How Long Do Dental Implants Take?

One of the biggest considerations in deciding whether or not to have san rafael dental implants is the time involved. Many people opt for dental implants because they offer a more permanent solution and preserve the natural look and feel of your teeth, as opposed to dentures, which are a much faster solution, but will require more maintenance, and can be uncomfortable to wear.

For patients who decide to have dental implants placed, how long the process will take will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case, whether or not you require a bone graft, and your body’s natural healing process. With these mitigating factors in mind, dental implants can take anywhere from three to nine months. Patients who have experienced significant jawbone loss may also require a bone graft prior to beginning the procedure, which will extend the overall length of time and cost involved.

Initial Evaluation

Prior to scheduling your implant procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will perform an examination, which will involve taking X-rays and evaluating the condition of your jawbone. Your dentist will also discuss and review your medical history, including what type of medications you are taking and whether or not you have any heart conditions. If necessary, they will prescribe antibiotics to take prior to the surgery to reduce the risk of an infection. The dentist will then compile this information to develop a treatment plan suited to your needs. This evaluation can typically be performed within an hour.

During Surgery

Dental implant surgery typically begins with the removal of the damaged tooth or teeth. Once the tooth or teeth have been removed, the jawbone will be prepared. Patients who do not have enough jawbone to allow for the implants to be placed may require a bone graft procedure.

Once the jawbone has been prepared, the implants are inserted under the gum line. This typically takes between 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the case.

Following this, the patient will need to schedule a follow up appointment to allow for the jaws to heal and for osseointegration (bone tissue fuses with the implant) to occur. The time it takes for this to happen can be asshort as four weeks or as long as twelve weeks.

Abutment Fitting

Once your dentist is satisfied that osseointegration has occurred, the abutment will be installed. The abutment screws into the implant and is what the artificial tooth will be attached to it. Once the abutment is attached, the final porcelain crown is cemented in place, or your dentist will close the gum tissue to give the area time to heal and place the crown at a follow up appointment.

Recovery Period

Following surgery, it is common for patients to experience minor bleeding, bruising of the skin or gums, swelling of the gums and face, and pain where the surgery occurred. These symptoms will typically improve within several days. If they do not improve or worsen, contact your dentist to schedule a follow up examination.

To ensure a fast and effective healing process and avoid the risk of experiencing any complications, be sure to follow these rules:

• Avoid tobacco products
• Brush and floss twice a day
• Avoid chewing on hard foods or materials that can damage your teeth
• Schedule regular visits to monitor the overall health of your teeth

Following these simple guidelines will not only speed up the time required to have dental implants placed, it will decrease the likelihood of developing similar issues in the future.

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