Those with missing teeth would be looking for ways to bolster the quality of their life and gain confidence when smiling or eating. Although there are different treatments to replace missing teeth, dental implants are at the top of the list. This revolutionary treatment has changed the lives of the ones who have experienced tooth loss due to an injury, gum disease, or tooth decay.
If you are interested in getting a dental implant, you must consider what to expect from the treatment and how the results will be. Besides that, you must be wondering how long the dental implant procedure takes. Keep reading to get more information about dental implants.
What is the Timeline for the Dental Implant Procedure?
A dental implant is a modern alternative to the bridge or the denture. It is easy to maintain and plays a significant role in preventing jaw bone loss. Those who want a dental implant must have seen conflicting information about how long the procedure takes. When we talk about a single dental implant, it could take about 4 to 6 months and sometimes even longer.
Placing a single implant doesn’t take much time, and you must sit in the chair for 30 to 40 minutes. Although the procedure depends on the healing capabilities of the individual, if we add the recovery time, it can count on 4 to 8 more weeks. When replacing prominent teeth, your dentist may attach a temporary tooth during healing.
Main Stages of the Dental Implant Procedure
- Initial Consultation
It usually takes a single visit for a consultation, as it helps determine whether the dental implant is a suitable treatment. The dentist carries out a comprehensive oral examination and takes X-rays and 3D scans. This way, the quality of bone is assessed. After that, a proper plan is made for the surgery.
- Surgery
In this step, the mouth is numbed so the patient doesn’t feel pain. It is worth mentioning that some patients may need a bone graft to replenish their thin bones. So, the overall duration of the treatment can be extended.
- Recovery Time
The healing time is the key to the success of the dental implant procedure. Usually, the recovery should take a few days, but if it is a complex surgery, it can reach up to 3 weeks. During this time, the bone fuses to the implant to become a permanent fixture. So, it can take between 3 to six months.
- Placing the Abutment
After recovery, the dental implant stabilises, so it is time to place the abutment. It is a minor component securing the prosthetic tooth and absorbs the bite force when a patient chews. After that, the dental crown is attached and cemented in its place so that the patient can have the smile he wants.
Why Do Dental Implants Take Longer Time?
Every patient is unique so he will have a different implant experience. The process typically takes 4-6 months, which is surprising for any individual. People are busy and want to spend less time on dental procedures. But the time investment clearly explains why implants are durable.
After the CT scan, the dentist identifies the best position in your jaw where the implant will be placed in your jaw. The dentist ensures the placement is correct and then undergoes surgery to place the implant in the jaw. There is a waiting time for the jawbone to integrate the implant. The implant is rooted in the jawbone and has a strong foundation for the replacement tooth.
Dental Implant Specialists in Quakers Hill, NSW, Australia
There are various stages of the dental implant procedure; therefore, the treatment depends on the number of implants and the complexity of your treatment. If you like to replace your missing tooth with a dental implant and know how long it takes, schedule a consultation with Complete Family Dental. Our professional staff will take their time to understand all your needs and requirements for a customised treatment plan detailing the costs and the timeframe.
Contact us and take the first step to transform your smile.