Dental implants are an option for people who want a natural, permanent alternative to dentures and other replacement teeth. The procedure can take longer and cost more than dentures, but dental implants are nearly identical to your original teeth once in place.
This makes them one of the safest, most comfortable, and most convenient options for replacing missing teeth.
If you’re considering dental implants or your dentist has recommended them and aren’t sure what to expect, here’s what you need to know.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Procedure Take?
The dental implant procedure occurs in multiple steps. The length of time the process takes varies from person to person, depending on various factors.
Their existing dental health and overall health play an important role in the process because both affect how long it takes you to heal after the base of the implants is in place.
The process can also take longer if other procedures are required in conjunction with dental implant placement. In general, dental implants take several months to completely install, from your initial consultation through complete healing and return to normal.
Steps in the Dental Implant Procedure
Initial Consultation
The first step in the dental implant process is to meet with a dentist or oral surgeon with experience installing implants. They’ll examine you, determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure if you’re not sure yet, and explain the steps in the process.
You’ll understand what’s involved, what’s expected of you, and approximately how long everything will take. You’ll also review the cost of the procedure.
In many cases, dental insurance covers at least a portion of the process, but this varies from plan to plan. It’s important to know what’s involved and what you’ll need to pay before you move forward.
Prep
Several things might be needed in preparation for the installation of implants. This includes creating a plan for implantation. Your specific care plan will give you a better idea of how long things will take, but it’s still an approximation because you can’t be sure exactly how long it will take your body to heal.
One of the most common things people must undergo before they begin is tooth extraction. Most people considering implants have some degree of their natural teeth left behind. Maybe the natural tooth is cracked or broken.
Or maybe the teeth next to the primarily damaged teeth need to be removed. The extraction of teeth affected by the implant is one of the first steps in the preparation process. Bone grafting might also be required before installation can begin.
Placement of the Implant
Next up is the placement of the foundation of the dental implant. This is the most invasive part of the procedure, and it’s when you’ll need to wait for your body to accept the implant and heal.
This is a surgical procedure that includes the implantation of the implant into the jawbone, which serves as the replacement root for your implant.
Dental implant surgery usually takes about an hour or two to complete, and you’ll need to wait several months to heal. The healing process is not only an opportunity to recover from the surgery but also when the implant fuses with your natural jawbone.
This process is called osseointegration. It’s important to allow this process to complete to ensure that the implant is fully integrated into your jawbone to provide a secure base.
Abutment Replacement
Once healing is complete, your dentist will place an abutment to the base. This creates a complete foundation for your new teeth. Once the abutment is in place, your dentist will take an impression of your new “smile.”
This doesn’t include your old or new teeth, but it tells the dentist where the new teeth will be placed. This impression is used to create your dental crown or bridge.
The impression is sent out of the office to manufacture the tooth replacement, and after a few days or weeks, you can return to the dentist to have the replacement device installed into the implant.
Benefits of Dental Implants
It’s easy to see why some people are unsure if dental implant placement is right for them. It’s a surgical procedure, so it carries some risks you won’t get with dentures. The risks of dental implants are minimal but include:
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Sinus problems
- Implant failure
- Gum tissue recession
- Bone loss
- Allergic reactions
- Complications with anesthesia
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Dental implant rejection
Additionally, dental implant procedures can take longer than dentures, requiring more dentist visits. For many, it’s more of an initial commitment than dentures.
However, once the process is complete, you can go about your life as you did before there was a problem with your natural teeth. You’ll be able to eat, talk, and care for your teeth as you always did, but it will be pain-free, and you’ll love your smile.
The benefits of dental implants include:
- Improved appearance
- Enhanced comfort
- Better speech
- Easier eating
- Durability
- Improved oral health
- Convenience
- Long-term solution
- Preserved facial structure
- Enhanced self-esteem
If you’d like to know more about dental implants and whether or not the procedure is right for you, we can help. Call now to book a consultation.
