Dental implants are definitely a tooth replacement option worth considering. Their design allows patients to eat more foods than they could with alternatives, enjoy dental stability when chewing and speaking, and experience improved quality of life. While the big picture seems great, you might be wondering about some of the finer details. For example, how should you schedule dental implant treatment? How long does the process take from start to finish?
If you’re trying to fit a dental implant procedure into your calendar, keep reading. This post will lay out the math!
Consultation and Pre-Treatment
The first step in the dental implant process is consulting with your dentist to see if you’ll require any pre-procedure treatment. Dental implants are incredibly reliable, with a 90% success rate, but certain oral conditions will cause complications.
Cases of gum disease, tooth decay, or insufficient jawbone mass will have to be remedied before placing your implants. How long a pre-treatment might take depends on your needs, but your dentist will be able to give you an estimate after examining your teeth more closely.
Placing the Implant Posts
When you arrive at your dentist’s office to have the implant posts placed, your dentist will begin the process by administering a local anesthetic. Then they’ll make an incision in your gums to make room for the titanium post, which will be rooted to your jawbone. This might sound intense – rest assured that this mimics how natural teeth are connected to the jaw, and that the anesthetic will effectively numb the treatment area.
Depending on the number of implants you’re receiving, you can expect this procedure to take an hour or two.
The Osseointegration Process
Once you return home, it’s best to get cozy and settle in. Your gums will need three-to-six months to recover!
During this time, your jawbone will be hard at work, at least. Titanium is a biocompatible material, meaning that bone matter can grow around and fuse with it. This is why dental implants are so strong and stable; once your jawbone takes hold of the implant posts, your restoration isn’t going anywhere.
Connecting Abutment to Crown
Finally, you’ll return to your dentist’s office for one more appointment. This part isn’t as taxing for your gums and jawbone. Your dentist will simply attach a connector piece to your implant posts and top it off with a realistic-looking crown.
Finishing your restoration doesn’t take as long as placing the implant posts. Think closer to 45 minutes than two hours. Your mouth might be sore for a few days after, but otherwise, you’ll be free to enjoy your new teeth!
Dental Implant Timeline Review
All told, you can budget about one to two hours for each individual appointment, and roughly six to eight months for the entire dental implant process. After they’re secured, though, they can last you for 30 years or more with proper care.
Whether this restoration option is worth the time investment is up to you – just remember that your dentist is there to help you navigate the details!
About the Author
Dr. Adriana Zaharie (or “Dr. Z”) has over 20 years of experience in dentistry. Because of her knowledge and skills, she’s able to complete the entire dental implant process in-house, saving you the time it would take to get and visit an external referral. She loves helping patients with their oral health needs, so if you’re interested in dental implants or have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch! To contact Dr. Z’s office, call 281-395-2100.