Dental implants are the only permanent replacement option for missing teeth and provide a large range of health benefits as well as the restoration of your full smile.
However, because they are permanent, they require dental implant surgery, a second surgery to attach the abutment, and a waiting period to fabricate the dental crown. So, how long do dental implants take? The answer to this question varies depending on your oral health before the surgery, how many dental implants you require, and several other factors.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant consists of three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the dental crown or artificial tooth. Dental implants are tiny titanium screws that sit directly in your jawbone, while the abutment acts as a connector between the implant and the artificial tooth.
Dental implants have several health benefits that make them a more attractive option than dentures. Because the implant fuses with the jawbone, it can prevent bone loss and even increase your bone density.
Unlike bridges, which require grinding of healthy teeth for placement, dental implants won’t harm other teeth. Dental implants can prevent further tooth loss by preventing other teeth from shifting into the gap left by your missing tooth or teeth.
A dental implant is also much easier to clean and care for than dentures. Dentures require a special cleansing solution while you brush and floss your teeth twice daily and see your dentist twice a year with implants. Because they act like natural teeth, you can enjoy your favourite foods again.
Dental Implant Procedure: An Overview
How long do dental implants take from start to finish? At a minimum, the dental implant procedure takes three months and can require up to nine months. There are four steps involved in the dental implant procedure.
1. Initial Consultation
The first step in the dental implant procedure is to schedule an initial consultation with your dentist. Your dentist examines your mouth and teeth at this appointment and takes X-rays and 3D images to determine if dental implants are right for you. Your dentist will also check that you:
- Are in good overall health
- Can commit to regular teeth cleaning and good oral hygiene
- Have healthy gums
- Have sufficient jawbone density
You may require some dental work before undergoing dental implant surgery. If you have gum disease, your dentist treats that first, usually with antibiotics and scaling and root planing. Patients with several missing teeth may have too much jawbone degeneration to support the dental implant, requiring a bone graft, which could take three months or more to heal.
Your dentist may also request that you stop smoking before your dental implant procedure since it can slow the healing process and result in dental implant failure. If you take blood-thinning medication or have certain health issues, you may need to consult with your dentist and primary physician before going ahead with the surgery.
2. Dental Implant Surgery
Once you’ve been cleared for dental implants by your dentist, they’ll schedule a date for your dental implant surgery. On the day of the surgery, you’ll either receive IV sedation or a local anaesthetic, so you aren’t in discomfort during the process. Your dentist will make a small incision in your gum and your jawbone, insert the dental implant, and then close the incision. For about two weeks after the surgery, you’ll notice some swelling and discomfort.
Before the second part of the procedure, you must wait for the bone and implant to fuse in a process called osseointegration. This process could take three to six months and creates a solid base for the artificial crown to hook onto.
3. Abutment Surgery
Once your implant has thoroughly fused to your jawbone, your dentist schedules a second surgery to attach the abutment, a small hook, to the implant. The process is similar to the dental implant surgery, except your dentist only needs to cut through your gum. You’ll need about two weeks to recover from this surgery.
4. Designing and Fitting the Crown or Artificial Tooth
The last step is to fill the gap in your smile. You’ll meet with your dentist to create an impression of your mouth, which is used to design a custom crown or artificial tooth. Once it’s complete, your dentist fits it to your mouth, making any aesthetic adjustments you request.
How Long Do Dental Implants Take?
If you don’t require any initial dental work, the dental implant procedure can take between three and nine months, depending on how long the osseointegration process takes. Your dentist can give you a more specific estimate during your initial consultation and update you on the timeline throughout the process.
Although this may seem like a long time, dental implants last for a lifetime, while the dental crown or artificial tooth can last for 15 or 20 years, if you follow your dentist’s care recommendations, unlike dentures or a dental bridge which require replacing every five to seven years.
How Long Do Dental Implants Take To Heal?
Although the procedure can take up to a year, much of that is the osseointegration process, which shouldn’t disturb your daily activities. You’ll require about four weeks of recovery time, perhaps more if you receive multiple implants. If you have a bone graft that could also need an additional two to three weeks of recovery time.
You may continue to experience some tenderness for a time after your dental implant surgery, but be able to return to everyday activities after one or two days.
Get Started With No Gaps Dental
If you have missing teeth that you want to replace, call No Gaps Dental to learn if you are a candidate for our dental implant procedure. At your initial consultation, we’ll explain more about how our process works and answer questions you may have.
Call us on (02) 8007 6727 today to begin your journey towards a healthy, full smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.