Wilson House Blogs

How long does a dental implant procedure take?

19-11-2025

When you begin exploring dental implants to replace a missing tooth, it is natural to wonder how long the whole process will take. Many people want to know when they can expect to eat comfortably again, smile confidently and feel that everything has settled into place.

For a straightforward case, a single implant often takes around three to six months from placement to final crown. More complex situations can take longer, especially if extra procedures such as bone grafting are needed. If you are also thinking about long-term performance, read our guide on the expected lifespan of dental implants.

Below is a clear breakdown of each stage so you know what to expect.

How long does the treatment usually take?

Most implant journeys fall within these ranges:

• Straightforward single implant
  Typically, 3 to 6 months. A patient leaflet from Cambridge University Hospitals notes that implants are normally left to heal for three to six months before the final tooth is fitted. You can see this set out in their dental implant information.

• Several implants in one jaw
  Often 4 to 9 months, as planning and restoring multiple teeth naturally takes longer.

• Implants with bone graft or sinus lift
  Usually, 6 to 12 months because grafted bone needs extra time to mature.

• Immediate or same-day implants
  A temporary tooth may be placed on the day, but full healing still takes several months.

These are general guides only. Your own timings will depend on bone levels, gum health and the type of restoration being planned.

The main stages of implant treatment

Implant care moves through clear steps, which help you understand the overall process.

Step 1: Consultation and assessment

Your first visit gives us the chance to understand what you want to achieve and assess your oral health. This appointment usually includes:

• A full examination of your teeth, gums and bite

• X-rays and, if helpful, a 3D scan

• A discussion about suitability for implants

• An outline of expected timelines and fees

You may wish to compare implants with other options. If so, our guides on dental bridges and denture treatments explain how those approaches work.

If implants feel like the right direction for you, we will then prepare a detailed plan based on your scans.

Step 2: Treatment planning

During the planning phase, we:

• Review your scans carefully

• Decide on the ideal implant positions

• Assess whether grafting or a sinus lift is needed

• Work with the dental laboratory where surgical guides or provisional teeth are required

This stage usually takes one to three weeks. It rarely needs long in-surgery appointments, but it is essential for a predictable and safe result.

Step 3: Placing the implant

The implant is positioned under local anaesthetic. If you feel anxious about dental treatment, you may wish to read how we support nervous patients.

Typical appointment lengths:

• Single implant – 60 to 90 minutes

• Several implants – around 90 minutes to 2 hours

A small healing cap may be visible, or the gum may be closed over the site. Where a visible gap would otherwise show near the front of your mouth, a temporary tooth is often provided. Follow-up visits are usually arranged over the following week or two to check healing and remove stitches if needed.

Step 4: Healing and osseointegration

This phase often has the biggest influence on how long treatment takes. Once the implant is in place, the surrounding bone needs time to heal and bond to the titanium surface. This process, called osseointegration, is what gives an implant its long-term strength.

A peer-reviewed article in the International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences notes that bone density and implant design both play a role in how quickly stability is achieved. You can find this discussed in their clinical review on implant stability.

Typical healing ranges:

• Gum healing: 1 to 2 weeks

• Bone integration: around 3 to 6 months

Some patients are ready for the next stage in about 3 months, while others benefit from allowing a little longer. Your dentist will recommend a timetable based on how the bone is healing rather than moving forward too soon.

Step 5: Fitting the abutment

Once the implant is stable, we attach a small connector called an abutment. This joins the implant beneath the gum to the crown on top.

• The appointment generally takes 20 to 40 minutes

• The gum then shapes around the abutment over the next week or two

Some implant systems place the abutment at the same time as the implant. Others place it after healing. The choice depends on your mouth and the type of restoration being planned.

Step 6: Creating and fitting the final crown

The final stage involves designing a custom tooth:

1. We take scans or impressions to record the position of the implant and how your teeth bite together.

2. A skilled technician designs a crown in a matching shape and shade.

3. We fit the crown, check the bite and make small adjustments as needed.

This stage usually takes around two to four weeks from impressions to fitting. For patients replacing several teeth, our guide to multiple teeth implant treatments offers a helpful overview of how larger cases are planned.

Typical appointment lengths

For quick reference:

• Consultation – 30 to 60 minutes

• Implant placement – 60 to 90 minutes for one implant, longer for several

• Review and stitches – around 15 minutes

• Abutment appointment – 20 to 40 minutes

• Scans or impressions – 30 to 45 minutes

• Crown fitting – 30 to 45 minutes

Most of your overall treatment time is quiet healing rather than long appointments.

A quick comparison of common timelines

*Timing varies depending on bone levels, gum health and the type of restoration needed.

What recovery usually feels like

Recovery is usually manageable, but it is still a minor surgical procedure.

• First 24 to 72 hours
  Swelling and tenderness are common. Your dentist or pharmacist can advise on suitable pain relief.

• First 1 to 2 weeks
  Stitches, if used, are removed or dissolve. Eating usually becomes easier.

• Next few months
  Bone healing continues while you return to normal daily activities.

If you would like a broader medical overview, the Mayo Clinic provides a simple explanation of the process on its page about dental implant surgery.

If gum health has been a problem, you may find our guide on caring for your gum health at home useful. If anything feels unusual at any stage, we recommend contacting us through our contact page.

Keeping your implant on track

These simple steps help support predictable healing:

• Follow the aftercare instructions provided

• Keep the area clean as advised

• Avoid smoking, which can slow healing

• Choose softer foods at first

• Attend all review visits

• Let us know about any medicines or health conditions you have

If you prefer to plan regular check-ups and hygiene care in a structured way, our Denplan Essentials membership may be helpful.

Key takeaway

A dental implant is a steady, well-organised treatment rather than a quick fix. For many people, a single implant takes three to six months, with more complex cases taking longer because the bone and gums need time to heal properly.

If you are considering implants and want a realistic timeline based on your own mouth and goals, our dental implant treatment page is a helpful place to begin. You can explore how we replace single teeth, several teeth or full arches, then get in touch and we will be happy to talk everything through with you.

This guide is for general information only. It is not a substitute for personalised advice. If you are thinking about dental implants, please attend a full assessment so your medical history and oral health can be taken into account.