Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their many unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they include a titanium rod that’s embedded into your jawbone, so they function as sturdy, independent structures. They’re usually stronger and more resilient than the alternatives as a result.
However, it’s important to be well-informed before deciding whether implants are right for you. One question on many patients’ minds is how long treatment takes. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect to make an educated decision regarding rebuilding your smile.
Stage 1: Oral Surgery
These prosthetics are the only ones that involve surgery, so you must consult with your provider to ensure you’re a good candidate before proceeding. They’ll examine your mouth and update your medical history to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo the procedure and that no pre-existing dental problems, like cavities or gum disease, interfere with your results.
Once you’re approved, they’ll schedule your surgery. Typically, it lasts about an hour or two, though it could be more or less depending on your circumstances. For example, it generally takes longer to place multiple metal posts than a single one for treatments requiring implant dentures or bridges.
Stage 2: Recovering From Your Procedure
Many patients don’t realize that it can take weeks to heal from their implant surgery, and understanding the reason for the long wait might help you find some much-needed patience. Once the support rod of your new tooth is placed in your jaw, it stimulates new bone growth like a root every time you bite down. Eventually, your jawbone generates enough material to encompass and fuse with the metal in a process called osseointegration.
It generally takes anywhere from three to six months for most patients to successfully completes this stage of their recovery.
Stage 3: Placing the Abutment & Restoration
Once you’ve healed sufficiently, your dentist will schedule a second, more minor procedure to place the abutment on top of the post. To do so, they create a small incision to uncover the titanium rod, attach the cap, and then close the gum tissues around it. Generally, it takes two weeks for your connective tissues to mend. Then, your provider will place your dental crown or other appropriate restoration to close the gap(s) in your grin.
If you’re considering getting dental implants but don’t know how long it will take, the best next step is to consult your dentist. Once they examine your mouth, they can provide a treatment timeline with accurate estimates based on their findings and your unique situation.
Meet the Author
Dr. Dina Cocco has decades of experience helping families near Ann Arbor build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. She earned her dental degree from Central Michigan University and is a valued member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association and the American Association for Women Dentists. She works with the best local specialists for implant placement, then combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to provide lifelike, long-lasting restorations to rebuild your grin. You can request an appointment on the website or call (734) 668-8636.