The dental implant procedure takes 5 to 8 months from start to completion, which appears to be a significant expenditure. However, because it provides a permanent remedy to missing teeth, many patients believe it is well worth the time. Here are some of the most important phases in the dental implant procedure.
If you are interested in learning more, or would like to know your options for cosmetic dentistry, contact California Dental Group at 800-407-0161 at your convenience.
Consultation at the start
The first step is to schedule an initial appointment with a dentist who specializes in dental implants. To decide if you are a good candidate for dental implants, the dentist will inspect your teeth and gums and ask questions about your overall health.
Detailed evaluation
If you are a good candidate for dental implants and decide to proceed with the surgery, you may arrange an appointment with a dentist who will conduct a thorough examination and develop a customized treatment plan for you. This session can be set up the same day as your initial consultation or many weeks or months later, depending on how comfortable you are with moving forward with the process.
Preparation time
Depending on your existing dental health, you may need to undergo various treatments before undergoing implant surgery. For example, you may require a thorough cleaning, which includes root planing and scaling, to speed up your recovery from gum disease and restore the health of your tissues. A damaged tooth may need to be removed to create room for the implant, or you may need bone graft surgery to strengthen your jaw so that it can hold the implant peg.
Surgery on implants
After completing their comprehensive examination, most patients are able to have implant surgery 2 to 3 weeks later. Additional time will be necessary if other operations, such as bone transplant surgery, were performed. Depending on the number of implants being put and the intricacy of your situation, the operation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 or 5 hours.
Recovery
After their implant procedure, most patients only suffer discomfort for 2 to 5 days. They can then cover the implant site with a temporary crown, bridge, or denture. However, due to the procedure occurring deep within the jawbone, the healing time usually lasts 3 to 6 months. The bone will really connect with the titanium implant peg at this time, forming a solid foundation for the new tooth.
If your gums were sealed over the implant peg, you’ll need a second operation to open them up and install an extension post, as well as additional 2 to 6 weeks of recuperation time. If, on the other hand, the abutment of your implant is visible above the gum line (as is more typical with rear teeth), you can continue to the final implant crown installation sooner.
Implant crowns are now in place
Your dentist can then develop and put your final implant crowns or implant-supported dentures once your jaw and gums have healed enough. In order to achieve the greatest possible fit, function, and look for the final implants, a series of visits is usually required. This might take anything from 4 to 8 weeks.
Call California Dental Group now at 800-407-0161 to set up your initial evaluation.
