What to Expect After You Decide to Get Dental Implants

Losing a tooth is more than just a gap in your smile; it sets off a cascade of changes in your mouth, from bone loss to shifting teeth, and often a drop in self-confidence. When a tooth is gone, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink, losing bone density because it no longer has the stimulus of biting and chewing. The great news is that dental implants are an effective long-term solution. Studies show that dental implants have over a 90% survival rate even decades after placement. 

Dental implants restore not only the visible part of the tooth but its root function, helping preserve bone, prevent neighboring teeth from drifting, and give you a stable, natural-feeling replacement that functions like a real tooth. Continue reading to learn what to expect at each stage of the dental implant process and where to find the best dental implants in Miami Beach, so you can go into your treatment feeling well-informed and confident in your journey toward a strong, lasting smile.

The Dental Implant Journey From Start to Finish

Understanding each phase of the dental implant journey helps you feel prepared, make informed decisions, and stay confident as you move from planning to your final restoration:

1. Deciding if You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Before starting the dental implant process, your dentist will need to create a personalized treatment plan that maps out how many implants you’ll need, whether any teeth need to be removed first, and if bone grafting or other preparatory procedures will be necessary. To do this: 

• Your dentist will begin with a thorough evaluation to make sure you’re a good candidate. This typically starts with a review of your medical and dental history, including any existing health conditions, medications you take, and habits such as smoking that may impact your healing. 
• Next, you’ll have detailed dental imaging done, including the standard dental X-rays and often a 3D CT scan to check the quality and density of your jawbone, map out nearby nerves, and see how close the area is to your sinuses. 

2. Preparatory Procedures: Tooth Extractions, Bone Grafting, and Socket Preservation

If a damaged or decayed tooth needs to be removed before placing an implant, your dentist will carefully perform a tooth extraction and give your gums time to heal before moving forward. In some cases, you may require bone grafting, socket preservation, or a sinus lift if your jawbone isn’t thick or tall enough to hold an implant securely. During a bone graft, natural or synthetic bone material is placed in the area to encourage new bone growth, while a sinus lift raises the sinus floor and adds bone to the upper jaw. These steps are critical for creating a strong, stable foundation for your implant, and they typically require a healing period of around three to six months. 

3. Dental Implant Placement Surgery and Recovery

The actual implant placement is a quick, well-planned surgical procedure designed to be as comfortable as possible: 

• First, your dentist or oral surgeon will use local anesthesia or dental sedation to keep you relaxed and free from any pain. 
• A small incision is made in the gum, a tiny channel is prepared in the jawbone, and the titanium post is placed securely before the gums are sutured closed.
• Over the next several months, a process called osseointegration takes place, where the implant gradually fuses with your jawbone, creating a strong, permanent anchor for your new tooth. Most people don’t feel pain during this stage, just occasional mild soreness that fades as healing progresses. 

After surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions for care, such as using ice to reduce swelling, sticking to soft foods for the first few days, and gently cleaning the area to keep it free of infection, so that healing goes smoothly and your implant has the best chance of success.

4. Abutment and Final Restorations

Once your implant has fully fused with your jawbone, the next step is attaching the abutment, a small connector piece that links the implant post to your final tooth. This is a simple procedure where your dentist reopens the gum tissue, places the abutment, and allows the gums to heal around it for a natural look. The final step is when your custom restoration is attached to the abutment. This dental crown is designed to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth, so it blends seamlessly with your natural smile. Before you’re all done, your dentist will check your bite and make any small adjustments. 

Timeline and Costs of Dental Implants

From start to finish, the dental implant process typically takes about three to nine months, depending on whether you need extra steps like bone grafting or multiple implants. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the implant post itself, the abutment, and the final crown or bridge. Additional costs may come from necessary imaging, dental sedation, or preparatory procedures like bone or tissue grafting. While some dental insurance plans help cover parts of the process, especially the crown, others may classify implants as elective, so it’s important to review your coverage in advance. 

How to Keep Your Dental Implants Looking as Great as the Day You Got Them

The long-term success of your dental implants depends on good oral hygiene habits and regular professional care: 

• Brush and floss carefully around the implant every day
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and dental implant checkups
• Avoid harmful habits, such as teeth grinding, nail-biting, or chewing on hard objects like ice, which can damage the implant or crown
• If you experience pain, swelling, or looseness around the implant, contact your dentist promptly to prevent small issues from becoming more serious 

Where to Find a Restorative Dentist who Provides the Best Dental Implants in Miami Beach

A new smile is one of the most personal investments you can make, and at Miami Beach Smiles, we make sure you are informed and comfortable at every step. In our state-of-the-art Miami Beach office, Dr. Tommy Gaertner brings a fresh perspective to implant dentistry, combining years of experience with a commitment to continuing education so you benefit from the latest techniques and research. We also use advanced technology like iTero scanners and digital imaging to plan your implant procedure with precision, ensuring a secure fit and natural-looking results. 

Ready to get the best dental implants in Miami Beach from a team that understands your goals and creates a treatment plan that is both collaborative and personalized?