to discuss your goals for your smile and your overall health. We’ll perform a thorough examination, including a CT scan, to get a detailed look at your jawbone and oral structures. This allows us to determine if you’re a good candidate for implants and to create a treatment plan that is tailored specifically to you. We’ll answer all your questions and lay out the entire process, so you know exactly what to expect.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
So, what makes someone a great fit for dental implants? It’s less about age and more about your oral and general health. You’re likely a strong candidate if you’re dealing with one missing tooth or several and have a jawbone that has finished growing. Good oral health is key—this means healthy gums and enough bone density to securely hold the implant. If your bone is a little thin, don’t worry; a bone graft can often solve that. It’s also important that you don’t have any health conditions that could interfere with bone healing. Most importantly, you should be ready to commit to the process and be motivated by the goal of improving your speech or simply wanting a permanent alternative to dentures.
Who Might Need to Wait for Implants?
Sometimes, it’s best to wait a bit before starting the implant process. This isn’t a “no,” but rather a “not right now.” For instance, younger individuals whose jaws are still developing will need to wait until they’re fully grown. Certain health conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or leukemia, can also affect your body’s ability to heal properly, which is a critical part of the implant’s success. Smoking is another significant factor, as it can slow down the healing process considerably. Finally, some medications can pose risks to the jawbone. The best approach is to be completely open about your medical history during your consultation so we can create the safest and most effective plan for you.
Step 2: Prepping Your Smile for the Implant
Sometimes, a little prep work is needed to create the perfect foundation for your new tooth. If the damaged tooth is still in place, we’ll need to gently remove it. If you’ve been missing a tooth for a while, your jawbone may have lost some density. In this case, a bone graft might be necessary to build the bone back up, ensuring it’s strong enough to support the implant for a lifetime. This step requires a healing period of a few months, but it’s a crucial investment in the long-term success of your implant.
Types of Dental Implants
While the goal is always the same—a strong, stable new tooth—the type of implant used can vary. The most common is the endosteal implant. This is what most people picture: a small screw or post that is placed directly into the jawbone, acting just like a natural tooth root. It’s the go-to choice for most procedures, from replacing a single missing tooth to supporting a full set of new teeth. A less common alternative is the subperiosteal implant. Instead of going into the bone, this type consists of a metal frame that rests on top of the jawbone, just beneath the gum tissue. It’s typically used in specific situations where a patient doesn’t have enough healthy jawbone for an endosteal implant and may not be a candidate for a bone graft.
Supporting Procedures: Bone Grafts and Sinus Lifts
For an implant to last a lifetime, it needs a solid foundation. If your jawbone isn’t quite thick or strong enough, we may recommend a supporting procedure to build it up. A bone graft is a common and highly successful procedure where we add bone material to your jaw to create a more robust base for the implant. For implants in the upper back of your jaw, a sinus lift might be needed. This procedure adds bone to the area between your jaw and sinuses, ensuring there’s enough room and support for the implant post. While these steps add to the timeline, they are essential for creating the secure, stable outcome you deserve.
Step 3: Placing the Dental Implant
This is the core of the implant procedure. During this appointment, which typically takes about an hour, we will place a small, biocompatible titanium post into your jawbone. This post acts as the new root for your tooth. Your comfort is our top priority, and we have several options to ensure you feel relaxed and at ease throughout the process, including effective dental implant sedation. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward and comfortable this step is.
Step 4: Giving It Time to Heal and Bond
After the post is placed, your body takes over. Over the next three to six months, a remarkable process called osseointegration occurs. This is where your jawbone naturally grows around and fuses with the titanium post, creating an incredibly strong and stable foundation. This fusion is what makes dental implants the most durable and permanent tooth replacement solution. During this healing phase, you’ll have a temporary tooth in place, so you can continue to eat, speak, and smile with confidence while the magic happens beneath the surface.
Step 5: Attaching Your Final, Custom Tooth
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Once the implant has fully fused with your jawbone, you’ll come back for the final step. We’ll attach a small connector piece called an abutment to the implant post. Then, we’ll secure your custom-crafted final restoration. Depending on your needs, this could be a single crown to replace one missing tooth, a bridge for several teeth, or a full set of beautiful new teeth with an All-on-4 solution. You’ll leave our office with a fully functional, permanent tooth that looks and feels completely natural.
Choosing Your Restoration: Fixed vs. Removable Teeth
Once your implant post is fully healed, it’s time for the exciting final step: adding your new tooth or teeth. At this stage, you and your dentist will decide on the type of restoration that best suits your needs. A fixed restoration is permanently attached to your implants, meaning it can only be removed by your dental professional. Many people prefer this option because it offers the highest level of stability and functions just like natural teeth. You can eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence, never worrying about your teeth shifting. This is the approach used for solutions that replace several missing teeth with a bridge or even a full arch.
Alternatively, you might consider a removable restoration. This type of prosthesis, often called an overdenture, securely snaps onto the implants but can be taken out at home for cleaning. The primary benefit is the ease of maintenance, as some people find it simpler to keep both the prosthesis and the underlying gums clean when they can be separated. The right choice depends entirely on your lifestyle, your comfort level, and your specific oral health needs. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each during your consultation to help you select the perfect fit for your new smile.
Why Every Patient’s Timeline Is Unique
While it’s helpful to have a general idea of the dental implant timeline, the truth is, your journey is entirely your own. Think of it less like a fixed schedule and more like a personalized roadmap to your new smile. Several key factors can influence how long the process takes from your first consultation to the final placement of your beautiful new tooth. Your body’s unique healing process, the current health of your jaw, and the specifics of your treatment plan all play a significant role.
At VIP Dental Implants, our first priority is ensuring your implant is successful and lasts a lifetime. That means we never rush the process. Instead, we carefully consider every detail of your health and goals to create a plan that’s right for you. Sometimes, this involves extra steps to prepare your mouth for the implant, which can add time. But these preparatory stages are what build the foundation for a strong, stable, and confident smile. Understanding these factors ahead of time can help you feel more prepared and confident as you begin this exciting process.
How Your Health Impacts Healing Time
Your body’s ability to heal is one of the most important factors in the dental implant timeline. The magic of an implant happens during a process called osseointegration, where the implant post fuses directly with your jawbone. This natural process creates the incredibly strong foundation that makes implants feel and function just like real teeth. How quickly this happens depends on your personal health.
Factors like your age, immune system, and lifestyle habits can influence your healing speed. For example, smokers or individuals with unmanaged diabetes may experience a slower healing period. We’ll go over your complete medical history during your consultation to ensure we create a safe and effective plan tailored to you.
Is Your Jawbone Ready for an Implant?
For a dental implant to be successful, it needs a strong, dense jawbone to anchor into. If a tooth has been missing for a while, the bone in that area can begin to shrink or deteriorate from lack of use. During your initial consultation and CT scan, we’ll get a clear picture of your jawbone’s health.
If we find that the bone isn’t quite dense enough to support an implant, don’t worry—this is a common situation. We may recommend a bone graft to build the area back up. This simple procedure is key to ensuring your implant has the solid foundation it needs for long-term success, even though it adds a few months to your overall timeline.
The Number of Implants You Need
The scope of your treatment plan naturally affects the timeline. The process for replacing one missing tooth is typically more straightforward than a full-mouth restoration. The surgery to place a single implant usually takes about an hour, while placing multiple implants will require a longer appointment.
If you need to replace several missing teeth or are considering a solution like All-on-4 dental implants, your treatment will involve more detailed planning and a longer healing period to ensure every implant integrates perfectly. We’ll map out each step clearly so you know exactly what to expect for your specific case.
Additional Procedures like Bone Grafting
Sometimes, your mouth needs a little prep work before it’s ready for an implant. The most common preparatory procedure is a bone graft, which involves adding bone material to your jaw to create a sturdy base for the implant. If a bone graft is needed, you’ll need about three to six months for the new bone to heal and integrate before the implant can be placed.
Another common step is a tooth extraction. If the tooth being replaced is still in place but is damaged or decayed, it will need to be removed. Your mouth will need some time to heal from the extraction before we can proceed with the implant surgery. These extra steps are crucial for the final outcome.
Your Unique Dental Anatomy
Every patient’s smile is unique, and so is their treatment plan. The final timeline is a combination of all the factors we’ve discussed, from your health to the specific number and location of your implants. A front tooth implant, for example, might require extra attention to aesthetics, while a molar implant is focused purely on function.
Our goal is to create a plan that fits your exact needs and delivers the best possible results. We take everything into account to ensure your implant journey is smooth, comfortable, and successful. And with options like dental implant sedation, we can help you feel completely at ease during every appointment.
Understanding the Potential Risks of Implant Surgery
It’s completely normal to have questions about the safety of any surgical procedure. Being well-informed is a key part of feeling confident in your decision. The great news is that dental implants have an incredibly high success rate, and when performed by an experienced specialist, the risks are low and manageable. Thinking about potential issues isn’t meant to cause worry; it’s about understanding the process fully so you can be an active partner in your own success. Choosing a qualified expert, like a Board-Certified Periodontist, is the most important step you can take to ensure your procedure is safe and your results are predictable. We prioritize meticulous planning and patient safety above all else, turning potential risks into manageable, well-understood aspects of a successful treatment plan.
Surgical Complications
Like any surgery, placing a dental implant involves a few potential risks, though they are uncommon and usually minor. These can include infection at the implant site, injury to nearby structures like adjacent teeth or blood vessels, or nerve damage that could cause temporary numbness or tingling in your teeth, gums, or chin. For implants placed in the upper jaw, there’s also a small chance of protruding into the sinus cavities. A skilled surgeon minimizes these risks through precise planning using advanced imaging like CT scans. We map out everything carefully beforehand to ensure a safe procedure, and we offer options like dental implant sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed from start to finish.
Long-Term Implant Health and Peri-Implant Disease
Your responsibility for your new tooth begins after the surgery is complete. While implants can’t get cavities, they are not immune to gum problems. The tissues around an implant can develop an infection similar to gum disease, known as peri-implant disease. The best way to prevent this is with excellent daily care—brushing and flossing are just as important for your implant as they are for your natural teeth. In rare cases, the jawbone may not fuse properly with the implant, a risk that is higher for smokers. If this happens, the implant is removed, and we can often try the procedure again after the site has healed, setting you back on the path to a successful outcome.
Preparing for Your Dental Implant Procedure
Thinking about the dental implant process can feel like a lot, but it’s really just a series of manageable steps. Knowing what to expect can make the entire experience feel much smoother. Think of it as a partnership between you and your dental team, working together toward your new smile. From your first chat to the final placement of your tooth, each stage is carefully planned to ensure the best possible outcome. Let’s walk through what your journey will look like, step by step.
How to Prepare for Each Appointment
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation. This is where we get to know you and your goals. We’ll perform a thorough check-up, which includes X-rays and a 3D CT scan to get a complete picture of your jawbone and oral health. This isn’t just a routine scan; it’s a crucial planning session that allows our Board-Certified Periodontist to map out the precise placement for your implant. We’ll discuss your options, whether you’re looking to replace one missing tooth or several, and create a custom treatment plan just for you. This first step ensures your entire treatment is built on a solid, well-planned foundation.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
On the day of your procedure, our team’s top priority is your comfort. The actual surgery to place the implant post is surprisingly quick, typically taking about one to two hours per implant. Your periodontist will make a small incision in your gum to access the jawbone, create a precise space, and then place the small titanium post. We want you to feel completely at ease, which is why we offer dental implant sedation to help you relax throughout the entire appointment. You’ll be in expert hands from start to finish, and many patients are surprised by how straightforward the experience is.
How to Care for Your Implant Post-Surgery
After your implant is placed, your body begins a remarkable process called osseointegration. This is just a technical term for the implant post naturally fusing with your jawbone, creating a strong and stable foundation for your new tooth. This healing phase typically takes a few months. During this time, it’s important to follow your aftercare instructions closely, which usually involves eating soft foods and keeping the area clean as directed by your dentist. This healing period is essential for the long-term success of your implant and is a quiet but critical part of your journey to a beautiful new smile.
See financing options for this long-term investment.
What’s Life Like After a Dental Implant?
Once your implant has fully healed and your final crown is attached, you can get back to living your life with confidence. Your new tooth will look, feel, and function just like a natural one. You’ll be able to eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile without a second thought. It’s a permanent solution for restoring not just a tooth, but your overall quality of life. With proper care like regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, your dental implant is designed to last a lifetime. This is especially true for transformative procedures like All-on-4 dental implants.
Implant Timeline Myths vs. Reality
A common myth is that every implant procedure follows the exact same timeline. In reality, your treatment plan is tailored to you, and certain factors can extend the process. The most frequent reason for a longer timeline is the need for preparatory procedures. If your jawbone needs a bit more support, a bone graft might be recommended. Similarly, if a damaged tooth needs to be removed first, we’ll account for that healing time. These extra steps are not setbacks; they are essential for creating the strongest possible foundation for your implant and ensuring its long-term success.
Tips for a Smooth and Speedy Recovery
A smooth recovery is all about teamwork. We’ll give you specific instructions to follow, and your role is to stick to them. This might include not eating for a few hours before your procedure if you’re having sedation. After surgery, keeping the area clean is key. We’ll show you how to gently brush and may recommend a special mouthwash to aid healing. Following these simple steps will help minimize discomfort and ensure your implant heals properly, getting you one step closer to your final, beautiful smile, whether you’re replacing one tooth or several missing teeth.
Breaking Down the Cost of Dental Implants
Let’s talk about one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind: the cost. It’s completely normal to wonder about the financial side of dental implants. While it’s a significant investment, it’s helpful to think of it as a permanent investment in your health, confidence, and quality of life. The final price tag isn’t a one-size-fits-all number; it’s a combination of several factors that are unique to your specific treatment plan. Understanding what goes into the total cost can make the numbers feel less intimidating and help you see the incredible long-term value you’re getting.
What Factors Into the Total Cost?
The total cost of your dental implant is influenced by a few key elements, all tailored to your specific needs. The quality of the materials is a primary factor; using high-grade, biocompatible titanium ensures strength and successful integration with your jawbone. The scope of your procedure also plays a big role—the investment to replace a single tooth will naturally be different from a full-mouth restoration like All-on-4. Sometimes, preparatory work like a bone graft is needed to create a solid foundation, which can also affect the final cost. Finally, the expertise of your dental team is crucial. Choosing a specialist, like a Board-Certified Periodontist, ensures you receive the highest standard of care for a successful, lasting result.
Working With Your Dental Insurance
Figuring out the financial side of your treatment can feel like a puzzle, but we’re here to help you put the pieces together. Many dental insurance plans offer some coverage for implants, but the amount can vary. The best first step is to check directly with your provider to understand your specific benefits. We also believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to a healthy smile, which is why we offer flexible financing options to make your treatment more manageable. During your complimentary consultation, we can review your insurance details and discuss payment plans, giving you a clear and transparent picture of your investment before you make any decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the dental implant process take several months? Can’t it be faster? The timeline is almost entirely dedicated to healing, and that’s a good thing. The longest phase is when your jawbone fuses with the implant post, a process called osseointegration. This natural fusion is what creates the incredibly strong foundation that allows your new tooth to function just like a real one. While the surgical appointments are relatively short, this essential healing period is what ensures your implant will be a stable, permanent part of your smile for years to come.
Will I have to go without a tooth during the healing period? Absolutely not. We understand that you need to be able to smile and speak with confidence throughout the entire process. While your implant is healing beneath the gumline, we will provide you with a temporary restoration. This temporary tooth is designed to look natural and fill the space, so you never have to worry about having a visible gap in your smile.
Does getting a dental implant hurt? Your comfort is our top priority. The implant placement procedure itself is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the appointment. We also offer sedation options to help you feel completely relaxed. Afterward, most patients say the discomfort is very manageable, often comparing it to what you’d feel after a simple tooth extraction. Any soreness is typically well-controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
What happens if I need a bone graft, and how does that change my timeline? Think of a bone graft as preparing the perfect foundation for your new tooth. If your jawbone has lost some density, a graft adds the necessary support to ensure your implant is secure for a lifetime. This does add a few months to the overall timeline because the grafted bone needs time to heal and integrate before we can place the implant post. It’s an extra step, but it’s a crucial one for ensuring the long-term success of your treatment.
Is the timeline different if I’m getting multiple implants or a full set of teeth? Yes, the timeline can be different, but the core principles remain the same. Replacing several teeth or getting a full-arch solution like All-on-4 involves a more comprehensive treatment plan. While the healing process for each individual implant is similar, the surgical appointment will be longer, and the planning phase is more detailed. We map out every step to ensure all your new implants heal perfectly and work together to give you a strong, stable, and beautiful new smile.