It can also be a difficult question to answer. Every dental implant procedure is different and unique to the patient. We also need to factor in each patient’s healing speed.
But how long does it take to get a dental implant?
Generally speaking, it will take between six and nine months of treatments and preparations for us to complete your dental implants. And give you a smile you are proud to show off.
Individual treatment plans vary in completion time because it’s not as simple as just inserting the dental implant into your gums.
Dental implants are replacement teeth that stay fixed in your mouth permanently, and they need an abundance of healthy, dense bone to support them. Whether you are deemed a suitable candidate for implants will depend on the condition of the bone in your jaw. This can depend on many factors, including how long the teeth have been missing, how you lost the teeth, general health, genetics and more. Before we can place implants in your mouth, some patients even require bone grafts or sinus surgery.
So while “how long does it take to get a dental implant?” sounds like a reasonable question to ask when considering treatment, the entire length of the procedures will vary from patient to patient. It will depend on what preparatory work is required and how much time is needed to heal between each procedural stage.
What does dental implant surgery involve?
Dental implants are the most natural-looking, feeling, and functioning option for people missing one or more teeth. We can use Implants to replace anything from a single tooth to an entire mouthful of teeth.
Stage 1: The first step is a comprehensive oral examination to ensure you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. We will map out any other procedures required to get your jaw ready to house the implant.
Stage 2: We fit the dental implant to your mouth. This is usually a minor surgical procedure conducted under local anaesthetic. Placement usually takes up to 1 hour for each implant. The implant itself is made from titanium and replaces the tooth root. The tooth crown and other components will then attach on top of this.
Stage 3: Once the surgical site has healed and the implant is stable in your mouth, the next steps of having a mould created for the tooth crown and fitting the tooth will occur. Each tooth crown is custom made to measure from porcelain. So there may be multiple examinations required to take the moulds before the lab completes the crown and we attach it.
The procedure will nearly always take several months to complete. Even if you don’t need any other preparation before having dental implants, the healing time between the surgery and having your tooth fitted is crucial. It can’t be fast-tracked.
It’s not just about leaving the surgical site to heal. Even when your mouth feels healed, there can still be growth or development happening under the surface. We also need to check the implant and bone have fused to ensure the implant can support your replacement tooth. Your dentist will advise you about the best care for your implant site to facilitate healthy tissue growth and healing.
It is worth the process, though – opting for a dental implant procedure over dentures is a lifestyle friendly choice. You don’t need to avoid certain types of foods or follow a different oral hygiene routine. Having dental implants is almost like having your own teeth back.
What other surgeries or procedures might I need before I get dental implants?
Your dentist will discuss this with you in detail, as it does depend on your individual circumstances.
Some types of procedures that are sometimes required include:
- Removal of tooth/teeth. Extraction may be required if there needs to be space created for the dental implant to be placed or in cases of significant damage or decay to existing teeth.
- A bone graft if your jaw is not dense or strong enough to support the implant.
- You may require a sinus lift before having implants placed in your upper jaw because there can be a risk of puncture.
These procedures are neither routine nor rare when it comes to preparing the mouth for dental implant insertion. So, our dentist will discuss any additional procedures with you while mapping out your dental implant plan. Of course, some patients are also able to proceed straight to dental implant surgery.
Is there a quicker way to get dental implants?
Some patients are a candidate for a “full-arch solution” dental implant procedure. This treatment sometimes, referred to as same-day dental implant surgery, still has stages to be followed.
Stage 1: Surgical placement of the implants that the whole set of teeth rest on
Stage 2: Fitting of initial teeth
Stage 3: Placement of permanent teeth
The reason there are two sets of teeth required for “full-arch solution” dental implants is that your gums will continue to change, heal, and grow for up to a year after the surgical placement.
Not all patients can opt for “full-arch solution” dental implants. When conducting your initial dental implant consultation, your dentist will discuss which implant options are available to you and the pros and cons of each alongside any additional procedures needed.
Are you considering dental implants?
At Infinity Dental Care, patients can benefit from the latest digital dental implants, which means a shorter surgery (as little as 15 minutes per implant), no sutures, and faster healing.
Dental implants can give you back your confidence when you’re missing one or more teeth. To discuss your suitability for implants, book online for a consultation with our friendly, experienced team at Infinity Dental Care or call us on (02) 9159 6237. today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.