Recovery times vary between patients and depend on the procedures they need for success with dental implants. For example, if a patient requires a bone graft procedure, they will need to wait about two to three months for the bone graft to form new strong bone before continuing with the dental implant process.

Nevertheless, after the actual implant placement, many patients find they feel better faster than they expected. Some return to work the day after the procedure. Patients might experience bruising, swelling, slight bleeding and some discomfort as a result of dental surgery. Usually, over-the-counter pain medication is enough to help patients cope with post-surgery discomfort.

As the patient heals after the implant, they will undergo osseointegration, or the fusing of their jawbone with the implant. This process forms a solid foundation for their replacement teeth. Some patients might receive temporary teeth during this time. Osseointegration usually takes a few months. After osseointegration is complete, the specialist will place the abutment on top of the dental implant. Once the gums heal from the abutment placement, the specialist will place the custom-made crowns.

The entire dental implant process can take anywhere from three to nine months depending on the patient and how many implants and procedures they need.