Dental Implants Timeline: What to Expect From Start to Finish

Understanding the Dental Implants Timeline

If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions available. A common question patients ask is, “How long does the dental implant process take?”

While dental implants are not completed in a single visit, the results are permanent, natural-looking, and function just like real teeth. Below is a clear breakdown of the dental implants timeline, so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

Patients seeking dental implants in Gardena, as well as those coming from Torrance, Carson, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes & Palos Verdes Estates, often follow the same step-by-step process outlined below.

Step 1: Dental Implant Consultation & Evaluation (Week 1)

The dental implant process begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, your dentist will:

• Perform a full oral exam
• Take digital X-rays or 3D scans
• Evaluate jawbone density
• Review medical and dental history

This evaluation allows your dentist to determine if implants are right for you and to customize your treatment plan.

Patients looking for dental implants in Gardena often choose a centrally located practice that also serves nearby areas like dental implants in Torrance, dental implants in Carson, and dental implants in Palos Verdes & Palos Verdes Estates, making care convenient and consistent.

Step 2: Bone Grafting (If Needed) – 3 to 6 Months

Not all patients require bone grafting, but it is sometimes necessary if the jawbone is not strong enough to support an implant.

• Strengthens the jawbone
• Improves long-term implant success
• Healing typically takes 3–6 months

Patients seeking dental implants in Hawthorne or dental implants in Lawndale often learn during their consultation whether bone grafting is needed before implant placement.

Step 3: Dental Implant Placement (1 Day Procedure)

Once the jawbone is ready, the dental implant (a titanium post) is surgically placed into the bone.

• Completed in one visit
• Local anesthesia used for comfort
• Minimal downtime

This procedure forms the foundation of the implant. Many patients traveling from Manhattan Beach for dental implants or Redondo Beach & Hermosa Beach for dental implants choose Gardena for implant placement due to advanced technology and experienced care.

Step 4: Healing & Osseointegration (3–6 Months)

Osseointegration is the process where the implant fuses naturally with your jawbone.

• Creates a stable, permanent anchor
• Most critical stage of the implant timeline
• Temporary teeth may be worn during healing

Patients receiving dental implants near Palos Verdes & Palos Verdes Estates often appreciate having a temporary restoration while the implant fully integrates.

Step 5: Abutment Placement (2–3 Weeks)

After healing is complete, an abutment is placed on top of the implant.

• Connects the implant to the crown
• Minor procedure
• Gums heal around the abutment

This step prepares your implant for the final tooth restoration.

Step 6: Final Crown Placement (Final Visit)

The last step of the dental implants timeline is placing the custom crown.

• Designed to match natural teeth
• Restores full chewing ability
• Provides a natural, confident smile

Once completed, dental implants can last 20 years or more with proper care.

Patients seeking dental implants in Gardena, Torrance, Carson, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes, and Palos Verdes Estates benefit from this same proven process.

How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?

Total Timeline:

✔ 3–6 months (no bone graft)

✔ 6–9 months (with bone graft)

Why Dental Implants Are Worth the Time

Although dental implants take longer than bridges or dentures, they offer unmatched benefits:

• Permanent tooth replacement
• Natural appearance and feel
• No damage to neighboring teeth
• Preserves jawbone health
• Improves confidence and function

That’s why patients from Gardena and surrounding cities continue to choose dental implants as the gold standard for tooth replacement.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Gardena

If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with a trusted Gardena implant dentist who proudly serves patients from Torrance, Carson, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes, and Palos Verdes Estates.

👉 Learn more about implant options here:

Dental Implants in Gardena