Implant with bone graft
A typical case, in 8 steps over 4 visits. Typically at least 3 months for the graft to heal (9 to 12 months for a large graft), then the implant within 6 to 12 months. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Implant with bone graft · Visit 1
Numbing
A local anesthetic numbs the gums and the area being treated.
Source: clevelandclinic.org
Steps in a typical case
Numbing
A local anesthetic numbs the gums and the area being treated.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Removing the tooth
If the tooth is still in place, it is gently loosened and lifted out. Sometimes it is divided into sections first so each piece comes out on its own.
Visit 1 · Source 2
Bone graft
Bone graft material is placed where bone is missing and covered with a thin membrane to protect it. The gum is closed with stitches.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Healing, at least 3 months
The graft needs at least three months to heal. The implant is usually placed within 6 to 12 months after the graft heals.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Implant placed
Under numbing, a small cut is made in the gum and a small hole is made in the jawbone. The implant post is placed and the gum is closed with stitches.
Visit 2 · Source 3
Healing, 3 to 9 months
The first round of healing takes about one week. Over three to nine months, the jawbone fuses to the implant.
Visit 2 · Source 3
Abutment attached
Once the implant heals, a small connector post called an abutment is attached. This usually takes about one hour and may need a second minor surgery.
Visit 3 · Source 3
Implant crown attached
The final crown is attached to the abutment, completing the replacement tooth.
Visit 4 · Source 3
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically a few procedures spread over several months. Source 3 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typically at least 3 months for the graft to heal (9 to 12 months for a large graft), then the implant within 6 to 12 months. Source 1 |
| How long it lasts | Typically the implant lasts a lifetime with care; most crowns on implants last around 15 years. Source 3 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep: brushing, flossing and regular dental visits. Source 3 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes 4 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D6010, D7953, D6057, D6058).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Dental bone graft. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft. Accessed November 14, 2026.
- Tooth extraction. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22120-tooth-extraction. Accessed November 6, 2026.
- Dental implants. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10903-dental-implants. Accessed November 14, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: D6010, D7953, D6057, D6058.