Expect From Start to Finish

Author: Dr. Alexandros Reizian

When a patient asks me about dental implants, we usually end up talking about much more than the new tooth. They want to know how long it will take, what surgery will feel like, and what it will cost. Those are exactly the questions I’d ask in their shoes.

I love doing implant treatment because it lets me focus on the area where a tooth is missing and work toward a replacement that looks natural and functions well. But I also know it’s a commitment. At Talmadge Family Dental, my goal is to give you a clear picture of the process so you can decide what feels right for you and your smile.

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Why replace a missing tooth?

A gap can affect more than the way your smile looks. Over time, nearby teeth may shift toward the open space, and a tooth above or below it may move because it no longer meets its biting partner. That can change how your teeth come together and make a future replacement more complicated.

I sometimes show patients a model to make this easier to see. When a lower tooth has been missing for a while, an upper tooth may begin moving into that space. Other teeth can lean toward the gap. These changes don’t happen the same way for everyone, but they’re a good reason to talk about tooth replacement before too much time passes.

An implant may be a great option. A bridge or removable partial may also make sense, depending on your health, preferences, and budget. If an implant isn’t possible right now, we can still discuss how to manage the space.

What happens at a dental implant consultation?

First, I want to hear your story. How long has the tooth been missing? Is there still a tooth in place that needs to come out? What would you most like to be able to do comfortably again?

Then I examine the area and gather the information we need to plan. I use a CT scan to look at the bone and surrounding anatomy. Digital scans help me plan the restoration that will eventually attach to the implant. Together, those records help me explain what’s possible, whether a bone graft may be needed, and what the treatment could involve in your particular case.

You won’t leave with only a recommendation and a lot of unanswered questions. I’ll walk you through the plan, and our team can explain the estimated cost and payment options.

How long does a dental implant take from start to finish?

This is where I have to give the honest dentist answer: it depends. Implant treatment often takes several months because the bone needs time to heal around the implant before it supports the final tooth. Your timeline also depends on whether a tooth needs to be removed or the area needs a bone graft.

If a tooth cannot be saved, I may remove it and place a bone graft in the socket. In some cases, I can place the implant during that same visit, but I won’t promise that before I’ve evaluated the area. If the site needs to heal first, we typically wait, reassess the bone with a CT scan, and then place the implant.

After placement, we give the implant time to integrate with the jawbone. Once it’s ready, I take a digital scan so a custom crown can be made and attached. For many patients, the overall process is around three to six months. Some cases take longer, especially when additional healing or preparation is needed. I’ll give you a timeline based on your mouth, not a one-size-fits-all estimate.

Is getting a dental implant painful?

I understand why surgery can sound intimidating. We numb the area for the procedure, and I’ll explain what to expect during recovery and how we’ll manage discomfort afterward. Many of my patients tell me implant placement was easier than they expected, though everyone’s experience is their own.

Planning helps me choose an approach that fits the case. In certain situations, I can use a 3D-printed surgical guide to help direct placement. If anxiety is a big part of what’s holding you back, please tell me. We can talk through your comfort needs, and when deeper sedation is appropriate, I can coordinate care with a surgical colleague.

How much do dental implants cost?

Cost is often the first concern patients bring up, and I get it. Implants involve multiple stages, specialized materials, and time for healing. I want you to know what’s included in your treatment plan before you decide to move forward.

Our team can review your estimate, help you understand whether your insurance may contribute, and explain financing options such as CareCredit and Cherry. If cost makes you hesitate, say so. It’s a conversation we can have openly. We’ll help you understand your choices without pressure or surprise add-ons.

Are dental implants right for you?

That’s what we’ll figure out together. I care a lot about function: being able to chew comfortably and feel at ease using your teeth. A replacement tooth should also look like it belongs in your smile.

If you’re missing a tooth, or you’ve been told one can’t be saved, I’d be happy to sit down with you at Talmadge Family Dental in San Diego. Bring every question you have, especially the ones about time, cost, or surgery. We’ll look at the options, make a plan that fits your needs, and take it one step at a time.