A dental implant is a surgical fixture designed to feel, function, and look like natural teeth. It has become the most convenient option for the prosthetic replacement of missing teeth. Dental implants have become a far more secure option than traditional dentures as they can enhance the functionality and appearance of your teeth. The total amount of time it will take for a dental implant will mostly depend on the physical condition, the type of implant procedure needed, and the individual healing time for the mouth. You can get in touch with My Dental Home, Dr. Kevin Brown & Associates, if you have any questions regarding dental implants or other dental procedures. You can also go through this guide informing you how much time it will take at each stage of getting dental implants.
Dental Consultation
Pre-Dental Implant Exam
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
If you are thinking of replacing a full arch of missing teeth, you might have to meet with your prosthetist before your dental implant surgery. During this exam, the prosthetist will gather information on your teeth so that the implant procedure goes smoothly. You can also clarify any questions regarding the implant procedure during the pre-dental implant exam.
Dental Implant Placement
Your implant will be placed about one to two weeks after your initial consultation. Your dentist will use a customized treatment plan to place the implant directly into your jaw bone and gum. Your dentist might use IV sedation or local anesthesia during the dental implant procedure to make you feel comfortable. The time required to place the dental implants will vary based on the dentist’s technique and the tooth’s location. Generally, the entire procedure will take about one to two hours per implant. After this step, most dentists will wait about three months before the final restoration of your tooth replacement. This might seem frustrating to you, but the healing period is crucial to ensure your dental implant procedure succeeds.
Healing And Recovery
The initial healing process will take about one to two weeks. However, your implant should also “osseointegrate” with your jaw bone meaning it should fully bond with your jaw bone and become a natural part of your mouth. This can be a long process and can take three to six months, depending on your condition. During this process, you will have to schedule several follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure your mouth is healing properly.
Final Fitting
After your implant has healed, the last step will be the procedure of fitting the crown and abutment to the implant. An abutment is a cushion-like small shock absorber that is generally placed between the permanent crown and the implant. An ill-fitting abutment might lead to either mechanical failures like implant fracture or biological failure caused by bacteria. It is therefore important to carry out this step with caution. This step involves exposing the gums to ensure that the implant is imprisoned for a properly fitting crown and abutment. After the dentist checks that your abutment is fixed properly, your new artificial crown will be fitted. With this, the dental implant procedure will be complete, and you’ll not only have a natural and beautiful smile, but you will also be able to eat whatever you like without any difficulty.
Your dental implant timeline will depend entirely on your oral health, how well you care for your implants after surgery, and the pre-treatment surgeries you might require. The implant procedure your dentist uses will also impact the time necessary to complete the dental implant procedure. After that, you can visit your dentist for regular checkups to ensure your implants function well and stay healthy and clean. Your dentist will troubleshoot any potential problems if you stick to bi-annual dental checkups.