Thinking about dental implants and wondering what the process is really like? In this honest guide, Dr. Spiros Karas, a general dentist in Manalapan, New Jersey, shares the things his patients tell him they wish they had known before getting started, the process, the in-between phase, recovery, and the one thing that matters most.

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Are dental implants a process or a one-day event?

An implant is a process, not a one-day event. Yes, you have seen the ads for teeth in a day, and that is real, you can walk out with teeth. But the implant itself needs time to heal and bond to the bone underneath, and that can take a few months. The waiting is actually the part that makes it last. So go in knowing it is a journey, and a worthwhile one, not a single afternoon.

Is there an in-between phase while implants heal?

Yes, there can be an in-between phase. While everything heals, you may be in a temporary tooth or a temporary set. It looks good, and you will be fine in public, but it is not the final result yet. When you know that going in, you are not surprised, you are just patient.

Do you need groundwork or a bone graft first?

Sometimes you need a little groundwork first. If you have been missing teeth for a while, the bone can shrink, and you might need a graft to build it back up before we place the implant. I know that sounds like a lot, but it is routine, and it is what sets the whole thing up to succeed. I would so much rather do it right than rush it.

What is recovery from dental implants really like?

Recovery is usually a lot easier than people expect. Most of my patients tell me it was far less of a big deal than they had built up in their head. A few quiet days, and you are back to yourself. Knowing that ahead of time takes away most of the fear.

What do most patients say after getting implants?

The good part is the thing I most wish people knew. Almost everyone says the same sentence afterward: I should have done this years ago. They can eat the foods they love again, they stop hiding their smile in photos, and because the implant protects the bone, it is doing something good for your mouth long term.

Why does it matter who does your dental implants?

Who does your implants matters more than almost anything else. This is where experience counts. So take your time, ask questions, and make sure you feel comfortable and heard. You should never feel rushed into it. If implants have been on your mind, do not let the unknown stop you, come in, ask anything, and we will walk through your exact situation together.