The loss of a tooth is uncomfortable and can also affect your confidence and ability to eat well. When you lose a tooth due to illness, an accident or an injury, you want to fix the issue immediately.
If you are considering a dental implant, you may wonder, “how long does it take to get a dental implant?” Dental implants look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. However, it takes time for this incredible dental technology to achieve the results you desire. The process and timetable for dental implants differ from patient to patient, depending on the number of teeth to be replaced, the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw, and your overall general health.
Initial Dental Consultation
The dental implant process begins with a complete dental examination by your dentist to make sure your mouth is healthy. Your dentist takes dental X-rays and a 3D scan of your teeth and jawbone to determine the quantity and density of the bone around the implant site. These details are used to tailor a treatment plan specifically for your needs.
Understanding your dental implant options can help you make an informed decision for your oral health. In your dental consultation, you can discuss the recovery timeline for dental implant surgery with your dentist.
Factors That May Affect the Dental Implant Placement Process
Any dental issues found during your consultation may require you to undergo additional treatment before embedding the dental implants, extending the completion timeframe.
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Tooth Extraction
If you need to have a severely damaged tooth, you first need to have tooth extraction surgery. Due to the additional healing time from the tooth extraction surgery, your dental implant process may take longer to complete.
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Bone Grafts
Bone grafts are frequently performed in dental procedures in cases of gum disease or facial trauma and other factors causing low jawbone density or thickness. The graft reinforces the affected area, giving the implant a firmer foundation. Some patients can have dental implants inserted immediately after a bone graft, whereas others may need more time to heal.
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Gum Disease
Dental issues linked to gum disease should be treated first. Gum disease is linked with a high incidence of implant failure. Your dentist may recommend scaling, root planing, and a course of antibiotics to resolve the issue before your implant surgery.
Dental Implant Placement
Your dentist inserts a biocompatible titanium screw into your jawbone during dental implant placement surgery. It provides a foundation for the dental crown to stay in place in your mouth.
To help you stay calm during your dental implant surgery, your dentist may use local anaesthesia or dental sedation. Dental implant surgery can take up to an hour, depending on the dentist’s technique and the tooth’s location.
You will receive post-operative care instructions from your dentist on what you need to do to ensure your dental implants heal properly.
Bone Fusing
After the dental implants have been inserted into the jaw, you must wait for them to fuse to the bone through a process known as osseointegration. The bone extends to the surface of the implant without the interposition of soft tissue and any ligaments, cartilages, or scar tissue in between. The dental implants then serve as artificial tooth roots, and the abutment can then be attached. This process can take up to three to six months.
Post Surgery Recovery
After surgery, many people experience swelling, bruising, and soreness. In some cases, depending on how much work a dentist had to do to insert the implant, recovery could take longer than others. Depending on your gums and bones, the healing time may vary. Following dental implant surgery, you might need to eat only soft food to let your jawbone recover.
Placing the Abutment
An abutment may be placed during the dental implant surgery by your dentist, in which case you don’t need to schedule another appointment.
If not, you will have to schedule an appointment with your dentist once the dental implant has healed.
The abutment is a socket-shaped part that attaches the implant to the permanent crown. At this stage, the gums are typically exposed so that the abutment can be properly fitted to the dental implant.
Recovering from abutment treatment takes two weeks. Since a custom dental crown can take six weeks to be made, your dentist gives you a temporary crown until the crown is made.
Placing the Dental Crown
It’s not long now until your jawbone has completely healed, and you are ready to receive your new custom ceramic crown. The dentist makes an impression of your mouth after your gums have healed, so your crown fits properly.
Your custom crowns mimic the shape and colour of your real teeth to blend in naturally. Based on your dental needs, you can place a crown, a bridge, or even dentures on one or more dental implants.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Dental Implant from Start to Finish?
Considering the multiple procedures needed and the length of time it will take to complete your dental implant treatment, you should plan on six to nine months of treatment time. This treatment may take longer depending on the dental implant process your dentist uses and any dental issues discovered during your consultation.
It is essential to follow up with your dentist for regular checkups to ensure the implant is functioning properly. In the event of potential problems, a biannual dental checkup allows your dentist to identify and fix them as they arise. Dental implants have a very high success rate.
Dental Implants: Are They Worth the Wait?
It takes a lot of effort to fit dental implants, but in the end, the result is well worth it. Those with the patience to see the entire process through are rewarded with a more confident smile.
Call No Gaps Dental at (02) 8806 0227 to book a consultation. We can work with you on the right tooth replacement options in the initial dental consultation and answer the question, “how long does it take to get a dental implant?”
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.