When it comes to replacing missing teeth, implants are often the most efficient solution. But is it time-efficient, too? How long does it take to get dental implants from start to finish? Let’s break down the whole ordeal into several stages, from initial consultation to recovery, helping you understand just what you can expect each step of the way.
How Long Does It Take to Get Dental Implants?
In most cases, the whole process of placing dental implants takes 5 to 8 months. However, the exact timeline depends on various individual factors. As a result, recovery times can vary. The actual implantation takes between 1 to 2 hours, but there are plenty of things to do before and after the treatment that significantly expand the timeline.
Stage 1 – Exam and Preparation
As with any other dental procedure, there’s a lot of preparation first. Before any work is done, you will need to schedule a consultation with your chosen dentist in Charlotte, NC. Even if you visit often and your dentist is familiar with your oral health, this is a necessary step to confirm, first of all, if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Here are some important considerations:
- Age – you need to have sufficient bone structure, so you need to have reached skeletal maturity,
- Health – both oral and overall health are vital for achieving long-lasting results,
- Smoking – it might complicate the recovery process.
Besides discussing your oral habits and medical history, this exam will most likely include X-rays and 3D scans. This will confirm the health of your jawbone and gums, helping develop a tailored treatment plan for you.
Bone Grafting Can Significantly Extend the Whole Timeline
If the scans show you have enough bone structure to support the implant, you can move on to the next phase. In cases where tooth extraction is needed, this can be done at the same time as the implantation itself. However, if the tooth is significantly decayed or there’s an infection, the extraction should have a time window before the implantation.
However, if bone grafting is needed, it can significantly expand the timeline. To be more exact, it can take 3 to 6 months. This stage of preparing for dental implants is generally needed if the tooth in question has been missing for a long time, causing bone loss. In such cases, skipping this vital step can compromise the long-lasting benefits dental implants can provide.
Stage 2 – Placement of the Dental Implant
Once the preparatory work is done, it’s time for the real deal – the implantation itself. Your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark will place the dental implant into your jawbone. This process usually takes around 1 to 2 hours per implant, which is a pretty quick dentist appointment. However, the recovery time post-procedure significantly extends the whole ordeal.
Recovery Is Vital for Long-Lasting Results
After implantation, the arguably most important part of the treatment starts – osseointegration. This process entails the healing of the implant and its merging with the surrounding bone tissues. In most cases, osseointegration lasts between 3 to 6 months.
During this time, you should stick to a soft food diet and be especially careful while brushing your teeth. You’ll regularly check in with your Charlotte, NC, dentist throughout your recovery to make sure everything is healing properly. The importance of this phase can’t be overstated – only with proper healing will your implant have the necessary strength to serve just like a natural tooth root would.
Phase 3 – Completing the Restoration With Abutments and Crowns
After the healing is all done, it’s time for the final stage of your smile makeover. The goal is to achieve natural-looking results, so an impression will be made of your mouth. This allows for the dental crowns and bridges to be the correct shape, size, and color.
But before the crown itself, first, an abutment will need to be placed. This shock-absorbing device will help create a secure foundation, further reducing the chances of any dental implant risks from forming. This, along with the crown placement, usually takes one hour to complete. Of course, the time period of this last stage also varies depending on the scope of the work, so keep that in mind if you’re wondering – how long does it take to get full dental implants?
Are There Any Risks Involved in This Dental Treatment?
Dental implants have pretty favorable success rates, in which case, they will significantly improve your oral health and overall quality of life. However, like any treatment, complications can happen. With an experienced dentist by your side, you will be able to avoid the following risks:
- Affecting the nearby teeth and changing the teeth alignment,
- Altering feeling and taste due to nerve damage,
- Reopening of the treated area post-procedure,
- Developing sinus perforation, impacting the nearby tissues,
- Implant failure due to shifting.
Experience the Advantages of a Tailored Treatment With Aspire Dental Wellness
Each smile is different and should be treated as such. Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, roots its practice in this uniqueness, offering a customized journey for each and every patient. This tailored approach also prioritizes your comfort and overall well-being, from the initial consultation to the very end of your smile’s journey. Contact us today, and let’s take the first step towards your dream smile together.
