When many patients learn that dental implants require multiple rounds of surgery, they are often curious about how involved the process will be. Wondering how long does a dental implant procedure take is often one of the things a patient considers before deciding to undergo treatment. It is also one of the first topics they discuss with their dentist before determining whether a dental implant procedure is the right choice for replacing their missing teeth.
A dental implant procedure takes place over multiple visits to the dentist, and the whole process will take at least two separate appointments, if not more. The exact number of visits and the types of treatments involved differ from patient to patient, but here is a general guide to how long it should take from start to finish.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take: Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, your dentist examines your teeth and jaw to determine if dental implants are right for you. Your dentist takes a 3D X-ray of your mouth and may also take dental impressions, to know the location and health of all your teeth. Your dentist also examines your gums and jaw to see if the tissue is dense and healthy enough for a dental implant procedure.
This appointment should take approximately 1-2 hours and can be part of a regular cleaning or dental check-up.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take: Jaw Preparation and Bone Graft
Some patients require tooth extraction or bone grafts in preparation for their dental implant procedure. The length of this surgery varies depending on how many teeth need to be extracted and how much bone needs to be grafted into the future implant location.
The surgery only takes between 20-90 minutes to complete; however, the recovery time can be lengthy. Some patients take between one month and a full year to heal before the implant can be placed.
Your dentist may provide temporary restorations to help you speak and chew while you wait for your jaw and gums to heal. Learn more details.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take: Implant Procedure
Though there is no exact answer to the question of how long does a dental implant surgery take, the implant procedure usually takes 1-2 hours per tooth. Recent advances in dental technology have sped up the dental implant procedure, and it is possible to replace your entire set of teeth with as few as four dental implants.
Although the procedure might only last a few hours, the recovery time is longer. Your bones need to fuse with the new implants, and your gums need to grow around them. This process can take as little as two months or as long as six. It depends on how your body reacts to the new implants. However, most patients report that the process is not particularly painful, and it doesn’t interfere with their daily lives.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take: Placing the Abutment
Once your jaw has healed from the implant post placement, your dentist needs to reopen the gum tissue to attach the abutment.
The abutment is a small ball-shaped connector that extends above the gum line and attaches the implant post to the dental restoration.
The gum tissue is closed around the abutment, and you’ll require two to three weeks of recovery time.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take: Installing the Prosthesis
Once the dental implants have fully healed, your dentist will install the prosthesis. The total time of installation depends on the prosthesis you need, such as a crown for a single tooth or a denture plate for a full arch restoration. However, this step in the process is much less invasive than the other stages and is often much faster. Read more here.
Dental Implants are Worth the Wait
Dental implants are a worthwhile investment in your smile and oral health. If you need restorative dentistry to replace missing teeth, contact Dapto Dentists at (02) 4210 9058 to book your appointment for an initial consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Systematic analysis on the efficacy of bone enhancement methods used for success in dental implants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5601489/
Patients’ Perception of Recovery after Dental Implant Placement
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8538387/
