The full dental implant process at SmileNOW Dental typically takes 4–8 months from initial consultation to final crown placement. Most of this is healing time, not active treatment. Patients who need bone grafting add 3–6 months. Same-day and All-on-4 options exist for qualifying patients who need faster results.
If you are considering dental implants in Corona, CA, understanding exactly what happens — and when — removes the uncertainty. This guide walks through every step of the implant process at SmileNOW Dental, from your first consultation to your final crown.
Step 1: Free Consultation and 3D Imaging (Day 1)
Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at SmileNOW Dental. We take a cone beam CT (CBCT) scan — a 3D X-ray that maps your jawbone density, volume, and anatomy in precise detail. This scan is essential for implant planning and is included at no charge for implant consultations.
At this appointment we determine: whether you are a candidate, whether bone grafting is needed, the best implant position, and your total cost with insurance breakdown. You leave with a complete treatment plan and timeline before committing to anything.
Step 2: Bone Grafting (If Needed) — Month 1–4
Patients who have experienced bone loss — common after tooth extraction or long-term denture wear — may need bone grafting before an implant can be placed. Grafting rebuilds the bone volume necessary to anchor an implant securely.
SmileNOW Dental performs bone grafting in-house in Corona, CA using either your own bone, donor bone, or synthetic bone graft material. The graft heals over 3–6 months before implant placement. This step is not needed by all patients — your CBCT scan determines necessity.
Step 3: Tooth Extraction (If Needed) — Month 1
If the tooth being replaced is still present, it must be extracted before or at the time of implant placement. In some cases, SmileNOW Dental can perform an “immediate implant” — placing the implant in the same appointment as extraction — when bone conditions are ideal.
Step 4: Implant Placement Surgery — Day 1 of Active Treatment
Implant placement is a minor outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia at our Corona, CA office. Here is what happens:
- The area is fully numbed with local anesthetic — you feel pressure but no pain
- A small incision is made in the gum to expose the bone
- A precisely sized channel is drilled into the jawbone using guided surgical technique
- The titanium implant post is inserted into the channel
- The gum is closed with sutures
- A temporary crown or healing cap is placed
The procedure takes 1–2 hours depending on complexity. Most patients drive themselves home and return to desk work the following day.
Step 5: Osseointegration (Healing) — Months 1–6
Osseointegration is the process by which the titanium implant fuses with your jawbone. This is what makes implants permanent — the bone actually grows around and bonds to the implant surface. This process takes 3–6 months and requires no action from the patient beyond normal oral hygiene.
During healing you wear a temporary restoration and avoid putting excessive bite force on the implant site. SmileNOW Dental monitors healing with periodic check-ins and X-rays.
Step 6: Abutment Placement (If Separate) — After Healing
Once osseointegration is confirmed, the abutment — a small connector piece — is attached to the implant post. In many cases this is done at the time of implant placement. The abutment protrudes slightly above the gumline and serves as the anchor for the final crown.
Step 7: Final Crown Placement — End of Treatment
Impressions (or a digital scan) are taken of the abutment and surrounding teeth. A custom porcelain crown is fabricated to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and bite. The crown is attached to the abutment — permanently cementing or screwing into place. This appointment takes 45–60 minutes.
The result: a tooth that looks, feels, and functions exactly like a natural tooth — permanently anchored with no slippage, no adhesive, and no special maintenance beyond normal brushing and flossing.
Dental Implant Timeline Summary
| Step | Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation + 3D Scan | Day 1 | 60–90 min |
| Bone Graft (if needed) | Month 1 | 60 min + 3–6 mo healing |
| Extraction (if needed) | Month 1 | 30–60 min |
| Implant Placement | Month 1–4 | 60–120 min |
| Osseointegration | Months 1–6 | 3–6 months (passive) |
| Crown Placement | Month 4–8 | 45–60 min |
| Total Active Time | — | 4–6 hours across multiple visits |
Frequently Asked Questions — Implant Procedure
Is implant surgery painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia — you feel pressure but no pain. Most patients are surprised by how manageable implant surgery is. Post-procedure soreness lasts 2–3 days and is controlled with ibuprofen. Sedation options are available for anxious patients.
Can I drive after implant surgery?
Yes, if you received only local anesthesia. If you opted for IV sedation, you will need a driver. Most patients having implants under local anesthesia drive themselves home and return to work the next day.
What can I eat after implant surgery?
Soft foods for the first week: yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soup, smoothies. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods near the implant site for 6–8 weeks. After osseointegration and crown placement, you can eat anything.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a 95–98% success rate at 10 years — the highest of any tooth replacement option. Failure rates are higher in smokers and patients with uncontrolled diabetes. SmileNOW Dental screens for risk factors during consultation to maximize your success probability.
Ready to start your implant journey in Corona, CA? Learn more about our dental implant services or call SmileNOW Dental at (951) 735-7300 for a free consultation.