Many people ask about how much time is needed to get a dental implant, particularly when missing teeth undermine their self-confidence or chewing function.
The answer may depend on your oral health, bone quality and overall healing process, but typically, implant surgery lasts for 1 to 2 hours per tooth, and the whole treatment might take a few months.
If you are thinking about dental implants in Vancouver, knowing the entire timeline will help you prepare and understand what to expect at every step.
How Long Does It Take To Get Dental Implants From Start To Finish?
Although dental implant surgery is quick, it might follow a multi-step process, which can take 3 to 9 months. Below is the step-by-step process of dental implant treatment
Step-by-Step Timeline:
- Consultation and X-rays – 1 to 2 weeks
- Tooth Extraction (if required) – Add 2 to 4 weeks for healing
- Surgery to insert the implant – 1–2 hours for each implant
- Healing and Osseointegration – 3 to 6 months
- Healing and abutment placement – 1 to 2 weeks
- Final Crown Placement (final tooth placement) – 2 weeks to completion
This process might change based on your severity. A dentist in Vancouver would advise the best options according to your bone condition and the health of your teeth.
How Long Do You Go Without Teeth When Getting Implants?
Many patients are concerned about being toothless during the process. The good news is, you often don’t have to go without teeth, even while healing.
Temporary Solutions Include:
- Immediate temporary crowns (when conditions allow)
- Removable dentures or partials
- Essix retainers with fake teeth
- Flippers (lightweight acrylic tooth replacements)
Whether you’re replacing one tooth or several, your dental team will recommend a temporary solution that keeps you smiling and comfortable.
Your dentist will also explain how long you can go without teeth when getting implants, based on your case.
How Long Does Dental Implant Surgery Take?
The surgery itself is usually fast and done in a single visit. On average:
| Number of Implants | Estimated Time |
| 1 Implant | 1–2 hours |
| 2–3 Implants | 2–4 hours |
| Full Arch (All-on-4) | 3–5 hours |
The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Most patients return home the same day and recover from the surgery within a few days. Normal eating and activity usually resume in about a week.
If you’re wondering how long it takes to get dental implants from start to finish, remember that the healing phase is what takes the most time, not the surgery itself.
What are The Factors That Affect Your Implant Process?
There is a list of conditions that can slow down or speed up your implant treatment:
- Need for bone grafting before implant placement
- Smoking or alcohol use can delay healing
- Chronic health issues (like diabetes)
- Location of the implant (front teeth may heal faster)
- Number of teeth replaced
A dentist near you will assess these factors and give you a custom timeline that fits your case.
Are Dental Implants Worth The Time and Effort?
Yes, because they are durable and natural-looking tooth replacement options.
Check the following reasons to see why they are worth the effort and time.
- They last 15–25 years or more.
- They don’t shift or fall out like dentures
- They protect your jawbone and surrounding teeth
- They feel and look like real teeth
The wait might seem long, but the outcome is often life-changing, giving you back the freedom to eat, smile, and speak with ease.
Wrapping Up!
Implant surgery on the whole takes just a few hours, but full healing and restoration might take several months. The good news? You do not have to go toothless during this time, and the results are long-lasting and natural-looking.
If you are worried about how long you can go without teeth or want a detailed treatment plan created based on your needs, a skilled dental team can guide you through every step.
At Lighthouse Dental & Implant Center, we provide custom implant care that fits your schedule, comfort, and long-term goals. Whether you need one tooth replaced or a full arch restoration, we’ll make sure every phase is smooth and stress-free.
Book your consultation now and take the first step toward your permanent, confident smile.
