If you’re thinking about replacing your missing tooth or teeth with dental implants, you likely have a few questions in mind. One of the most frequent questions patients ask is, “How long does a dental implant take from start to end?”
On average, your complete treatment may span over 4 to 9 months, but sometimes it can vary. We’ll break down the dental implant process step by step to give you a clear picture.
What Happens During the Dental Implant Procedure?
A dental implant replaces your full tooth, including the root. So it won’t be a quick treatment. The usual steps of the dental implant procedure are:
Consultation and Planning
You’ll first meet with your dentist and get an oral exam to learn if you’re eligible for dental implants or not.
Your visit will include digital X-rays and possibly a CBCT scan too so that your dentist can assess your oral health in detail. They will then discuss more details and plan your treatment.
Treatments Before Implant Surgery
If you still have the tooth that needs to be replaced, your dentist will first extract it. Afterward, you may need a short healing time before going forward with implant surgery.
Some patients may also require a bone graft or sinus lift. These procedures are meant to add bone to areas where the jawbone is thin. So, this helps support your implants better.
Dental Implant Surgery
This is the most important step in the process. Your dentist will start by numbing the site and then surgically inserting a titanium metal implant into your jawbone.
Normally, it shouldn’t hurt, but you may feel a little pressure.
Dental implant surgery itself usually takes about an hour. If you’re getting more than one implant, it may take longer.
Healing Period
An implant needs time to fuse with your jawbone. For most people, this takes about 3 to 6 months. You’ll have to follow your dentist’s instructions very closely to make sure it heals well.
Final Restoration
The final steps involve placing an abutment first, which is a tiny connecting piece, and then your custom restoration later on. It could be a crown, a bridge, or a full denture.
Usually, these last steps take around 2 to 4 weeks.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Take Overall?
Starting with your first consultation to the last part, which involves placing a crown, the dental implant timeline can last anywhere between 4 and 9 months. The implant surgery itself doesn’t take so long, usually an hour or so. But it’s the healing and osseointegration (fusion of the implant with the jawbone) that takes time.
For some patients, it may take even longer if their treatment plan also has steps like extraction or bone grafting.
Summing Up
So, now that you are more aware of the dental implant timeline and how long it usually takes, you can be more prepared. But to learn better if implants are right for you, consult our dental experts at John H. Krell D.D.S. Call (713) 877-1775 to schedule your appointment today!