How Long Is the Dental Implant Process?

Every dental procedure is different. Some happen on the same day, while others can be a process. Familiarize yourself with everything to know what to expect. Read on to learn how long a dental implant process can take.

Consultation

You must first meet with your dental practitioner so they can determine if you are eligible for a dental implant procedure. They will evaluate your medical history and examine your teeth and bone density to know if the structure can hold or support an implant.

Preparation

The preparation stage entails the dentist doing a CT scan or an X-ray of your mouth to view the area they intend to place the implant. Detailed imaging helps them know how they can go about the procedure. Preparation also entails bone grafting or tooth extraction if you have a decaying tooth.

 

Surgical Placement

The implant is placed in the jaw at this phase of the process. Your dental surgeon places a titanium rod at the new root for the crown or prosthetic tooth. They will numb the affected area using a local anesthetic before starting the procedure.

Once the sedation takes effect, your dental specialist will expose your jawbone by cutting an incision into your gum. They will then screw the implant into your jaw and ensure it stays in place, then stitch the gum incision with about two stitches.

The implantation of the titanium rod will take about one to hours to complete. Your dentist will then cover the remaining space using an artificial crown.

 

After this phase, you will need around three months to heal. The titanium rod will integrate with your bone during this period. The process of infusion of your bone with the implant is what specialists call osseointegration. Its completion helps form a strong base for mounting the prosthetic.

Some patients can heal in a shorter time. Some individuals only need four to six weeks of recovery after the implant post is implanted. It all depends on factors like the state of your oral health.

 

Abutment Fitting

The crown is placed on a base called an abutment. It sits in the middle between the crown and the implant. You move to get your abutment fit if your dentist determines that you have had a successful bone fusion. They will have to expose your jaw again to attach the abutment to your implant.

Your dentist can attach the crown immediately once they set the abutment. It acts like a shock absorber between the implant and your prosthetic tooth. Sometimes, you can have the crown fitted in a separate dental appointment. However, having it fixed on the same day as the abutment shortens the entire process. Your dentist will advise if you can do it on the same day.

 

A separate crown fitting often happens after about a month following the abutment placement. The porcelain prosthetic tooth placement takes half an hour at most. After that, the entire dental implant process becomes complete.

 

Overall Time for a Dental Implant Process

The dental implant process does not entail visiting the dentist once. It can take between three to nine months. The procedure involves different features that can prolong the entire process to take longer than you may expect. Your healing capabilities are also different from that of another patient. Everyone heals at their pace and time.

For more about dental implants, call Reaves Dental at our office in New Hartford, New York. Call (315) 736-0139 to book an appointment today.