01
Apr
Seven steps in the dental implant process
Our dental team at Ocala Smiles often refers to dental implants as the “gold standard” for tooth replacement after teeth have been extracted or lost. Thanks to continued advancements, this option is often a reliable and long-lasting solution for men and women. Our team educates patients in the Ocala, Florida, area about the dental implant process and how to maintain healthy, long-lasting restorations.
What are the steps to the dental implant process?
- Consultation visit and initial evaluation. When you first consider getting dental implants, you must schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this initial visit, your dentist evaluates your oral health and determines if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
- Treatment planning and preparation. Once you have been considered a suitable candidate for our quality dental implants, the next step is creating a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs. This may involve taking X-rays or 3D scans of your jawbone to determine the best placement for the implant.
- Removing damaged teeth (if necessary). If your teeth are extensively damaged, they may need to be removed first before proceeding with the implant process. Our dentist might also recommend bone grafting if your jawbone is too weak to support the implants.
- Placing the implant. The actual process of dental implant placement requires minor surgery, which can be done under local anesthesia or IV sedation. The dentist creates an incision in your gum tissues to expose the bone and then drills a hole to place the implant.
- Healing and osseointegration. Once the implant has been placed, it will need time to heal and bond with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This typically takes 3-6 months, during which you may have temporary teeth or dentures placed over the implant site.
- Attaching abutment and crown. Once the implant has fully integrated with your jawbone, your dentist attaches an abutment to the implant, which serves as a connector between the implant and the crown. The crown is then placed on top of the abutment, creating a natural-looking tooth.
- Follow-up appointments and maintenance. After your dental implant procedure, it is important to attend follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure proper healing and function of the implant. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are also crucial for maintaining your dental implants for years to come.
Before and After Actual Patient Results
Who can I reach in the Ocala, Florida, area to learn more about healthy, functional dental implants for my smile?
Ocala, Florida, area patients are welcome to contact Ocala Smiles to discuss their candidacy for dental implants and learn more about their options for smile restoration. Our office is at 1800 SE 17th St, STE 602, and is open to new patients who call for an appointment at 352-867-7181.ย
Share this Article
Dr. Robert J. Evelyn
Dr. Robert J. Evelyn graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where he received accolades for outstanding patient care, willingness to help others, and eagerness to learn. He completed a General Practice Residency at NYU Lutheran Medical Hospital Center in Brooklyn, NY, and received extensive training in restorative dentistry, implants, oral surgery, and endodontics. Dr. Evelyn has fellowships from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. He is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and AGD.
Dr. Wayne Harper
Dr. Wayne Harper has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry in Ocala since 1985. He received his undergraduate degree from Stony Brook SUNY and his dental degree from Emory University, Atlanta. He practiced in Ormond Beach until opening his Ocala office. He has attended numerous continuing education curricula, including the Pankey Institute and Dr. Peter Dawson continuum, and holds a Fellowship from the Las Vegas Institute for Global Studies. Dr. Harper is a member of organizations such as the American Dental Association, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, and International Association for Physiologic Aesthetics.
Testimonials
Ocala dentist Dr. Robert J. Evelyn provides exceptional cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, and general dentistry to patients in and around Marion County FL including the communities of Belleview, Silver Springs, Ocala, Summerfield, Williston, and The Villages, Florida.
© 2026 Ocala Smiles . All Rights Reserved. Powered by www.ekwa.com