Dental implants offer a lot of really great options for patients. They work for those who have lost one tooth or several And they can work to replace the option of traditional dentures to one that is much more secure and natural. Whatever your reason for seeking dental implants, it is sure to leave you with a positive outcome.
The thing to remember is that dental implants are not instant. They aren’t a procedure where you go to the dentist for one visit, but rather multiple visits. So, just how long does a dental implant procedure take?
Preparing for the Implant
Before you can go through the actual implant procedure, there is often some preparation that needs to take place. After all, you need to have a healthy mouth to ensure that your implant will last for a long time. If you have great oral health and your jaw bone is suitable, you may be able to move forward with the dental implant rather quickly.
If you have recently lost a tooth or will need to have a tooth extracted before you get your implant, then you will need time to heal. Your dentist may put you on antibiotics that will allow you to reduce any chance of infection. If this is all that is needed for your prep work, then you can likely move on with the dental implant procedure in a couple of weeks.
Although it may not always be necessary, quite often patients require a bone graft prior to the actual dental implant procedure. See, your jaw needs to be strong, full, and healthy. Because you need to make sure your bone is able to successfully handle the implant, you may need to build it up with a bone graft.
Bone grafts can be done in different ways, such as taking a piece of bone from another area of the body and transplanting it into your jaw or using artificial bone. Your dentist will discuss your options. But, once the procedure is done, you will have to wait for the bone to grow together and heal before it can handle the implant. This may take several months.
Implantation of the Post
When your dentist gives the green light, it is safe to move into the next phase - the actual implant procedure. A hole is drilled into your jaw bone and the titanium post is implanted. This piece of metal will become your new root and will fuse with your bone.
At this point, you will not have a tooth - only the base. It takes, on average, 4-6 months for healing before it is stable enough to add your artificial tooth.
Placing the Crown
Finally, the last steps in the process are to add the abutment to the top of the implant (your dentist may or may not do this at the time of the above implant procedure) and then attach the crown.
All in all, the dental implant process can take as little as 6 months or so - or as long as a year or more. Preparation is often the key indicator of how long the process may take.
Dental Implants at A & R Advanced Dental Group
Investing in dental implants can be a life-changing decision. And, although it may take a couple of visits and the passing of some time, the end result will be well worth the wait.
The dental experts at A & R Advanced Dental Group have extensive experience and skills when it comes to helping patients achieve the functionality and natural appearances of dental implants.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to get started, contact our office at the most convenient location: