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CAL DENTAL GROUP • LOS ANGELES
Your implant treatment, step by step
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Michael Issakharian, DDS
Implant treatment includes planning, placement, healing, and the final replacement teeth. Some steps can be combined, but your schedule depends on your mouth and the restoration being made. Ask for a written timeline before treatment begins.
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1. Consultation and preparation
Discuss your health history, medications, and tooth-replacement goals. Your dentist determines which examinations and imaging are needed and whether existing teeth can be preserved. Gum treatment, extractions, or grafting may add stages. Confirm who will place the implants and who will make the final teeth.
2. Placement and temporary teeth
Your clinician explains the procedure, anesthesia options, and the plan for a temporary replacement. A temporary crown, bridge, or denture may be provided depending on the case. Immediate fixed teeth are a separate clinical decision; ask what will happen if that option is not appropriate on the day.
3. Healing and follow-up
Bone healing around the implant takes time, often several months. Follow your own instructions for food, activity, medication, and cleaning rather than a generic recovery schedule. Keep the planned follow-up appointments, even when the area feels comfortable. Ask when you may return to your usual routine and whom to contact after hours.
4. Final teeth and maintenance
When the site is ready, the final crown, bridge, or denture is fitted and the bite is checked. Ask for a cleaning demonstration specific to your restoration and keep information about the implant system in your records. Ongoing professional checks help monitor the tissues and components; repair or replacement may be needed over time.
When should you contact the office?
Call the dental team promptly if an implant or attached tooth feels loose, pain is worsening, or you have concerns about swelling, drainage, or healing. Follow the urgent-contact instructions provided after surgery. Trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or rapidly spreading swelling requires immediate emergency care.
EXPERIENCE AT CAL DENTAL GROUP
10,000 implants over 20 years
Practice-wide implant experience, with general dentists and specialists working together in our Los Angeles office.
Plan your visit
936 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Explore all dental implant options
Meet Dr. Michael Issakharian, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and Dr. Pedram Fakheri, periodontist.
Ask which clinician will provide your surgical and restorative care.
Questions patients ask
How long does the entire process take?
The timeline varies. Healing, grafting, and the type of restoration can extend treatment over several months or longer. Your team should explain your specific milestones.
Will I have a gap while I heal?
Discuss temporary replacement options before surgery. The appropriate design depends on the site and the planned treatment.
Do implants still need cleaning?
Yes. Follow the home-care instructions for the implants, surrounding tissues, and replacement teeth, and attend recommended professional visits.
Continue exploring your options
Same-day implants
Same-day implant care may combine selected treatment steps, but the phrase can mean different things.
Bone loss & grafting
Bone loss does not automatically end the implant conversation.
Cost & financing
The cost of dental implants depends on what is being replaced and the care needed to complete the treatment.
Patient education from Cal Dental Group. Updated October 21, 2026. Meet our dental team.
Additional reading: ADA: Stages of implant treatment · FDA: Implant follow-up and safety.
This guide explains options to discuss with your clinician. Your examination determines the appropriate treatment, risks, and timeline.