How Long Do Dental Implants Take?

Are you in the process of considering a dental implant and not sure what you’re signing up for? That makes sense! There is a lot of information out there on how long the dental implants savage mn treatment can take. This is because it really depends on each person’s dental needs. Let’s take you through the possible steps that may happen so you are prepared.

Examination

After you make the decision with your dentist to pursue a dental implant the next necessary step will be a thorough exam. Even if your dentist has seen your mouth and teeth more than 10 times, its pretty common practice before scheduling a dental implant for your dentist to want to take a thorough look, including more X-rays and possible 3D scans. This process will allow your dentist to establish a treatment plan that is perfect for you and your needs.

Implant Surgery

If your bone health and gums are in good shape, the next step will be scheduling your surgical implant procedure. The surgery can take between 1-2 hours for each implant that needs to be fitted and secured into your jawbone. The surgery duration can depend on the type of the implant and the surgical procedure your dentist prefers, so it varies from person to person. Some dentists may fit a temporary crown at this point.

Post-surgery Recovery

After the surgery is complete there is a necessary waiting period before completion of the implant procedure. Unlike normal surgical procedures, this time period isn’t really about healing from the procedure, but about allowing time for the implant to settle in and your jawbone to heal. Some patients do have a little bit of swelling or bruising after surgery, so that can be expected. What is really happening during this time is your jawbone and the bone tissue is fusing to the implant. This time window can really vary, but it is crucial to allow enough time for the gums and bone to heal around the implant. This healing process ensures the implant will be a stable support for your new tooth. This healing period varies from individual to individual and can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks.

Abutment

After the healing and fusion period is over, the next step in your treatment plant is go back for a minor surgery to have an abutment fitted. An abutment is a socket shaped piece that acts as a cushion or shock absorber between the implant post and the permanent porcelain crown that will go on top. This step involves exposing the gums again to work on the implant post. The next step may vary depending on your treatment plan, but once the abutment is fitted, some dentist may immediately secure and cement the new artificial tooth, and some may wait for patients to come back. Regardless, after your abutment is fitted you are all set for your new porcelain crown!

Overall

In summary, after you consider all of these steps, from exam through crown fitting, the entire dental implant process can take somewhere between 3-9 months. This timing really depends on you, your healing time, and your dentist.

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