How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?
Dental implants are a simple treatment method that offers a natural-looking solution to the problem of missing teeth. Dental implants, which consist of a titanium root and a ceramic crown, allow you to talk, eat, and smile normally. There are several critical stages to having a dental implant fitted before the final result is attained, which we have explained here. So, how long does dental implant treatment take?
In this blog post, we will go over the phases of getting dental implants fitted. We will also discuss the elements that can impact the timing of the dental implant process, as well as the factors to consider before proceeding with this sort of treatment.
What are dental implants?
The newest fix for missing teeth is dental implants, which are a reliable treatment option. A dental implant is a surgically placed titanium metal rod into the jawbone, which can sometimes require a bone graft for optimal placement. One or more crowns are held there in place and are essentially a prosthetic tooth, similar to artificial teeth used in dentures, providing a functional treatment option to replace missing teeth.
What is the dental implant procedure?
Usually done under local anaesthesia, the implant is placed quickly and painlessly. Under the gum line in the jaw bone, the implant will be buried, which will make it invisible to the naked eye. Although you won’t feel any pain during the operations, you can be uncomfortable in the week following the operation. This is normal during the healing phase around the implant.
After the implant is put in the jawbone, the jawbone gradually integrates with the technologically enhanced implant surface over a few months. The implant thus becomes basically a component of the bone, acting as a tooth root for artificial teeth. We call this procedure osseointegration.
Dental Implant Surgery and Tooth Replacement
On most occasions, dental implant surgery can be used as a treatment for missing teeth. Still, this depends on the state of your jawbone. Our experienced dentists will do a range of speciality tests during your appointment to ascertain the accessible bone for implant placement and determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. A CT scan may also be required to determine bone dimensions and detect infection around the implant.
The stages of dental implant treatment
1. Consultation
As with all dental treatments, initial consultation with one of our experienced and professional team is the first port of call. During this consultation, you will be able to discuss any concerns or worries you may have about your oral health, the stages of treatment, what you can expect throughout the process and the results you hope to achieve.
2. Surgery
If, following your initial appointment, you decide to proceed with the treatment, the next step will be the surgical procedure for dental implants. Several stages to the surgery portion of the process can influence how long a dental implant treatment takes. If the injured tooth persists, it must be extracted first. During your pre-surgery consultation, your dentist will examine your entire jawbone, paying particular attention to the area where the implant will be put. In some circumstances, a bone graft may be necessary to reinforce this area of your jaw.
The surgery to implant one titanium root takes between 1-2 hours so naturally the more implants you have fitted, the longer the surgery will take.
3. Healing
Typically, a single tooth implant will take 6-12 weeks to heal completely. During this time, your new artificial tooth root will fuse with your jawbone and become stronger. Eventually, it will be strong enough to provide a solid base for an artificial tooth to be fitted. You should follow our aftercare procedures to ensure recovery and success.
4. Crown Fitting
After the osseointegration process is completed and your dentist is satisfied that your gums have healed adequately, your new tooth will be produced and fitted.
Once you’ve been fitted with your new custom crown, your dentist will explain how to properly care for your new tooth replacement. It is critical to schedule frequent check-ups and hygienist sessions to help care for your new implant, just as you would for natural teeth.
How long does treatment take?
Before the surgical procedure begins, our dentist will be able to give you an expected timeline for how long the dental implant process will take. Permanent teeth are usually fitted 6 to 9 months after the implants are placed, but certain implant systems now allow for a shorter time frame of as little as three months. Some teeth can now be fitted at the same time as the implants (known as fast implants), but you should speak with our implantologist to see if this is right for you. A temporary denture could be worn to disguise the gap while the implant heals. However, this may irritate the implant healing site, decreasing the healing process.
What happens next?
After being inserted, the implants must fuse with the surrounding bone. It takes at least three months for the lower jaw and six months for the upper jaw.
The implants may be strong enough once put in to allow the artificial teeth to be installed much sooner. If you’re having one, two, or three teeth replaced, you might require a temporary denture in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, you can wear them while they recover after surgery. A healing cap is typically placed over the implant site to protect it during the healing process.
Dental Implant Treatment with Blessing Dental Care
At Blessing Dental Care, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive approach to oral health, addressing common dental problems and improving the appearance of your teeth. Whether you need routine dental care for cavity prevention or are looking to transform your smile with porcelain veneers, our team of skilled general and cosmetic dentists is here to serve you. We understand that each patient has unique needs and aesthetic desires, which is why we tailor our services to match your requirements in the dental implant process.
Choosing between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist depends on your specific dental problems, oral health needs, aesthetic goals, and whether you need treatments like dental implants or dentures. At Blessing Dental Care, we’re equipped to handle both, ensuring you receive the highest quality care regardless of the service you choose.
Cosmetic Procedures – Cosmetic Dentistry Services
Whether you have stained or discoloured teeth, missing teeth, gaps between teeth, or misaligned teeth, a skilled cosmetic dentist can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. With advancements in dental technology and materials, getting dental implants and cosmetic procedures are now more accessible and affordable than ever before.
If you are considering enhancing your smile with cosmetic dental services, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced implant dentist. Look for an implant dentist who has a proven track record of successful outcomes and who uses the latest techniques and tools. During your consultation, be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your dentist, so they can create a personalised treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs. Whether you want to achieve a Hollywood-worthy smile or simply want to address minor imperfections, cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
