Dental implants have become popular for individuals seeking a permanent remedy for missing teeth. Considering this transformative dental procedure, you might be curious about the timeline, from the initial consultation with your dentist to the final result. Whether you’re considering this innovative solution or simply want to understand the journey, read on to discover the answer to the question: “How long do dental implants take?”
Step 1: Consultation and Treatment Planning
The journey begins with an initial consultation with your dentist near you or an oral surgeon. During this appointment, your oral health will be assessed, and the feasibility of dental implants will be discussed. X-rays or CT scans may be taken to evaluate the bone structure and determine if additional procedures, such as bone grafting, are necessary.
Timeline: This initial consultation typically lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your case.
Step 2: Preparatory Procedures (if needed)
In some cases, preparatory procedures may be required before implant placement. This can include bone grafting to augment the jawbone if it lacks the necessary density to support the implant. Other procedures, such as tooth extractions or treatment for gum disease, may also be required to ensure the success of the implant.
Timeline: Preparatory procedures can add several weeks to the overall timeline, depending on the extent of treatment needed and the healing time required.
Step 3: Implant Placement
The dental implant can be placed once any necessary preparatory procedures have been completed. This involves surgically inserting a titanium implant into the jawbone, where it will serve as a sturdy foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth.
Timeline: The implant placement surgery typically takes about 1-2 hours per implant, although this can vary based on the case’s complexity. After the surgery, a 3-6 dental implant healing time is usually required to allow the implant to fuse with the surrounding bone in an osseointegration process.
Step 4: Abutment Placement and Impressions
After the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, the next step is to attach an abutment. The abutment is a small connector piece that protrudes above the gum line and supports the final restoration. Once the abutment is in place, impressions of the mouth are taken to create a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture.
Timeline: The abutment placement is a relatively quick procedure, usually taking 30-60 minutes per implant. Afterward, it may take a few weeks for the dental laboratory to fabricate the final restoration based on the impressions.
Step 5: Final Restoration
Once the final restoration is ready, it is securely attached to the abutment to complete the implant process. Whether you’re receiving a single crown, a bridge, or a full set of dentures, your dentist will ensure that the restoration fits comfortably and looks natural.
Timeline: The final restoration appointment typically takes about 1-2 hours, although this can vary depending on the complexity of the restoration and any necessary adjustments.
The dental implant procedure timeline can span several months, with multiple steps along the way. While the timeline may vary based on individual factors, such as the need for preparatory procedures and the healing process, the result is a durable and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth.
Contact Us for Exceptional Dental Implant Services
Acquiring dental implants in Burlington is a significant decision that requires expertise and precision. If you’re considering this transformative procedure, look no further than Dentist @ Burlington. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing exceptional dental implant services tailored to your unique needs.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and begin your path to a confident, functional, and beautiful smile. Trust us for excellence in dental care—where your journey to a brighter smile begins!