What to Expect With Dental Implants | Oral & Facial Surgery Center of Tallahassee

Overview

A Replacement Tooth That Works Like Your Own

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a small titanium post that fuses to your jawbone. Once healed, it supports a custom crown built to match your surrounding teeth — so it looks, feels, and functions like the tooth you lost.

Dr. Barrett R. Tolley plans every case around your anatomy, your bone, and your goals, and walks you through exactly what your treatment will involve before anything begins.

3D imaging and digital planning before treatment
Sedation options for a comfortable procedure
Restorations designed to match your natural teeth

Surgeon walking a patient through her implant treatment plan

ABOMS Board-Certified Surgeon

By a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

1 Day Placement Visit

Most implants placed in one visit

3–6 mo Healing Window

Typical fusion time with bone

Decades Expected Lifespan

Built to last for decades

At a Glance

The Short Version

The details patients ask about most, before we get into the full walkthrough.

Appointment Length

60–90 minutesFor a single implant placement

Anesthesia

Local, with sedation availableDiscussed at your consultation

Back to Work

Often the next dayMost patients report mild soreness only

Final Restoration

After the implant fusesTypically 3–6 months from placement

Your Journey

Step by Step

Every case is a little different, but this is the path most implant patients follow.

Visit One

Consultation & 3D Imaging

We review your medical history, examine the site, and take a 3D scan to assess your bone. You’ll leave knowing your options, your timeline, and your cost — in writing.

If Needed

Preparing the Site

Some patients need an extraction or a bone graft first to build a solid foundation. If that applies to you, we’ll explain why before scheduling anything.

Placement Day

Implant Placement

The titanium post is placed into the jawbone. The appointment is usually about an hour, and you’re comfortable throughout with local anesthesia and your choice of sedation.

3–6 Months

Healing & Fusing

Your bone grows around the implant and locks it in place — a process called osseointegration. Most patients wear a temporary tooth during this stage and go about life normally.

Final Visit

Your New Tooth

Once the implant is solid, your custom crown is attached. It’s shaped and shaded to match the teeth beside it, and you can eat and brush with it like any other tooth.

Patient relaxed in the chair during an implant visit

Smiling woman outdoors after completing implant treatment

Older patient chatting with a clinician before his procedure

Why Patients Choose Us

Surgical Training, Start to Finish

Implants are all we’d want done on our own families — so this is how we do them for yours.

Board-Certified Surgeon

Your implant is placed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon — not a general dentist.

3D-Guided Planning

Cone-beam imaging maps your bone and nerves before we ever pick up an instrument.

Sedation Options

From local anesthetic to IV sedation, you choose the comfort level that suits you.

Costs Up Front

You get a written estimate and your benefits verified before you commit to anything.

Restorations That Match

Your crown is shaped and shaded against the teeth beside it, not to a stock chart.

One Team, Start to Finish

The same surgeon who plans your case places it and follows you through healing.

FAQ

Common Questions

Still deciding? These are the questions we hear most often. See all implant FAQs.

Call (850) 738-1349 Request a Consultation

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

The placement itself is done under anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Most patients describe the recovery as milder than they expected — typically some soreness for a few days, managed with over-the-counter medication.

How long does the whole dental implant process take?

From placement to final crown is usually three to six months, most of which is healing rather than appointments. If you need a bone graft first, add a few months to that.

Will I be without a tooth while I heal?

In most cases, no. We can provide a temporary tooth so you’re not left with a visible gap during the healing period.

How do I take care of a dental implant?

Brush and floss it like a natural tooth and keep up with regular dental checkups. Implants can’t get cavities, but the gum and bone around them still need care.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Coverage varies widely by plan, and some portions may fall under medical rather than dental insurance. Our team verifies your benefits before your visit — see our insurance page for details.

What can go wrong with a dental implant?

The most common issue is an implant failing to fuse with the bone, which is uncommon and usually detected early. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and gum disease all raise that risk, which is why we review your health history carefully before planning treatment.

Ready When You Are

What to Expect