How Long Do Dental Implants Take?

How Long Do Dental Implants Take?

If you are considering dental implants it is important to understand that the process for placing a dental implant can take several months to complete. The exact length of time will largely depend on how many implants are being placed, the state of your oral health and whether preparatory procedures such as a bone graft, tooth extraction, or treatment of gum disease need to be done first, as well as your body’s natural ability to heal.

To help you better understand what this process is like and what you can expect throughout, please refer to the following.

Initial Examination

Prior to beginning the dental implant process, you will need to schedule an appointment for a free consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. During this appointment, we will also conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying reason why a dental implant is necessary and whether any preparatory procedures need to be performed before beginning the dental implant process. Possible preparatory procedures include treating gum disease, tooth extraction, or a bone graft. Diagnostic tests will be taken to determine whether a bone graft is necessary.

Dental Bone Graft

Although a dental bone graft will not always be necessary, if required, the bone graft will extend the dental implant process by several months, as it takes the body time to naturally replace the graft with bone.

Dental Implant Placement

The dental implant procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic and often dental sedation. Once you are sufficiently numbed, your gums are pulled back around the missing tooth and a small hole is drilled into your jawbone, into which the titanium posts are placed. Once properly positioned, this post will then act as the root for your replacement tooth. Once the dental implant has been placed in the jawbone, the process of osseointegration will begin. Osseointegration is the direct functional and structural connection between the surface of the implant and your living bone, which will take place over several months. The time it takes for osseointegration to complete will vary depending on your body’s natural healing process.

Placement of the Crown

Once your bone has fused to the implant and is providing sufficient stability, it will be time to attach the abutment and finally the crown. Once your crown has been tested to ensure the bite is correct, you can begin to treat your new dental implant just like the rest of your natural teeth.

Recovery Period

Along with the time necessary for a bone graft and/or dental implant to complete its healing process, you can also expect recovery periods throughout this process. Following the placement of your graft and the titanium posts for the implant, you may experience some discomfort and swelling for up to two weeks, though many patients are healed after one week. During this time, pain can typically be managed with OTC pain medication and swelling can be controlled with ice therapy.

Contact Us Today

At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to providing you with quality dental care and making your experience as smooth as possible. To schedule a free consultation for dental implants, or to learn more about our clinic and services, contact us today at (800) NEW-LOOK or fill out an online form.

We look forward to improving your oral health, aesthetic appearance of your smile, and overall quality of life!

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