When faced with tooth loss, many don’t know where to turn for a reliable, long-lasting solution. There are a few available options to consider when contemplating tooth replacement or how to correct badly decayed teeth. One effective and durable solution is tooth implants, a popular choice for regaining missing teeth or replacing broken or decayed teeth. If you are looking for a long-term solution for your dental concerns and think dental implants may be the answer, continue reading to learn the answer to the question, “How long does it take to get a tooth implant?” We will also discuss the details of the procedure and provide more helpful information about tooth replacement. Everyone deserves a full, bright smile, and you could be well on your way to yours with tooth implants.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Tooth Implant?
There are a few different answers for how long it takes to get a tooth implant. The entire dental implant process, from your initial consultation to final crown placement, can typically take anywhere from three to six months. Still, factors can influence the process, extending the duration to up to eight months. The longest phase of your tooth implant is the healing process, requiring several weeks to heal entirely.
Initial Consultation and Planning
Dental implants require one or more surgical procedures to prepare and plan for. During the process, you will receive a full dental exam, complete with X-rays and models of your teeth and jaw. Your dentist will review your medical history and plan accordingly. Some medical conditions and if you take certain medications require special consideration. From the data collected, you and your dentist will create an individualized treatment plan and discuss any fine details, such as pain management.
Bone Grafting If Necessary
During your consultation and planning phase, your care team will determine if bone grafting is necessary. This is true in cases where the jawbone is not thick enough or too pliable. In order to successfully chew a large number of foods, you must put a great deal of pressure on your teeth and jawbone. If the bone supporting the base of your implant is too thin or pliable, you will likely have little success. Your implant needs a solid foundation to sit on so it can support actions like chewing. If intervention is needed to create the necessary stability, your dental team will talk to you about bone grafting.
There are a few options available for bone grafting:
- Bone graft from another location in your body.
- A synthetic bone graft.
- Bone graft from a human donor.
- Bone graft from an animal.
You and your surgeon will determine the best choice for you and plan accordingly. Transplanted bone may take several months to form enough new growth to support a dental implant. In some cases, where minor grafting is required, your surgeon may be able to do the bone graft at the same time as your dental implant. The integrity of your jawbone is going to be the determining factor of that aspect.
Implant Placement
Implant placement is relatively simple and can be thought of as screwing a nail into a wood. Your surgeon will create an opening in your gum to expose the underlying bone. Holes are drilled into the bone just like one would drill into a piece of wood to allow smooth insertion of the implant post. This metal post is essentially the new root of your tooth and is implanted deep for structural and mechanical support.
Osseointegration
Before your artificial tooth can be placed, a connection needs to form between your jawbone and the implant. During the osseointegration process, your jawbone will fuse or grow into the surface of your implant. This acts similarly to the roots of your natural teeth.
Abutment Placing and Crown Fitting
Following osseointegration, more surgery may be necessary to place the abutment, which will act as the anchor between your post and your crown. This is a minor surgery done in an outpatient setting. If factors allow, your surgeon may attach the abutment during implant placement. Two weeks need to be allotted for your gums to heal following the procedure.
After your gums have healed, more impressions will be taken to create your crown so it fits and functions properly. Provided there are no complications, your dentist will secure your crown to the abutment.
Aftercare and Maintenance
After your dental implant surgery, you may need to take pain medication or antibiotics to prevent infection and alleviate discomfort. Your surgeon will provide any aftercare and maintenance instructions. It is recommended that you eat soft foods while your surgical sites are healing. Stitches that dissolve on their own are the preferred suture method.
Discover If Tooth Implants Are For You
The journey to a radiant smile through tooth implants is a process that requires patience and commitment. The timeline for how long it takes to get a tooth implant can vary, but you should expect to commit several months to conclude the procedure. However, the investment yields durable, long-lasting results that can drastically improve your oral health and confidence. Restoring your smile should be a carefully orchestrated process, not a sprint. This ensures proper steps are taken to ensure the best outcomes.
Tooth Replacement in Culver City
Consult with an experienced dentist and learn if tooth implants are a good fit for you.
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