The timeline varies for each patient, but treatment typically begins with a consultation and Smile Design appointment followed by surgery. In many cases, surgery can be scheduled at least two weeks after Smile Design Day, with the entire process starting in as little as three weeks.
Dental Implant Process in Lincoln, NE
A step-by-step guide to dental implants at Capital Dental
Our dental implants follow a carefully planned process designed to restore function, comfort, and confidence. From your first consultation through final smile delivery and long-term maintenance, every stage is guided by advanced imaging, precise planning, and a collaborative team approach. This step-by-step pathway, known as the Capital Smile™ process, helps ensure predictable results and a smooth experience for every patient.
Dental Implant Consultation
Your implant journey begins with a Smile Assessment, during which our team evaluates whether dental implants or alternatives like crowns, bridges, or veneers best support your oral health and smile goals.
During this visit, we will:
- Review your dental and medical history
- Examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone
- Take digital X-rays or 3D scans for precise diagnosis
- Explain your treatment options and expected outcomes
- Review estimated costs and financing options
- Answer questions so you can make an informed decision
This consultation helps ensure that dental implants are the right solution and allows our doctors to begin designing your personalized treatment plan.
Explore the Consultation Process
Dental Implant Construction
Once you decide to move forward, the next step is Smile Design Day, when we collect detailed digital records and begin designing your new smile.
During this stage, we:
- Capture advanced digital scans of your teeth and bite
- Evaluate your jawbone to determine ideal implant placement
- Design the shape, alignment, and appearance of your new teeth
- Create a customized treatment plan tailored to your facial structure and goals
By planning every detail before surgery, our team ensures that your implants are placed for optimal support, function, and natural-looking aesthetics.
Dental Implant Procedure
Your procedure takes place on Smile Creation Day, when your dental implants are surgically placed and your smile transformation begins.
During this appointment:
- Our team reviews your medical history and ensures you feel fully prepared and at ease before treatment begins.
- Sedation options and gentle techniques are used to help minimize discomfort, with many patients feeling little to no pain during the procedure.
- Advanced 3D imaging and digital planning guide precise implant placement for accuracy and safety.
- Any necessary grafting may be completed at the same time to support long-term implant success.
- You receive a temporary or transitional smile shortly after surgery so you can leave with confidence.
Implant surgery is carefully planned in advance, allowing the procedure to be completed efficiently while prioritizing safety and patient comfort.
Dental Implant Aftercare
Healing begins with the Transition Smile Stage, which starts shortly after surgery while your implants integrate with the jawbone.
During recovery:
- You may receive medications such as pain relief, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications to support healing.
- A temporary transition smile allows you to speak, eat, and smile confidently while implants heal.
- Follow-up visits allow our team to monitor healing and make adjustments if needed.
- The healing phase typically lasts several months while implants fuse with the bone.
Once healing is complete, your final restoration is placed on Smile Reveal Day, followed by routine cleanings and maintenance visits every six months to keep your implants healthy and functioning beautifully.
Learn More About Healing
Dental Implant Technology
iCam system
The iCam system supports precise digital planning and accurate implant placement by capturing detailed images of your mouth. This technology helps streamline treatment, reduce the number of appointments, and support faster, more predictable healing.
TRIOS 5 digital scanner
The TRIOS 5 digital scanner captures highly accurate 3D images of your teeth without the need for messy traditional impressions. This modern scanning technology improves comfort, speeds up appointments, and provides more precise data for treatment planning.
Green CT
Green CT technology produces high-definition 3D images using a minimal amount of radiation. Its wider field of view allows doctors to evaluate more anatomy in a single scan, supporting more accurate diagnosis and precise treatment planning.
Dental Implant Process FAQs
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How long does the dental implant process take?
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Is the dental implant process painful?
Dental implant treatment is designed to be comfortable. We offer sedation options, including IV sedation, so many patients feel little to no pain and often describe the procedure as a quick nap.
After surgery, mild soreness is normal. We may prescribe pain medication, a steroid, and/or antibiotics to support healing. For convenience, the CVS pharmacy at 5611 S 27th Street is located in the same building as the surgical center, making it easy to pick up prescriptions after your visit.
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Will I be sedated during dental implant surgery?
Many implant procedures are performed with sedation to help patients remain comfortable and relaxed. Depending on your treatment plan, sedation options may include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation administered by the doctor who is licensed in moderate sedation through the state of Nebraska.
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Do all dental implant patients need bone grafting?
Not all patients require bone grafting. If additional bone support is needed, grafting can often be performed at the same time as implant placement during surgery.
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What is the transition smile stage?
The transition smile stage is the healing period after implant placement. During this time, patients wear a temporary smile while the implants fuse with the jawbone, which typically takes several months.
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How often will I need follow-up visits after my implants are complete?
Once healing is finished and your final restoration is placed, routine maintenance visits are typically recommended every six months to ensure your implants remain healthy and functioning properly.
Ready to start your implant journey?
Dental implants can be a life-changing decision, but we make the process easy. Start by answering a few questions, and our implant team will reach out to schedule some time to talk.
