The process of getting dental implants requires many visits to your dentist’s office and lots of patience. From start to finish, it could take up to a year to have your final dental restorations placed. Many factors impact how long it takes. These include how many implants you need to be placed, the type of restoration you are getting, and whether you need a bone graft or other preparatory treatments.
Despite their time, dental implants are worth the wait since they are the only replacement option that will function like natural teeth. Below is a breakdown of what to expect at each step in the dental implant process.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process takes months, giving you the perfect restoration.
Consultation and Planning
This step ensures you qualify for dental implants and obtain x-rays or images of your teeth. Here, you and your dentist can discuss your concerns and agree upon a solution. Monroe, NC dentist Dr. Leonard Hess will then develop a personalized treatment plan that maps out every step of your implant process. Dr. Hess will coordinate with a local oral surgeon or periodontist who will perform the teeth implant surgery.
Preparatory Treatments
During your consultation, Dr. Hess may discover issues he must address before you can undergo the surgical implantation. The purpose here is to create a healthy environment so that your implants can heal properly. This could include a bone graft for patients who do not have enough bone structure, gum disease treatment, or tooth extractions.
After these procedures, you will need time to heal. This typically extends the time the whole dental implant process will take. If you do not need any of this done, you can move straight to the surgical implantation and expect the whole process to take about six to eight months.
Surgical Implantation
At this appointment, you will have your dental implants surgically placed into your jawbone by a local Monroe, NC oral surgeon or periodontist. Most people will only need local anesthesia for the surgery. It typically takes about an hour to place a single implant. If you get multiple implants, it will take longer, depending on the number of implants.
Osseointegration
After your surgery, you will need adequate healing time. This is usually about three to six months. During this time, the implants will fuse with the surrounding jaw bone, creating a strong foundation for your new teeth. Osseointegration occurs when the implants fuse with the surrounding jawbone. Depending on the location of your missing teeth, we’ll place a temporary dental restoration.
Abutment Attachment
When you have healed from surgery and fused with the bone, a small connector piece called an abutment will be connected to the implant. You will need to let your gums heal after the abutment placement. Sometimes, we can place it at the same time as your implant surgery.
Dental Restoration Fabrication
The next step is to get impressions of your teeth so your new dental restoration can be fabricated. Typically, while your abutment is healing, your new teeth are being made in a dental laboratory. It should only take about two to three weeks for your gums to heal and your new teeth to be created.
Placement of New Teeth
Dr. Hess will attach your new restoration during this appointment at our Monroe, NC dentist office. He would attach the dental crown to the single implant if you had only one missing tooth. He will place the dental bridge to the two or more implants if you have several consecutive missing teeth. Dr. Hess will place your new implant denture if you’re missing most or all of your teeth.