For most patients, the Dental Implant process involves multiple phases. First, the tooth needs to be extracted and usually the surgeon will place a bone graft at the time of extraction. If the site is too infected we may have to wait to place a bone graft. Bone grafting can take 3-6 months to heal before the implant is placed into the jawbone. At that time we will take a 3D scan to see how the bone has healed and evaluate what type of implant we can place. For the first three to four months following implant placement, the implant is gradually integrating with the jawbone beneath the surface of the gum. After the implant has integrated into the jawbone, the next phase begins. The implant will be uncovered and a small healing abutment will be attached, which will allow the gum to heal around the implant. Shortly after this minor procedure, your restorative dentist or prosthodontist will begin to make the crown for the implant. The entire implant process takes about nine months. During this time, most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.