Dental Implants: What To Expect When Getting An Implant By Your Dentist

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Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that hold replacement teeth or bridges. Patients choose implants to replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch when they want a long-lasting, natural-feeling solution. Implant care often involves both an oral surgeon for the surgical placement and your general dentist for the final crown, bridge, or denture restoration.

This article explains what implants are, who does each part of the work, what to expect during surgery and healing, and how your dentist completes the final restoration. If you are considering implants in the Bronx, NY, this guide will help you ask the right questions and plan your next steps.


What Are Dental Implants and Who Does What?

An implant is made of three main parts:

  • Implant post: a titanium or ceramic screw placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial root.
  • Abutment: a connector that attaches to the implant post and holds the prosthetic tooth.
  • Prosthetic crown, bridge, or denture: the visible tooth or teeth that restore chewing and appearance.

In typical care, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon places the implant post and often the abutment. Your general dentist (GP) then makes and places the final prosthetic—crown, bridge, or overdenture. For patients seeking implants in the Bronx, NY, this team approach keeps each part of the process handled by the provider best trained for that step.


The Surgical Process: What To Expect When the Oral Surgeon Places Your Implant

Before surgery: evaluation and planning

Before surgery you’ll have a full exam and health review. Expect 3D imaging like a CBCT scan to see bone shape and nerve locations. The surgeon will check for infections, damaged teeth that need extraction, and whether you need a bone graft. Bone grafts or sinus lifts are sometimes required to create a solid base for the implant.

Many centers use guided implant planning software to map the exact position of implants for better accuracy and fewer surprises during surgery.

During surgery: post and abutment placement

Typical steps during the procedure:

  • Local anesthesia or sedation so you don’t feel pain.
  • Careful placement of the implant post into the jawbone.
  • Attachment of the abutment, if planned at the same visit.
  • Stitching the gum tissue and placing any temporary restorations if needed.

You may feel pressure but not sharp pain. Most patients tolerate the procedure well and go home the same day.

Recovery and timeline to restoration

Short-term recovery is usually a few days to a week of mild swelling and soreness. The key healing step is osseointegration—the bone growing around the implant—which takes weeks to months. Many providers use tests like implant stability measurements to decide when the implant is ready. Once healed, your surgeon notifies your GP to begin the final restoration.

Restoration: How Your General Dentist Restores the Implant

When your implant has integrated, your general dentist takes over for the prosthetic work. This includes:

  • Taking impressions or digital scans to match bite and tooth position.
  • Placing temporary teeth while the final prosthetic is made, if needed.
  • Choosing shade, shape, and fit for the final crown, bridge, or overdenture.

Options include single crowns, multi-tooth bridges, or implant-supported dentures. The implant prosthetic restores chewing, speech, and appearance. Good coordination between the oral surgeon and your GP ensures the implant position, abutment type, and final restoration match for a strong, natural result.


Aftercare, Risks, and Choosing a Team for Long-Term Success

Aftercare for implants is similar to natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss or use interdental brushes around the implant, and keep regular dental checkups. Avoid hard or sticky foods during early healing. If you smoke, talk to your providers—smoking raises the risk of implant problems.

Common risks include infection, poor healing, or implant failure. Contact the oral surgeon or your dentist right away for severe pain, swelling that worsens after a few days, or loose fittings. Early attention often prevents bigger problems.


A coordinated team—an experienced oral surgeon and a skilled general dentist—gives the best chance for long-term success. Parkchester Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates in the Bronx, NY, for example, focuses on the surgical side: placing the implant post and abutment using advanced tools like CBCT imaging, guided implant guides, L-PRF for healing, and stability testing. They do not place the final prosthesis; they work closely with your GP so the final crown or denture fits and functions correctly.

If you’re thinking about implants in the Bronx, NY, ask both your surgeon and your general dentist about the full plan, timeline, technology used, and who will handle each step. That conversation is the best next step toward a reliable, long-lasting result.

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