You’ve always been organized and tried to plan out your schedule to make sure you get everything done. When it comes time to replace your missing teeth with implants, you wonder—how long does the dental implant process take? How will implants impact the rest of your schedule? In this post, you’ll learn about the steps of implant treatment and what you can expect from each step.
Consultation
Before you can begin the process of getting dental implants, you need to have a consultation with your dentist. This appointment allows them to examine your mouth to make sure you’re qualified for this treatment, and you can ask any questions you may have. During this visit, you can also typically get a general estimate for the cost and a timeline for how long the rest of the process will take.
The Implant Placement Procedure
How long the post placement procedure itself takes depends on how many implants you’re getting and where they are located in your mouth. Remember that the posts are being inserted into the jawbone. However, from start to finish, you should be done within a couple of hours. For at least 24 hours afterward, you should limit your activity, take care of the surgical site, and eat soft foods.
Osseointegration
Once the posts have been put into position in the jawbone, you must wait for an important process called osseointegration. During the three to six months following your placement procedure, your jawbone will grow and surround the implant, just as it does with natural tooth roots. Osseointegration is what gives stability and strength to your new teeth.
Abutment Placement
When the jawbone is finished enveloping the implant post, your implants need to have the abutments placed. This pieces connect your restoration to the implant. The procedure is fairly simple: a small incision in the gums will expose the post, and the abutment will be attached. After the gum tissue has healed, you’ll be ready for restorations.
Implant Restoration
At this point, restoring implants is much like getting any other restoration. You’ll need to have impressions taken so that the dental lab can create your custom, natural-looking crown, bridge, or dentures. A few weeks later, your dentist will bond the restoration(s) to your implants, providing you with permanent prosthetic teeth.
Ultimately, the overall process may feel long, but keep in mind that you are laying the groundwork for a lifetime of smiles. In addition to not having to replace your teeth every few years like you do with traditional dentures, you can enjoy a stronger biting force, a more youthful profile, and many other benefits that you can’t get any other way. The time it takes is well worth the wait!
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft has been practicing dentistry for nearly two decades now. In 2019, she was named in the Top 3 Dentists in Westminster and one of the Top Dentists in Colorado by 5280 in 2020. After earning her dental degree, she completed a general practice residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, and she continues to build her knowledge and experience through advanced training. If you have questions about dental implants in Westminster, you can contact Dr. Bancroft at J.B. Dental’s website.