How Dental Implants Are Done: What To Expect From Start To Finish

How Dental Implants Are Done: What To Expect From Start To Finish

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This short guide explains how dental implants are done in Troy, IL and what to expect from the first visit to the final crown or full-arch restoration. If you’re curious about the steps, timeline, comfort options, and common risks, this clear, step-by-step overview will help you feel prepared and confident before scheduling a consultation.

How dental implants are done: a simple step-by-step overview

You’ll move through five main phases: consultation and planning, imaging and digital planning, surgery to place the implant, healing and osseointegration, and final restoration with an abutment and crown or a full-arch solution. Each phase has predictable steps to keep you comfortable and informed.

Initial consultation and treatment planning

At the first visit, the team reviews your medical and dental history, performs an oral exam, and discusses your goals. Expect questions about medications, health conditions, and habits like smoking. Digital X‑rays and facial scans are typically used to map your smile and create a personalized plan.

Imaging and digital planning

Cone beam CT (CBCT) and 3D imaging show bone volume and nerve locations. Virtual planning software picks the right implant size, angle, and position. This phase can also identify whether you need bone grafting or extractions before implant placement.

Surgery: placing the implant

Types of anesthesia and comfort options

Local anesthesia keeps the area numb for most cases. IV sedation is available for anxious patients or longer procedures — it helps you relax and often forget the procedure. The team monitors you throughout for safety.

Guided placement and precision

Guided surgery uses templates or robotic guidance like the Yomi® system to place implants with very high precision. Guided techniques reduce guesswork and improve outcomes.

Bone grafts and extractions if needed

If a tooth needs removal or bone is thin, extra steps like grafting or socket preservation may be required. These add time to the overall plan but create a stronger foundation for the implant.

Healing and osseointegration

After placement, implants need weeks to months to osseointegrate — fuse with the bone. You’ll follow a soft-food diet at first, keep the area clean, and attend follow-up visits. Healing time varies with health, smoking, and grafting needs.

Restoration: abutment and crown (or full-arch options)

Once healed, an abutment connects the implant to a custom crown. For patients missing many teeth, same-day full-arch solutions like TeethXpress® can provide fixed temporary teeth while the implants integrate, then permanent prosthetics are placed later.

Aftercare, timeline, and what may affect results

Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits protect your implant. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor oral hygiene can lengthen healing or raise failure risk. Follow the care plan and attend scheduled checkups.

Risks, common side effects, and how complications are managed

Common issues include temporary soreness, minor swelling, or infection. More serious but rare problems include implant failure or nerve irritation. Most complications are treated with antibiotics, adjustments, or, rarely, implant removal and replacement.

Cost, insurance, and financing basics

Costs depend on the number of implants, grafting, materials, and whether a full-arch solution is used. Insurance varies; many patients use dental financing or payment plans to manage costs.

Why choose Troy Family Dental for implants

Troy Family Dental provides implant-focused care in a modern Troy, IL facility with advanced imaging, guided placement, and patient comfort options. The team emphasizes personalized planning and predictable results.

Meet the doctors

Dr. Richard Boatman Jr., DMD, PC brings 30+ years of experience and uses Yomi® robotic guidance and IV sedation. Dr. Jordan Spencer, DDS has advanced training in oral surgery and bone grafting for strong implant foundations.

Next steps: ready to learn more?

If you want a clear explanation of how dental implants are done in Troy, IL, schedule a consultation to review your options, see your 3D images, and get a custom plan. Contact Troy Family Dental to ask questions or book an appointment.

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