Dental Implant Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Teeth Replacement

by Dr. Andrew Mancin

| 7 min read

7 min read

What You’ll Learn in This Article:

5 Steps to Implants at OP Implant Dental

  • Free Initial Consultation, 3D Scan and Payment Planning
  • Dental Implant Procedure Planning and Design
  • Precision Guided Dental Implant Treatment Surgery
  • Recovery and Following Post-Operative Instructions
  • Final Restoration Fitting and/or Crown Placement

Your Complete Guide to Our Dental Implants: What to Expect From Start to Finish

The dental implant process at OP Implant Dental is outlined below in five easy-to-understand steps. Our primary dental service is implants.

We know that missing teeth affects more than your smile. Even just one missing tooth can impact how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself every day.

If you are an Overland Park, Johnson County, or greater Kansas City resident exploring a permanent solution, you are in the right place.

At OP Implant Dental, dental implants are not a another service, it is our focus.

Led by Dr. Andrew Mancin, our team has completed hundreds of dental implant surgeries for patients across the Kansas City metro area. This includes single-tooth replacements to full-arch restorations.

Dr. Mancin combines advanced 3D imaging, computer-guided surgical planning, and years of specialized training to deliver results that look natural and last a lifetime.

Here is exactly what your oral surgery journey at OP Implant Dental looks like, step by step.


Step 1: Your Free Consultation and 3D Scan

Your journey starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. We believe you should not have to pay just to find out whether a prosthetic tooth implant or full mouth implants are right for you.

Free implant consultation Overland Park

This is not a rushed 15-minute appointment. Plan to spend about an hour with us so we can give you the full picture and answer every question you have about the implant dentistry we provide.

During your visit, Dr. Mancin takes a 3D CBCT scan. This is an advanced imaging tool that gives him a complete, three-dimensional view of your jaw and the overall health of our mouth.

With this scan he can measure the exact width and depth of your bone to learn about important treatment planning factors like:

  • Learning if your bone can support an implant services
  • Identify the precise location of your sinus cavity for safe placement
  • Assess whether you are a good candidate for fixed implants or a removable option called an overdenture.

If your bone density is not sufficient, Dr. Mancin will be upfront about it.

He performs many bone grafting and sinus lift procedures in-house, and for more complex cases, he collaborates with a network of trusted oral surgeons right here in the Kansas City area to make sure you get the best possible outcome.

You will leave this appointment knowing: whether you are a candidate, what the process will look like, and what it will cost with no surprises.


Step 2: Your Pre-Surgery Planning Appointment

Pre-planning appointments are used for complete mouth restorations.

Types of Implant at OP Dental

For single implant patients, the planning appointment will most likely be completed during step one.

For full mouth replacment treatment, once you decide to move forward, we schedule your pre-surgery planning appointment.

The safety side: Even though we are an outpatient office, we follow strict medical standards. We perform medical clearance checks, including an EKG, and evaluate your airway and mouth opening to make sure there is adequate room for the procedure and your new teeth.

The fun side: This is where you help design your new smile. We work with you to select the shape, size, and shade of your new teeth so they look natural and complement your face. This is your smile — you should love it.


Step 3: Precision Surgery With Guided Technology

Your surgery timeline depends on your specific needs.

For single implants, if your bone is healthy, we can often schedule surgery within days of your planning appointment.

For full-arch restorations, the process typically takes four to six weeks from your planning appointment to surgery day. That time is needed to fabricate your custom teeth and create a specialized surgical guide unique to your anatomy.

Dr. Mancin Implant Surgery

How Guided Surgery Works

Dr. Mancin uses computer-designed surgical guides for every implant case. These custom devices fit precisely over your jawbone and direct the implant into the exact position and depth mapped out on your 3D scan.

The result is accurate bone preparation at the implant site. This also provides ideal implant placement, which is the foundation for long-term stability.

Sedation or Awake: Your Choice

We offer sedation for patients who prefer it on single or multiple implants. Many of our patients choose to stay awake and and there are some advantages.

When you are awake, Dr. Mancin can take an intra-operative 3D image mid-procedure using a pin drill technique.

This lets him verify the angle and depth of the implant in real time and make any adjustments before final placement. It is an extra layer of precision that benefits the outcome in single implant treatments.

For full-mouth restoration, sedation will be required. Patients won’t need a scan during the procedure because we are using the precision custom-made patient guide. This digitally made surgical guide ensures proper implant placement and depth.

We provide medcial clearance for patients who chose our safe, sedation option for their dental care experience.

Once your surgery is complete, we will provide detailed instructions for you follow during your healing process.

Easy dental implant recovery

Step 4: Recovery — Easier Than You Would Expect

The question we hear most from patients is: How much will it hurt?

Most people are genuinely surprised. Implant placement is often less painful than a tooth extraction. Because bone itself has no nerve endings, the soreness you feel comes primarily from the gum tissue healing around the site.

What recovery looks like: You may be sore for a day or two, but most patients are back to their normal routine quickly. Our own practice manager Sunee had her implant placed first thing in the morning and was back at her desk the same day.

Diet tips for the first few days: First step is to stick to soft foods and avoid anything salty like chips, popcorn, and carbonated drinks. These types of food can irritate the surgical site. Take it easy on heavy exercise for the first few days to let everything settle.

Follow Dr. Mancin’s recovery plan will ease any soreness during the healing time. Regular followup appointments during the healing process will need to be followed.

Once healed, it’s time for you final set of new teeth or dental crown to be attached to your implant post.


Step 5: Your Final Restoration, A Smile Built to Last

The key to a lifetime result is giving your body time to heal properly.

For single implants, we typically wait about four months for the implant to fully integrate with your jawbone. At your follow-up, Dr. Mancin performs what is called a tap test — he gently taps the implant, and a high-pitched, solid sound confirms it is fully fused to the bone and ready for your permanent crown.

For full-arch restorations, the complete journey from your first consultation to your final, permanent set of teeth generally takes eight to twelve months. That timeline ensures everything heals correctly for a result you will have for decades.

final mouth restoration happy couple

Why Implants Over Bridges or Dentures?

Dr. Mancin views dental implants as a lifetime investment, and the numbers back him up.

A traditional dental bridge typically needs replacement every five to ten years and requires grinding down the healthy teeth on either side for support. Additionally, traditional bridges contribute to bone loss over time

An implant is a standalone solution that preserves your surrounding teeth and bone. These are designed to last a lifetime with basic maintenance and regular dental check-ups.

Maintenance is simple: Treat your implants like natural teeth. Brush, floss, and visit us every six months for a cleaning and exam so we can monitor your bone health and keep everything in top shape.

These good oral hygiene habits are the proper care you need for healthy gums and teeth.


Affordability and Financing Options

We know that cost is one of the biggest questions on your mind, and we believe in being straightforward about it.

Most insurance plans cover extractions and dentures but rarely cover the implant itself. That said, OP Implant Dental accepts most PPO insurance plans to help offset allowable costs like exams, imaging, and related procedures.

For the remaining balance, we offer flexible financing through partners including Proceed Finance and Cherry, so you can break-up your investment into manageable monthly payments.

During your free consultation, we will give you a clear, written cost breakdown — no hidden fees, no guesswork.

Apply online right now with one of our exclusive dental financing partners below.

Just click the financing company below to take advantage of our affordable payment plans.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental implants cost?

Every case is different based on the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of restoration. We provide a detailed cost estimate during your free consultation so you know exactly what to expect before committing to anything.

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report that the procedure is less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction. You may experience mild soreness for a day or two, which is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does the entire process take?

For a single implant, expect about four to five months of healing from consultation to final crown. For full-arch restorations, the timeline is generally eight to twelve months. Don’t worry – during the healing process you will have a temporary crown or full-arch to eat with.

Am I too old for dental implants?

Age alone is rarely a disqualifying factor. As long as you are in reasonable health and have adequate bone density (or are a candidate for bone grafting), implants can be an excellent option. Dr. Mancin regularly places implants for patients in their 70s and 80s.

What if I do not have enough bone?

Dr. Mancin performs bone grafting and sinus lift procedures to build up the bone before implant placement. He will discuss this with you at your consultation if it applies to your situation. If you need a complex surgery, Dr. Mancin works directly with other oral surgeons to ensure they know exact what you need.

Will I be put to sleep for the surgery?

You have the choice. We offer sedation for comfort, and many patients also choose to remain awake, which allows Dr. Mancin to take real-time 3D verification images during the procedure for added precision. For precision full-arch replacement sedation is required.


About Dr. Andrew Mancin

Dr. Andrew Mancin leads the implant team at OP Implant Dental in Overland Park, Kansas. We have specific training in implant placement, bone grafting, and full-arch restoration.

Dr. Mancin has built a practice centered on one thing: giving patients a permanent, confident smile using the latest in guided surgical technology and 3D imaging.

See what real implant patients are saying about OP Implant Dental, Dr. Mancin, and what could become the best dentist ever had….

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Ready to learn more about dental implants? OP Implant Dental offers FREE consultations with CT scans. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Phone Number: (913) 346-3600.

Request Appointment today and start your journey to new teeth and a healthy smile!


OP Implant Dental Serving Overland Park, Kansas, and surrounding areas. We are your trusted partner for complete dentistry.

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5773996

https://healthbenefitsprogram.ks.gov/media/cms/db0a99c8-d6f5-4a72-889c-22c85d6111d3.pdf

https://content.dcf.ks.gov/rehab/policy%20manual/resources/part-29_ada_procedure_codes.pdf

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Author
Dr. Andrew Mancin
Dr. Andrew Mancin is a dedicated Implant dentist with a passion for providing exceptional oral healthcare to his patients in Overland Park, Kansas. With years of experience in the field, Dr. Mancin has honed his skills in a variety of dental procedures, from routine check-ups and cleanings to more complex treatments like dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.