It's one of the questions we hear most at our Gavà clinic: how long does it take to get a dental implant? The short answer is that the whole treatment usually takes 3 to 4 months in a straightforward case, but it can be shorter with immediate loading or longer if bone needs to be regenerated. Here is each stage so you know what to expect.
The stages of implant treatment
An implant isn't placed in a single day: it's a process with several stages, and each one has its reason.
1. First visit and study (1–2 weeks)
At the first visit we examine your mouth, check your gums and neighbouring teeth and take digital X-rays. If we need to measure the bone in 3D (its height, width and density), we refer you for a dental CBCT scan at a radiology centre. With that information we plan the exact position of the implant and give you a fixed written quote. If there is decay or gum disease, it is treated first.
2. Implant placement (1 day)
The surgery is done under local anaesthetic and in most cases it's a short procedure: a single implant usually takes less than an hour. At Somriures we work with Sweden & Martina implants (Premium and Shelta lines), which let us choose the design that best suits your bone.
3. Osseointegration (2–3 months)
This is the period in which the bone grows around the implant and bonds with it. It is the longest and most important stage: it determines whether the implant will stay firm for many years. During this time you can wear a temporary tooth so the gap isn't visible.
4. Final crown (2–3 weeks)
Once the implant has integrated, we take measurements and make a custom crown in the colour and shape of your teeth. After a try-in and adjustments, it is screwed or cemented onto the implant.
What can make treatment take longer?
- Not enough bone: if there isn't enough bone, we carry out a graft or bone regeneration. Grafted bone needs its own time to mature, so treatment can take several months longer.
- A prior extraction: if the tooth has to be removed, it is sometimes possible to place the implant at the same time (post-extraction implant). If not, we wait 3 to 4 months for the bone to heal.
- General health: uncontrolled diabetes, smoking or untreated gum disease can delay healing and should be addressed first.
Are same-day implants possible?
Yes, in favourable cases we can do immediate loading: we place the implant and, the same day or a few days later, a fixed temporary tooth. So you leave the clinic with teeth. However, the implant still needs its 2–3 months to integrate before the final crown, and during that time you need to be careful what you bite with that area.
Immediate loading depends on bone quality and the stability the implant achieves when placed. We assess it with the imaging tests before deciding.
Recovery after surgery
Most patients get back to normal the next day. Some swelling or discomfort for the first 2–3 days is common and is controlled with the medication we prescribe. A few tips for those days:
- Apply cold to your face on and off for the first few hours.
- Eat soft, lukewarm food and avoid chewing on that side.
- Don't smoke: tobacco is one of the main enemies of osseointegration.
- Keep up your hygiene carefully, following our instructions.
Timing summary
- Straightforward case with enough bone: about 3–4 months in total.
- With immediate loading: you leave with teeth the same day; the final crown comes at 2–3 months.
- With a bone graft or after an extraction: it can take 6 months or more.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting an implant hurt?
Not during the procedure, as it's done under local anaesthetic. Afterwards there may be mild discomfort for a few days.
Will I be without a tooth all that time?
In most cases, no: we fit a temporary tooth while the implant integrates, especially in the visible part of your smile.
How long does an implant last once placed?
With good hygiene and regular check-ups, an implant can last for many years.
If you'd like to know how long it would take in your case, come to the free first visit at our Gavà clinic: we do the study and give you a plan with timings and a quote. More about dental implants in Gavà.
