When it comes to replacing missing teeth, few treatments are as reliable and transformative as dental implants. They not only restore your smile but also help preserve jawbone health and provide unmatched stability compared to dentures or bridges. Still, many patients in Lakeland feel uncertain about what the process actually involves. They want to know how long it takes, what happens during each step, and what to expect afterward.
At Highland Park Dental, we understand that this uncertainty can feel intimidating. That’s why we believe in educating patients thoroughly before beginning treatment. The dental implant procedure is carefully structured, step by step, to maximize safety, comfort, and long-term success. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, the process follows a clear roadmap.
In this guide, we’ll walk through each stage in detail—from your first consultation to the final crown—so you can feel confident about starting your implant journey in Lakeland.
The first step in the dental implant process is the consultation. This is more than a brief conversation; it’s a comprehensive evaluation designed to ensure implants are the right choice for you. At Highland Park Dental in Lakeland, we take time during this appointment to gather the information we need to design a custom treatment plan.
What to expect during your consultation:
This stage sets the foundation for success. By the end of the consultation, you’ll have a clear understanding of your individualized plan and what to expect next.
Not every dental implant patient requires a tooth extraction, but many do. A tooth may be too damaged, decayed, or infected to save, and removing it is often the first step toward a healthier smile. At Highland Park Dental, tooth extractions are performed with great care to minimize discomfort and preserve as much healthy bone as possible.
Key points about extraction before implants:
Removing a failing tooth may feel like a setback, but it’s actually the first step toward a healthier, stronger restoration with implants.
The implant post is the foundation of your new tooth. It’s a small titanium screw surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a replacement root. This stage is often the one patients feel most nervous about, but at Highland Park Dental in Lakeland, it’s a routine procedure with predictable results.
What happens during implant placement:
The entire surgery for a single implant usually takes about one to two hours.
On average, one implant takes between 60 and 120 minutes. Multiple implants may take longer. Patients often find that the procedure is smoother and more comfortable than they expected.
After placement, mild soreness is normal, but most people resume daily activities quickly.
After the dental implant is placed, healing begins. This stage is crucial because it allows osseointegration—the process where the jawbone fuses with the titanium post. Without this step, the implant would not be stable enough to support a crown.
What to know about healing:
You won’t feel the bone fusing itself, but you may notice your bite feeling slightly different as the implant settles. Most patients describe it as an uneventful healing period with minimal discomfort.
Once osseointegration is complete, the next step is attaching the abutment. This small connector links the implant post to the crown.
Patients at Highland Park Dental often remark that this stage is the most exciting, as it’s when they finally see their full smile restored.
With anesthesia, patients feel no pain during surgery. Post-procedure discomfort is usually mild and managed with over-the-counter medication.
Typically, three to five visits are required: consultation, surgery, follow-ups, and crown placement.
Some patients qualify for immediate or same-day implants, but this depends on bone quality and overall health. Not all cases are suitable.
With proper care, implants can last decades—often a lifetime. Regular checkups at Highland Park Dental ensure long-term success.
Yes. Age alone is not a limiting factor. As long as overall health and bone density are sufficient, implants are safe and effective for seniors in Lakeland.
The dental implant process may seem complex, but when broken down into steps, it becomes clear and manageable. From consultation and planning to final restoration, every stage is designed to maximize comfort, safety, and success.
At Highland Park Dental in Lakeland, we take pride in guiding our patients through this journey with care and precision. If you’re ready to restore your smile with a solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth, dental implants are the gold standard.
Don’t wait to begin your journey. Call Highland Park Dental today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier, and more confident smile.
