Losing a tooth can feel like more than a cosmetic setback. It can affect how you chew, how you speak, and how confident you feel smiling in public. If you are researching dental implants, you are likely wondering what actually happens between your first consultation and the moment you leave with a fully restored smile.
At Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we walk patients through every stage of the dental implant process so nothing feels unfamiliar or rushed. Below, we break down what you can expect at each step, from your initial exam to your final restoration.
The Initial Consultation and Imaging
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where we evaluate your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss your treatment goals. This is also when we determine whether you are a good candidate for implants or need preparatory work first.
We rely on cone beam 3D imaging to map the exact structure of your jaw, including bone density, nerve location, and sinus position. This technology lets us plan your implant placement with precision before surgery, reducing surprises later and helping us choose the right implant size and angle for your anatomy.
Preparing the Site: Extractions and Bone Grafting
Some patients need a tooth removed before implant placement, while others require additional bone support in the jaw. If a tooth is too damaged or infected to save, we perform an extraction and discuss whether socket preservation is appropriate to maintain jawbone shape.
When bone loss thins the jawbone, bone grafting helps rebuild a stable foundation for the implant. Depending on the extent of the graft, healing time can range from a few months to longer, since the graft material needs to fuse with your existing bone before it can support an implant.
Placing the Dental Implant
Once your jaw is ready, we place the titanium implant post directly into the bone. This procedure is typically completed under IV sedation or general anesthesia, so you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout. Many patients are surprised at how straightforward this stage feels compared to what they imagined.
After placement, the real work happens beneath the surface. The implant needs to fuse with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration. A large multicenter study following 651 implants over several years found a 99.9 percent survival rate, reinforcing how reliable this fusion process is when implants are placed and monitored properly.
Healing and Osseointegration
This healing phase generally takes a few months, during which the implant becomes a permanent, stable part of your jaw. We may use platelet-rich fibrin during this stage to support faster healing and reduce discomfort, since PRF harnesses your body’s own growth factors to speed tissue recovery.
During this time, you will attend follow-up visits so we can monitor healing and confirm the implant is integrating properly. Patience during this stage matters because rushing the timeline can compromise the long-term stability of your new tooth.
Attaching the Abutment and Final Restoration
Once osseointegration is complete, we attach a small connector piece called an abutment to the implant post. This piece anchors your permanent crown or denture, depending on how many teeth you are replacing.
We custom-fabricate your final restoration to match the color, shape, and function of your natural teeth. For patients who qualify, we also offer Teeth in a Day protocols that allow us to place a temporary restoration the same day as surgery, which can shorten the emotional and practical wait for a complete smile.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery varies depending on how much surgical work was involved, but most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Our surgical techniques minimize swelling and discomfort so you can return to your routine faster.
We provide detailed post-operative instructions so you know exactly how to care for the surgical site, what foods to avoid, and when to reach back out if something feels off. Most discomfort is manageable with prescribed medication and subsides within the first week.
Start Your Dental Implant Journey With Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center
Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center is proud to be one of LA’s premier oral and maxillofacial surgery practices, located in the heart of West Los Angeles. Our board-certified surgeons bring extensive training in dental implants, bone grafting, and full-scope oral surgery, and we use the latest 3D imaging and surgical techniques to plan every case with precision.
We understand that choosing to move forward with implants is a big decision, and we are here to make the process feel manageable from your very first visit to your final restoration. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out which implant options are right for you.