If you are considering a dental implant treatment to replace missing teeth, you may be wondering how long does a teeth implant procedure take? The time it takes to install dental implants from start to finish depends on many factors and varies from person to person.
To get a general idea of how long the dental implants process takes, you’ll need to understand what dental implants are and what the dental implants procedure entails. You’ll also need to consider the additional factors affecting the time it takes to install your dental implants. Get a free consultation at your local dental clinic to ask them more.
What are Dental Implants?
With an average of 13.7 missing teeth per Australian adult over age 65, it is no surprise that tooth replacement options such as dental implants are becoming more common. A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement option that allows people with missing teeth to fix their smile and restore natural tooth function. Dental implants look and act like real teeth and can last many years with proper care.
A dental implant is a tiny titanium post inserted into the patient’s jawbone. On top of this screw is an abutment, which serves as a base for an artificial tooth, typically a ceramic crown. Once the crown is bonded to the abutment, the dental implant procedure is complete, and the patient can resume normal tooth function.
Dental Implant Procedure
Although the dental implant procedure sounds simple, it requires several steps. The general process of having dental implants installed is as follows:
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Initial Appointment and Assessment
The first step in the dental implant procedure is to find a dentist that offers a free consultation. You will discuss dental implant options, and your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for implants.
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Dental Implant Insertion
On your next visit, your dentist performs a minor surgical procedure to insert the titanium implant into your jawbone. This may involve tooth extraction if necessary, followed by a small incision into your gums to place the implant.
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Osseointegration
The next step in the dental implant procedure is to allow osseointegration to occur. Osseointegration refers to the process of your bone and the dental implant fusing together to provide a stable base for the abutment and crown. This is often the most time-consuming part of having dental implants installed and takes anywhere from three to six months.
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Abutment Placement
When your implants are fully healed, you will return to the dentist to have the abutment attached to the implant post. The abutment is placed on top of the titanium rod to create a base for the artificial tooth.
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Crown Placement
A specially made dental crown is placed on the abutment and secured to the implant. At Available Dental Care, we use CEREC technology to place ceramic crowns on the same day as your impressions are taken. Once the process is complete for all of the implants you have received, you can return to your normal habits and enjoy restored tooth function.
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Follow-Up Visit
This allows you to address any concerns that you may be experiencing with your implants.
For traditional dental implants that follow this procedure, the process typically takes around six to nine months for your dentist to complete.
Additional Considerations
When determining how long does a dental implant procedure take, there are several additional factors to consider. These include whether additional surgeries and healing times are necessary, the number of teeth being replaced, and what type of dental implant options your dentist offers.
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Bone Grafting
In some cases, a patient’s jawbone may not support implants without assistance. If this occurs, you may undergo a bone graft to build up your jawbone before implants can be inserted. This increases the overall completion time of the procedure.
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Sinus Augmentation
Similarly, if your dentist believes your dental implant may interfere with your sinus cavity, you may undergo a sinus augmentation to lift your sinus cavity before getting implants. This also increases how long your dental implant procedure will take.
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Dental Implant Options
If you are having a large number of teeth replaced, your dentist may suggest a dental implant procedure called all-on-4. This procedure is unique because it allows you to replace all your teeth with a set of dentures attached to only four dental implants rather than one implant post per tooth. At Available Dental Care, the all-on-4 procedure allows you to replace all your missing teeth in just one visit. This same-day surgery typically lasts a few hours, and you leave with a full set of teeth instead of waiting the typical six to nine months.
Schedule a Free Dental Implant Consultation
The answer to the question, “how long does a dental implant procedure take” is based on many factors. Contact the staff at Available Dental Care to set up an initial consultation and assessment. Your dentist will go over your dental implant options and answer any questions about traditional implants or the all-on-4 procedure. Call us on (02) 4062 8763 to get started today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.