How Long Do Dental Implants Take?
Dental Implants have an involved procedure, but depending on the patient, the turn around can be fairly quick. Everything will depend on your age, health, history of gum disease or infection, and what caused the missing teeth. To determine how long dental implants take, first we should take a deeper look at the dental implant process.
The Dental Implant process
1. Step 1 is seeing your dentist and discussing missing teeth replacement. This is a great first step, because replacing missing teeth has a positive effect on mental health, diet, and prevents further dental damage. In order to be eligible for dental implants, your dentist will need a comprehensive image of your jaw and gums.
2. Once you have a complete health history, and a dental record for your dentist to review, you can discuss whether or not you are capable of receiving dental implants. In order to get a dental implant, you need a sturdy jaw with healthy gum tissue.
3. After the consultation, assuming you do not require bone grafting or constructive surgery, you are ready for the anchor placement. A small surgical procedure is performed where your gum is incised, and an anchor is inserted into your jaw.
4. Over a period of recovery, the anchor fuses with the jaw in a process know as osseointegration. The bone and tissue grow over the anchor and secure it in place. Because the anchor is often titanium, the new dental post is usually more secure than an organically derived tooth root.
5. Once the anchor is ready, and integration is complete, an abutment is attached. The abutment acts a liaise between the crown of the implant, and the deeply rooted dental post. It will protect your jaw from the strength of the dental crown. It will also protect your implant from moving around or wiggling. If your implant begins to move at all, contact your dentist immediately. It is usually a quick fix, because most of the components are incredibly durable. Implants do not often fail; break or fall out.
6. The Implant Crown is attached. A gorgeous new tooth to clean and use daily, just like your original teeth. Practice precise dental hygiene and care for it. With proper care the dental implant will last the lifetime of a patient.
Now you understand the dental implant process. Is it the right decision for your tooth replacement needs?
Ask your dentist. This is the one person who can advise you best, based on your health history. Dental implants are a great option, but there is no “one size fits all” solution. It will take time to receive the dental implant, plan for about 6 months. If you are young, healthy, and your recovery is spry it could be much shorter. It will entirely depend on you. What is most important is the care you take before, during, and after the procedure. Proper dental hygiene will sidestep infection and disease. Gum infection is very common, but it can slow or halt the dental implant process.