A smile is everything. However, what if a missing tooth makes you feel anything but confident? That’s where the dental implant process comes in. It’s a tried and true method when it comes to restoring your smile and regaining your confidence. However, here’s the thing: many people ask, “How long will this take?”
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Dental Implant Process
The First Step Includes Consultation and Initial Examination
The first step in the dental implant process involves a thorough consultation. The dentist will assess your overall dental health. Once done, they determine if you’re a good candidate for implants. This assessment includes taking x-rays, scans, or even a CT scan to examine your jawbone’s health and structure.
Then Comes Planning and Preparation
Following the initial assessment, careful treatment planning is required. This phase helps your implants get placed in the correct position. In certain instances, patients will need bone grafting or gum therapy before getting dental implants Jamaica Plain. This significantly provides sufficient bone to support the implant.
The Next Step Is Implant Placement Surgery
During the implant placement surgery, the dentist will insert a titanium post into the jawbone. Dentists get this done under local anesthesia or sedation for your comfort. The post becomes the root of the new tooth.
Then The Healing Period (Osseointegration) Starts
Once the implant is placed, healing begins. The bone will slowly become integrated into the titanium post through a process known as osseointegration. This process may take 3 to 6 months, by which time the implant will be firmly attached to the bone.
Then Comes Abutment and Crown Placement
Once integration is complete, the dentist will place the abutment onto the post. Next, a customized crown will be made and capped on top to restore form as well as function. This step typically takes several weeks to have the crown made.
Factors Affecting How Long the Procedure Takes
Individual Healing Time
Everyone heals at their own pace. Some heal faster, some heal slower. This can significantly influence the length of the dental implant process.
Bone Density and Health
The health of your bones is a huge factor. If your jawbone is too weak or thin, you might need a bone graft before implant placement. This added step has the ability to add length to the process.
Pre-Surgery Treatments:
If you need extra treatments such as gum therapy or tooth extractions, these will increase the time of the dental implant process. Your dentist will inform you of any initial procedures needed before proceeding with implants.
Complexity of the Case:
A simple single implant can be done faster than several implants or a full-mouth reconstruction. The more complicated your case is, the longer it will take to do the entire dental implant process.
Average Timeframe for the Whole Process
The dental implant process, on average, takes around 5 to 9 months from beginning to completion. For a standard single implant, you can expect it to take around 6 months to consider the healing time. For more complicated cases, such as full-mouth restoration or multiple implants, the process could extend to a year or more.
The dental implant process is personalized and depends on several factors mentioned in this blog. While it may take several months, the results are truly worth the wait.
With a restored smile, you’ll enjoy long-term functionality and confidence and make it a rewarding investment in your oral health. Talk to our dentists today to find out more about how the dental implant process can work for you!
