Are you thinking about getting dental implants near you? You must be wondering how long the entire process takes. It’s one of the most popular questions asked by patients of their dentist. So, let’s discuss how long the dental implant procedure takes.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots constructed of metal. A dentist installs them in your jawbone where your lost tooth is. Once the implant heals, the dentist places or put a crown over it. This provides you with a tooth that appears and functions like your natural teeth.
The Complete Timeline for Dental Implants Treatment
The process of a dental implant has a few steps. Each one takes varying amounts of time. This is what happens from beginning to end
Step 1: The First Visit
The first thing you do is visit your dentist. In this visit, your dentist in Country Hills will examine your mouth, take some photographs (such as X-rays), and discuss your objectives with you. This is where we create a plan specifically for you. We will ensure your jawbone is strong enough to support the implant. If not, we may have to perform a bone graft first. A bone graft is a minor surgery to install bone where it will be needed. This does extend the process by several months, but it’s absolutely critical to the success of the procedure.
Step 2: Placing the Implant
Once the planning is over and your mouth is prepared, it’s time to put in the implant. This is a tiny metal post, sort of like a screw, that serves (act) as the new root of your tooth. Your dentist will insert this post into your jawbone. This portion of the process is not long and won’t hurt because we numb your mouth using local anesthesia.
Step 3: Healing Time
This is the longest stage. We refer to this as the healing time. Once the implant is fitted, we just have to wait for the bone to heal and integrate with the implant. This is known as osseointegration. It’s the most important thing to ensure that your new tooth is solid and stable. Healing time can last from 3 to 6 months. Each individual heals at his or her own pace, so your dentist will closely monitor your recovery.
Step 4: Placing the Abutment and Crown
We can move on to the following phase if the implant has healed and settled down (stable) entirely. We will put a small connecting piece called an abutment on the implant to link it. This is where the crown, or new tooth, will go. Next, we will l take impressions of your mouth so we can manufacture a crown that fits and looks like a real tooth. The crown is meticulously matched to the colour of the rest of your teeth so that it appears natural. This process usually takes a few weeks.
Total Time for Dental Implants Treatment
| Treatment Phase | Time Needed | Healing Time |
| Initial consultation | 1-2 hours | None |
| Tooth removal (if needed) | 30-60 minutes | 2-3 months |
| Implant placement | 1-2 hours | 3-6 months |
| Abutment placement | 30-60 minutes | 1-2 weeks |
| Crown placement | 1-2 hours | None |
| Total Process | 4-7 hours of appointments | 4-9 months overall |
Things That Can Change Your Timeline
There are several things that can make your treatment longer or shorter:
- Your Bone Health: If you have a thin or weak jawbone, you may need to have a bone graft done first. This will take an extra 3-6 months to add to your treatment.
- How Many Teeth: Having a single implant takes less time than having multiple implants done at the same time.
- Your Healing Speed: Everyone heals differently. Your age and health also influence how fast you heal.
- Where You Live: It may take time to find the right dentist near you. Some dental practices are more active than others.
What to Expect During Recovery
Following every phase of your implant dentistry procedure, you will have some recovery time:
- Mild pain: This will last 2-3 days
- Swelling: Your face may be swollen for a few days
- Soft foods: You will eat soups and yogurt initially
- Follow-up visits: Your dentist will examine how you are healing
Tips for Faster Healing
You can assist your dental implants in Country Hills to heal more quickly by:
- Not smoking (smoking delays healing)
- Healthy eating with calcium and protein
- Maintaining the cleanliness of your mouth
- Taking your medications as prescribed
- Attending all your follow-up appointments
Is the Wait Worth It?
Yes! Although dental implants require several months to get, the effects last many years. Most implants function well for 15-25 years or even more. This makes them a fantastic option for filling in missing teeth.
Finding the Right Dentist
If you are trying to find a dentist to perform your implant treatment, ensure that they
- Have implant dentistry experience
- Use state-of-the-art equipment
- Clarify everything in clear terms
- Put you at ease
- Have positive reviews from other patients
Get Dental Implant Solutions at NorthPointe Dental Clinic!
If you are searching for a dental implant solution, then NorthPointe Dental Clinic is here to assist you. Our professionals offer quality services such as dental implants, regular checkups and other procedures to complement healthy smiles. Our team performs safe and reliable processes to ensure your teeth remain strong as well as healthy. Call NorthPointe Dental Clinic today to schedule your appointment.