Dental implant treatment is a staged process. Unlike a simple filling or crown, implant treatment involves multiple clinical appointments spread over several months, because each stage needs to be completed and healed before the next can begin. Understanding this timeline and what happens at each stage helps patients feel prepared and reduces anxiety around treatment.
At Dentists @ Canning Vale, every patient receives a personalised treatment plan with a clear description of what will happen at each stage, the expected timeline, and all associated costs, before any treatment begins.
Stage 1 - Comprehensive Consultation
Your implant journey begins with a detailed assessment appointment with Dr Desmond Ng.
At this appointment, your dentist will:
- Examine your teeth, gums and bite
- Review your oral health and medical history
- Discuss your concerns and treatment goals
- Assess your suitability for dental implant treatment
- Explain suitable implant options for your situation
- Recommend diagnostic imaging if appropriate
This consultation is the foundation of your treatment. No implant procedure will be recommended or scheduled until a thorough assessment has been completed and a personalised treatment plan has been discussed and agreed to.
Stage 2 - Diagnostic Imaging and Treatment Planning
Following your consultation, advanced 3D imaging is typically recommended. This involves a cone beam CT (CBCT) scan that provides a detailed three-dimensional image of your jawbone, surrounding anatomy, nerve pathways and sinus structures.
3D imaging allows your dentist to:
- Assess the volume and density of available bone at the implant site
- Identify the precise location of anatomical structures such as nerves and sinuses
- Determine whether bone or gum grafting is required before implant placement
- Plan the exact position, angle and depth of the implant with precision
- Reduce surgical risk and improve treatment predictability
Once imaging is complete, your personalised treatment plan is finalised. This includes a written, itemised breakdown of all recommended procedures, staging and associated costs.
Stage 3 - Preparatory Procedures (Where Required)
Not all patients require preparatory procedures. However, if your 3D imaging reveals insufficient bone volume or poor bone quality at the implant site, additional treatment may be recommended before implant placement can proceed.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting adds volume to areas where the jawbone has resorbed following tooth loss. Grafting material is placed at the implant site and allowed to integrate with existing bone over several months before implant placement occurs.
Sinus Lift
In the upper jaw, the sinus cavity can limit available bone height for implant placement. A sinus lift procedure raises the sinus membrane and places bone grafting material beneath it to create sufficient height for a stable implant.
Soft Tissue Grafting
Where gum tissue is insufficient around the implant site, gum grafting may be recommended to improve aesthetics and provide adequate soft tissue coverage for a natural-looking and stable result.
Tooth Extraction
If a tooth has not yet been removed, extraction is completed prior to implant placement. In some cases, immediate implant placement following extraction may be possible, this will be assessed individually.
Stage 4 - Implant Placement Surgery
Implant placement is a surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia at Dentists @ Canning Vale. Sedation options may also be available for patients who prefer additional comfort during the procedure.
During implant placement surgery:
Anaesthesia is administered to numb the area completely. You will be awake but should feel no pain during the procedure.
A small incision is made in the gum at the implant site to expose the underlying jawbone.
The implant site is carefully prepared using a series of precisely sized instruments to create the correct dimensions for the titanium implant.
The titanium implant post is placed into the prepared site at the planned position and angle determined during 3D treatment planning.
The gum tissue is closed around the implant using sutures. A healing cap or cover screw may be placed over the implant during the integration phase.
Post-operative care instructions are provided, including guidance on diet, oral hygiene, medications and what to expect during recovery.
Most patients find that the procedure itself is more comfortable than expected. Some soreness and swelling in the days following surgery is normal and typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief and the care instructions provided by your dentist.
Stage 5 - Healing and Osseointegration
After implant placement, a healing period is required for osseointegration to occur. Osseointegration is the natural process by which the titanium implant bonds with the surrounding jawbone, creating a stable and permanent foundation for the final restoration.
This healing period typically takes between 3 and 6 months, though the exact timeframe varies depending on:
- The location and position of the implant
- Bone density and quality at the implant site
- Whether bone grafting was required
- Individual healing rates
- Overall health and lifestyle factors
During this period, you will attend follow-up appointments so your dentist can monitor the healing process. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and follow all post-operative care instructions during this phase.
Stage 6 - Final Restoration Placement
Once osseointegration is confirmed and the implant is stable, the final restoration phase begins. An abutment, a small connector, is attached to the implant to support the final crown, bridge or denture.
An impression or digital scan of your teeth is taken to allow a custom-made restoration to be designed and fabricated in a dental laboratory. This restoration is designed to match the colour, shape and appearance of your natural teeth.
The final crown, bridge or denture is then secured to the abutment, completing the implant restoration. Your dentist will check the fit, bite and appearance before finalising placement.
Stage 7 - Long-Term Maintenance and Review
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth, and regular professional monitoring to ensure long-term success. Following completion of your implant treatment, we recommend:
- Regular dental check-ups (typically every 6 months)
- Professional cleaning around the implant and crown
- Ongoing monitoring of the gum tissue and bone around the implant
- Prompt reporting of any changes such as discomfort, mobility or gum changes
- Maintaining good oral hygiene at home, brushing, flossing and cleaning around the implant
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can function successfully for many years. Regular professional review is essential to identify and address any changes early.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Implant Procedure
Is dental implant surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during placement. Some discomfort, swelling and tenderness in the days following surgery is normal and is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients report that recovery was more comfortable than expected. Sedation options are available if you prefer additional comfort during the procedure.
How long does the implant placement surgery take?
For a single implant, placement surgery typically takes around 1 to 2 hours including preparation and anaesthesia. More complex cases or multiple implants will take longer. You will be given a clear indication of appointment length when your treatment is planned.
How long does the full implant process take from start to finish?
The full process from consultation to final restoration typically takes between 4 and 12 months, depending on whether preparatory procedures are required and individual healing rates. Cases that require bone grafting take longer than those where the implant can be placed directly. Your personalised treatment plan will include an estimated timeline.
What happens if my implant fails to integrate?
Implant failure, where the implant does not successfully bond with the bone, is uncommon but can occur. Risk factors include smoking, certain medical conditions and insufficient bone quality. If an implant fails to integrate, your dentist will assess the situation and discuss the available options. This will be covered as part of your informed consent process before treatment begins.
Can I eat normally during the healing period?
In the days immediately following implant placement surgery, a soft diet is recommended to allow healing. As healing progresses, most patients can gradually return to a normal diet. Your dentist will provide specific dietary guidance as part of your post-operative care instructions.
Do I need to take time off work after implant surgery?
Many patients return to desk-based work within 1 to 2 days of surgery. Physical or labour-intensive work may require a longer recovery period. Your dentist will advise based on your individual circumstances and the complexity of your procedure.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation in Canning Vale
If you are considering dental implant treatment and want to understand exactly what is involved, Dr Desmond Ng will walk you through every stage during your consultation. We take the time to explain what to expect so you can make a confident, informed decision about your treatment.
Book a Consultation Call 08 9256 2588Important Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, we will explain the benefits, risks and alternatives, and you are welcome to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
A consultation with one of our dentists is required to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Book a consultation or call 08 9256 2588.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID). asid.com.au
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Medical Devices. tga.gov.au
- Australian Periodontology - ADA Oral Health Topics. ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Publications/Oral-Health-Topics
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. anzaoms.org
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.