Dental implants are a long-term solution for the missing teeth.If you’re wondering about how long does dental implant treatment take, don’t worry; you’re not alone.
The answer would depend on your oral health and the level of treatment you require. It is a two-step process at best and months-long at least. Every step is essential to getting your new tooth firm, stable, and natural in appearance. Our dentist will walk you through the complete dental implant procedure timeline. We will break down the significant steps of the dental implant process into easy and simple words in this blog.
This tutorial will get you familiar with what to expect, whether you are just beginning or resuming from where you paused. We will also provide how long the stages of dental implant process to give you an idea.
What Are Dental Implants, and How Do They Work?
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are inserted into your jawbone to restore missing teeth. After the implant is inserted and your bone heals, a crown is added to the post. The crown is the visible tooth, providing a natural appearance. Implants remain permanently and are indistinguishable from natural teeth.They’re a sound option for individuals who have lost a tooth or teeth because of injury or decay. It helps to restore your smile and make every day tasks like eating and speaking.
Stages of the Dental Implant Process
1. Consultation and Assessment
The initial step is to come in and visit our dentist for an assessment. When you visit us, we will look at your oral health and take X-rays as well. We may also use 3D imaging so we can view inside your jawbone more clearly.
This is how our dentist will be able to determine if your jawbone can support the implant. If your jawbone needs a little extra help, then our dentist will recommend a bone graft. This will prepare your mouth for the implant. Our dentist will discuss the entire timeline of the dental implant process. Your questions and concerns will be answered on this visit.
2. Implant Placement Surgery
The second treatment is surgery. Our dentist will insert the titanium post (implant) into your jawbone. This post will serve as the root for your new tooth. Local anesthesia will ensure that you will not feel anything during the surgery. Our dentist will make a small incision in the gum, insert the implant, and close it all up with stitches.
The procedure will take about 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of your case.You will feel a little uncomfortable afterwards. But our dentist will give you some advice on how to deal with it and how to recover sooner.
3. Healing Period (Osseointegration)
Once the implant is in place, your jawbone will need to attach the titanium post. This is known as osseointegration, and it will take 3 to 6 months. Your jawbone will grow around the implant naturally within those 3 to 6 months and support and secure it. Please make sure to follow our dentist’s post-operative instructions so everything heals properly.
You will have to be careful not to put too much stress on the implant while it is healing.We will also give you dietary instructions on what foods to consume and what foods to avoid during your recovery process.
4. Abutment Placement
After your implant fully bonds with your jawbone, the second part is to have the abutment placed. This is a tiny bridge between the implant and the crown (the new tooth). The abutment is attached by making a small incision in the gum to find the implant underneath, then connecting the abutment.This is followed by a few weeks of healing, allowing your gum to heal over the abutment. It ensures that your abutment remains firmly held in place.
5. Crown Placement
After your gum heals around the abutment, then the procedure of placing the custom crown follows. Our dentist will make an impression on your teeth to enable us to make a custom crown. The crown will be sized, shaped, and coloured to your teeth. Once the crown is made, it will be cemented onto the abutment. This will provide you with a working tooth that you can make completely part of your smile. The crown is secured onto the implant. You will have a new tooth that bites and chews like your other teeth.
6. Final Check and Follow-up
Once we have corrected the crown, our dentist will make sure everything functions as planned. They will also assure you that your new tooth is comfortable. You will return for follow-up so that your implant remains healthy and functions properly. The appointments will also enable your dentist to identify any upcoming issues early enough. They will teach you how to maintain your new implant. You will also be informed of how it is to be kept clean and healthy. Your dental implant can last you several decades if cared for properly.
This dental implant procedure timeline shows a step-by-step process to give your missing tooth a new, healthy appearance. Every step from consultation through follow-up appointments is planned carefully so you can have the best result.It’s a lengthy process, but it’s well worth it for a long-lasting, gorgeous smile!
Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?
Dental implant surgery is not normally painful because it is performed under local anesthesia.It renders you numb in such a way that you will not feel any pain when undergoing the procedure. You may experience some pain like swelling or soreness, but you can manage it with painkillers Pain is usually minor for most people and vanishes after a couple of days.
Your dentist will give you guidance on self-care while you are recovering. They will also give you guidance on how to alleviate any pain or discomfort that you might experience.
How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?
The length of your dental implant treatment can vary based on a few different factors:
- The type of implant
- Your overall oral health
- Any additional treatments, such as bone grafting
The dental implant procedure timeline can take anywhere from several months to over a year to complete.Keep in mind that any complications or extra steps may add time to your procedure.Our dentist will guide you through each stage to make sure everything goes smoothly.
How Do You Know If You Are a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
-
Healthy Gums
Your gums should be healthy and free of infection. -
Strong Jawbone
A strong jawbone is needed to support the implant.If your jawbone has deteriorated, you may need bone grafting. -
Good Oral Hygiene
You must practice good oral hygiene and be able to care for the implant properly. -
No Major Health Issues
You should be in overall good health, as certain health conditions may affect healing. -
Non-Smokers
Smoking can delay healing and affect the success of the implant. -
Realistic Expectations
You should have realistic expectations about the results and the process. -
Age
Ideal candidates are adults with fully developed jawbones. -
Commitment to Follow-up Care
You must be willing to attend follow-up appointments to ensure the implant stays healthy.
Conclusion
You now have an idea of how long does dental implant treatment take and the stages of dental implant process is done. Supercare Dental & Cosmetics will be there at every step of the way, so your treatment will go as smoothly and successfully as it possibly can.
Start your path to a brighter, healthier smile!