If you’re thinking about getting implants, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the most common ones is “how long does it take to get dental implants?”
Find the answer to that question, along with some other helpful info, below.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental implants are much more expensive than other options to replace lost teeth. But they are a more permanent solution compared to other fixes such as a bridge or dentures.
It is a far superior option because they can provide you with a better appearance, they are far more comfortable and functionable. They are also notable for preventing any secondary dental problems.
How Long Does It Take To Get Dental Implants?
This permanent solution is designed to last you for a lifetime. Usually, the whole process of getting dental implants can be lengthy. In fact, it can take up to nine months.
To give you a better idea of what goes into why it takes this long, we’ll go through each step of getting dental implants.
The Steps To Getting Dental Implants
The Consultation
First step is the dental consultation. This consultation with your implant dentist is where they will examine your current oral health, and address any problems that need to be addressed.
This process will help give your dentist a better understanding of your situation. And to come up with a plan for your dental implant procedure.
During this consultation, your dentist will probably take X-Rays or 3D scans of your teeth and jawbone. This will give them a better understanding about your bone density and where your implant will sit.
It is also during this time where you and your dentist can discuss various treatment options, and the next steps you need to take.
Once you and your dentist have all the information necessary, your dentist will have a clearer answer for you about how long it will take to get your dental implants.
Pre-Dental Implant Exam
The next step is the pre-dental implant procedure exam. This is where you meet with a prosthetist so they can gain further insight to make sure that everything goes perfectly. This will be a great opportunity to ask your dentists any more questions that you may have.
Surgery
Next, you’ll have to go through dental implant placement. During this surgery, your dentist will now place a biocompatible screw made of titanium to serve as an artificial “root” for the tooth. This will be placed into your jawbone as a strong foundation for the crown.
You will be given anaesthesia to keep you comfortable and to make the procedure relatively painless. The implantation usually takes around an hour.
The Healing Process
After the implantation, you will need to wait for the titanium screw to fully infuse with your jawbone. This process is called the osseointegration, and it is where the screw mimics the action of a natural tooth root.
The healing process can take anywhere between three to six months. During the healing process, you may be advised to eat only a soft diet. Or at least during the first few weeks following surgery.
The Abutment
After the screw has fully infused with the jawbone, your doctor can now place the abutment. It is the thing that connects your titanium screw to the dental crown. Once placement is done, it can take up to two weeks for it to heal.
The Final Step: Attaching the Crown
The last step to getting your dental implants is the attachment of the crown. Once the implants are fully healed, then the custom crown should be able to fit in perfectly. Once this is done, your dental implant procedure is complete.