Patients researching dental implant surgery often find the available information either overly technical or oddly vague. Here is an honest, step-by-step account of what actually happens on the day of surgery at a specialist practice.

Before the Day of Surgery

Pre-surgical 3D CBCT scan and intraoral scan (usually at the consultation visit)
Digital treatment plan reviewed with you
If needed: pre-surgical bone grafting, sinus lift, or periodontal treatment
Medical clearance if you have relevant systemic conditions
Prescription for pre-medication (antibiotic and sometimes anxiolytic)
Instructions on food, drink, and medications in the 24 hours before surgery

Arrival and Anesthesia

You arrive at the practice, review consent forms, and anesthesia is delivered. Options include:

Local anesthesia only — for single or small cases; you remain fully awake but feel no pain.
Oral sedation — a pill taken beforehand; you stay awake but relaxed and drowsy.
IV sedation — you are awake but have little memory of the procedure.
General anesthesia — for complex full-arch cases or significant anxiety; you are fully asleep.

The Surgery Itself

A small incision is made in the gum to expose the underlying bone. The implant site is prepared with a sequence of calibrated drills. Under a fully guided protocol (what we use for every case), the drill sequence is directed by a surgical guide — the drills can only enter the bone at the exact position, angle, and depth planned digitally before surgery.

The implant is threaded into place. Depending on the plan, a healing abutment is attached immediately, or a cover screw is placed and the gum is sutured closed for submerged healing. For immediate-load cases, a provisional crown or bridge is attached the same day.

Timing

Single implant: typically 45–90 minutes chair time
Multiple implants in one arch: 1.5–3 hours
Full-arch STAR Concept™ case: 3–5 hours including provisional delivery

After Surgery

Mild to moderate soreness for 2–4 days, managed with over-the-counter analgesics for most patients
Soft-food diet for 1–2 weeks
No strenuous exercise for 48 hours
Chlorhexidine rinse as directed
A short course of antibiotics
Healing checkpoint at 1–2 weeks

Osseointegration

Over the next 3–6 months, your bone integrates with the implant surface — a biological process that cannot be rushed. Once integration is complete, the final crown, bridge, or prosthesis is attached. For immediate-load cases, you already have teeth during this phase.

Request a consultation to understand exactly what your case will involve.

Serving Patients Across Greater Boston

The Face Dental Group welcomes patients from throughout Greater Boston:

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