A dental implant could be a good choice if you are missing teeth. The road to dental implant placement and recovery requires commitment, and the timeline may vary depending on your situation. However, due to their natural look and finish, dental implants offer superior results to other restorative methods.
If your dentist has suggested an implant procedure or you want to learn more about the procedure, this article will help you. We will guide you through a step-by-step dental implant timeline. Let’s take a look.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Dental Implant?
A dentist may suggest dental implants for various reasons, one of the most common being tooth extraction. Following an extraction, an implant replaces the missing tooth with a prosthetic. As the bone grows around the base of the implant, it fits permanently in the mouth.
Another reason is to secure a dental bridge or denture. Implants hold these fixtures in place and provide a natural look to your teeth.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure?
Dental implant timelines can range from a single office visit to or even two years, depending on the complexity of your dental issue. For instance, if you need bone grafting, it may extend the implant timeline. However, if you do not require a graft, the implant procedure can be reduced to a single office visit.
In general, a dental implant timeline includes the following:
1. Initial Consultation
You will begin with a consultation, typically with a dentist or oral surgeon. During this visit, the dentist evaluates your oral health and the feasibility of a dental implant before further diagnostic testing. If you require an implant, the dentist will further assess your condition based on the results from X-rays or CT scans. These scans help in assessing the bone density and structure within your jawbones.
The initial consultation may take up to a few hours, depending on your condition.
2. Treatment Plan
Based on your results from the X-ray and CT scan, the dentist will decide whether you qualify for a dental implant or not. If you do, your dentist will craft an individualized treatment plan to suit your needs. This plan will outline the implants required and the type of implant. It shall also mention any secondary procedures, like bone grafting or a sinus lift, as necessary.
3. Extraction
Based on your treatment plan, the first step towards dental implant is tooth extraction. The dentist will carefully extract the damaged tooth to replace it with an implant. The implant, however, is not fixed in place right after extraction. Since the gum is sensitive and not strong enough to sustain the procedure, the dentist will give you some post-extraction healing time.
If you have good bone density, the healing time may be less than a month or two. If, however, you do not have sufficient bone density and require a bone graft, the healing time may range from 3 to 4 months.
4. Implant Insertion
After extraction or bone grafting (if needed), your dentist will assess your bone strength. If it’s sufficient, the implant base will be securely placed. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The implant base, resembling a screw, integrates with the jawbone as it heals. A temporary crown may be placed while the bone fuses around the implant, a process that typically takes between 2 and 3 months.
5. Healing
After the implant is placed, a healing period is necessary for the bone to grow and fuse with the implant, a process called osseointegration. During this time, the dentist may provide a temporary restoration to maintain oral functionality. Be sure to discuss the do’s and don’ts thoroughly with your dentist to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
6. Finalizing Abutment and Crown
Once the implant has been integrated into your jawbone, an abutment will be attached. An abutment is a connector that serves as an anchor for the final restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The dentist will take an impression of your mouth to customize the restoration according to your needs.
7. Final Restoration
The final step in the dental implants timeline is the final restoration placement. Based on your fabricated restoration, the dentist will secure this upon the abutment to provide a natural look to your teeth.
8. Post-Placement Care
Following dental implant placement, it is extremely important to develop specialised oral hygiene practices and visit your dentist frequently for check-ups. Proper maintenance of implants will help in ensuring long-term success as well as maintain the overall health of surrounding gums and teeth.
Takeaways
A dental implant process timeline is intricate and requires a lot of time and commitment. By understanding the nuances of each stage, you can stay prepared and discuss doubts with your dentist.
Get Your Expert Consultation at Brooklyn Blvd Dental.
Need expert dental care? Whether you’re considering implants or just need a routine check-up, the skilled dentistry team at Brooklyn Blvd Dental is here to help. With years of experience, our dentists at Brooklyn Center can draw up a tailored dental implant timeline and support you with every step.
Schedule an appointment with us today at (763) 533-8669 or visit us at 5831 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN.
