Most implant marketing shows two pictures: a gap, and then a perfect tooth.

What it skips is everything in between. And that in-between is exactly what people want to know about before they commit.

How many appointments? How long will I have a gap? When does it hurt? What am I actually doing for those months?

Here’s the whole journey, including the slow bits.

A quick note on timing: every case is different. The timeframes below are typical ranges, not promises. Your own timeline will be set out in your treatment plan.

Stage 1: The consultation

Typical length: we’ll let you know when you book, and we allow enough time that you won’t feel rushed

This is a conversation first and an examination second.

We’ll ask why you’re here, what’s bothering you, and what you’d like the end result to be. We’ll also go through your medical history and any medications, because some conditions and medicines affect healing and implant planning.

Then we look closely:

• Your gums. We measure the spaces between your gums and teeth to check for gum disease. Healthy gums are the foundation of a successful implant.

• Your bone. We check whether there’s enough bone to hold an implant.

• Your bite. How your teeth meet affects the forces on an implant.

• Your other teeth. An implant is part of a whole mouth, not a standalone project.

Imaging. Implant planning usually needs a 3D scan (called a CBCT). It shows the height and width of your bone and the position of nerves and sinuses, which a normal X-ray can’t.

What you leave with: a clear explanation of whether an implant is suitable, any alternatives, and a written, itemised quote. You don’t need to decide on the day.

What it feels like: nothing more than a normal check-up.

Stage 2: Getting ready (if needed)

Typical length: from nothing at all to several months

Not everyone needs this stage. But if you do, it’s the stage that protects everything that follows.

Treating gum disease. If your gums are inflamed or infected, that needs to settle before an implant goes in. Placing an implant into unhealthy gums raises the risk of problems around it later. This usually means a deep clean first. (See: Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing): what to expect.)

Removing a failing tooth. If the tooth is still there, it needs to come out. Sometimes the implant can be placed at the same visit; often the area is left to heal first.

Bone grafting. If there isn’t enough bone, we may add graft material to build it up. The graft then needs time to mature, often a few months, before the implant is placed.

What it feels like: extractions and grafts are done under local anaesthetic. Expect some tenderness and swelling for a few days afterwards.

Stage 3: Placing the implant

Typical length: varies with the case; we’ll tell you how long to allow before the day

This is the surgical step, and the one people worry about most.

Before we start, we numb the area thoroughly with local anaesthetic. If you’re anxious, we can talk about sedation options beforehand. (See: Does gum treatment hurt? Pain, sedation, anxiety and recovery time.)

During the procedure, a small opening is made in the gum, a precise space is prepared in the bone, and the implant is placed. You’ll feel pressure and hear some sounds, but you shouldn’t feel sharp pain. If you do, tell us and we’ll add more anaesthetic.

At the end, the gum is closed over or around the implant, sometimes with a few stitches.

What it feels like afterwards: most people describe mild to moderate soreness for a few days, similar to a tooth extraction. Some swelling or bruising is possible. We’ll give you written aftercare instructions and advice on pain relief.

The first week, in general:

• Soft foods, and chewing on the other side

• Gentle cleaning around the area as instructed

• No smoking (it significantly affects healing)

• A review appointment, and stitches removed if needed

Stage 4: Healing (the “nothing is happening” months)

Typical length: commonly around 3 to 6 months

This is the stage that surprises people, because from the outside it looks like nothing is going on.

Underneath, something important is happening. The bone is slowly growing onto the surface of the implant and locking it in place. This process is called osseointegration, and it can’t be rushed. An implant that is loaded before it’s ready is at greater risk of failing.

We can discuss whether a temporary tooth replacement is suitable while you heal.

What you’re doing during this time: living normally, keeping the area clean, avoiding heavy chewing on the implant site, and coming in for any scheduled reviews.

What it feels like: after the first week or two, usually nothing at all. That’s a good sign.

Stage 5: Uncovering and the connector

Typical length: a short appointment

Once healing is confirmed, we check that the implant is firm. If the gum was closed over it, a small opening is made to expose the top of the implant. Then a healing cap or the abutment (the connector that will hold your crown) is attached.

Some implants are placed with the connector already showing through the gum, so this step may be skipped.

What it feels like: usually minor, done under local anaesthetic if needed, with a little tenderness afterwards.

Stage 6: Making your crown

Typical length: usually a couple of weeks between appointments

We take a scan or impression of the implant and surrounding teeth. The crown is then custom made to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth and to fit your bite.

What it feels like: no different from having a normal crown made.

Stage 7: The final tooth

Typical length: a standard appointment

The crown is fitted onto the implant. We check how it looks, how your bite feels, and adjust anything that isn’t quite right.

This is the day most people have been waiting for, and it’s often surprisingly quick after months of healing.

Stage 8: The part that never really ends

An implant can’t get decay, but the gum and bone around it can still get infected. This is called peri-implantitis, and it’s one of the main reasons implants run into trouble.

Looking after your implant means:

• Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth daily

• Regular check-ups and professional cleans

• Not smoking

• Keeping any gum disease under control

• Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth, if recommended

The whole journey at a glance

Total: a straightforward single implant often takes a few months from placement to final crown. Cases involving gum treatment or grafting take longer.

Your journey starts with one conversation

You don’t need to have made a decision to book a consultation. You just need questions.

Step 1 – Book your consultation. Get in touch with Prime Perio to arrange a time.

Step 2 – We assess and plan. Gums, bone, bite, and 3D imaging where needed.

Step 3 – You get your personal timeline and quote in writing. Every stage, every cost. Then you decide.

Clinical source: FDA — Dental Implants: What You Should Know

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Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Timeframes are typical ranges only and vary between individuals. This article is general information and not a substitute for personal dental advice.