Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace severely decayed or missing teeth. Implants can fully restore the chewing function and aesthetics of your smile.
Dental implants are artificial teeth composed of three main parts: the restoration, the implant post, and the abutment, which connects the restoration with the post.
Dental implants offer patients many benefits, including restoring chewing function, improved oral health, and increased confidence. They are also more durable than other artificial tooth options; dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and routine dental check-ups.
While dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace a missing or decayed tooth, they often require several visits before the implant process is finally complete. Many patients are surprised by this, so it is vital to know how long a dental implant procedure takes.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take: Stages of the Dental Implant Process
Receiving a dental implant involves numerous visits to the dentist to allow time for the dentist to plan the treatment and for the body to heal between surgeries. The stages of the dental implant process include:
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Initial Consultation
The initial consultation is a critical first step in the dental implant process. During this visit, your dentist evaluates your mouth and jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for implants.
To be eligible for a dental implant, you must have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant and complete the osseointegration process.
They take X-rays or CT scans and make impressions of your teeth to develop a customised implant for your mouth.
At this point, you may also require a tooth extraction if your tooth is severely decayed. You typically won’t receive implants on the same day as your extraction. The extraction recovery process can take days to weeks, depending on several factors that affect your recovery time.
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Bone Graft or Sinus Lift
If you need a dental implant and have bone loss in your jaw, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift before implants can be placed.
A bone graft may be critical if significant time has elapsed between losing the tooth and the dental implant procedure: 40-60% of the normal bone structure can be lost in the initial three months following tooth loss.
A bone graft is a surgical procedure that increases the tissue density of your jaw to allow the implant to be successfully placed. A bone graft is a straightforward procedure that is primarily used for dental implants that will be located in the bottom row of the teeth.
If you need an implant in the upper row of your teeth, you may need to undergo a sinus lift to lift the maxillary sinus membrane to create space for a bone graft.
Grafting procedures typically require between three and nine months of recovery to allow the bone to develop adequate bone tissue to support the implant.
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Embedding the Implant Post
The next step in the dental implant process is placing and embedding the implant post.
The implant will be inserted into the jawbone in a surgical procedure. Your dentist cuts the gum tissue open to expose the bone. They drill a tiny hole in the jaw and insert the implant post, which features screw-like threads and a biocompatible coating to allow for fusion with the jawbone (osseointegration). The gum tissue is closed over the implant, and a healing cap is placed to protect the implant site.
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Osseointegration
Once the implant is embedded into the bone, your body will begin a process known as osseointegration. In this process, your body fuses your jawbone to the installed titanium post, creating a solid foundation for the restoration.
The osseointegration process can take between three and nine months. Your dentist will monitor your body’s osseointegration progression with a series of checkups in this period.
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Placing the Abutment
Once the implant’s base is fused to your natural jawbone, the next step is to place the abutment. The abutment is a small piece of metal connecting the crown to the implant’s base. The abutment is placed into the jawbone through a small incision in the gum line.
You will need to allow several weeks for the site to heal once the abutment is in place. This recovery process allows the gum tissue to heal around the abutment and helps to ensure the implant is securely anchored in place and does not cause any damage to the surrounding teeth.
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Placing the Restoration
The final step in the dental implant process is the placement of the restoration. Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth and sends it to a dental lab. The lab creates a custom restoration for your implant, which may be a bridge, crown, or denture. The restoration will be sent back to your dentist, who will attach it to the abutment at your next appointment.
At No Gaps Dental, we also offer CEREC crowns created using CAD/CAM technology and milled on-site from a solid block of tooth-coloured zirconia in minutes.
Regain Your Confidence with Dental Implants
Missing teeth can negatively affect your oral health and self-confidence. Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth and restore your chewing function and smile.
If you think you may be a candidate for dental implants or just want to know more about the dental implant process, No Gaps Dental can answer all your questions, including how long a dental implant procedure takes.
Schedule an appointment online or call us on (02) 8007 6727 today to have one of our highly-skilled, experienced dentists examine your mouth and determine if you are a candidate for the dental implant process.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental implant procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant
Dental Implants with Bone Loss: Bone Grafts, Mini Implants, and More
https://www.dentaly.org/us/teeth-implants-cost/dental-implants-bone-loss/
Osseointegration and Dental Implants
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24473360/
Sinus Lift and Dental Implant Treatment as an Option for Enhancing the Quality of Life of our Patients
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23529318/
Factors Affecting Wound Healing
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20139336/
Dental Implants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470448/