You have many options to treat tooth loss, including dental implants. They are the next best thing to real teeth. Unlike traditional solutions, a dental implant replaces both the root and the crown. The process of replicating a tooth doesn’t happen all at once. It requires multiple steps, which include oral surgery. Here’s how long you can expect your treatment to take.
Dental Implant Timeline
No two mouths or situations are identical, so every treatment process is unique. You can expect your timeline to include:
Consultation
A consultation with your implant dentist is the first step to filling the gaps in your smile. They’ll examine your mouth, review a CT scan, and perform other diagnostic services. Your dentist will also learn more about your health history to create an individual treatment plan.
Prep Work
It’s common to require a little prep work before getting dental implants, which will lengthen your timeline. Tooth extractions or gum disease therapy may only add a few weeks, but bone grafting or a sinus lift may result in a couple more months to allow your bone to heal.
Implant Surgery
After you’ve recovered from any preliminary procedures, you will be scheduled for your placement surgery. Once sedation or anesthesia has been administered, it can take 1-2 hours to perform the procedure, depending on the number of posts.
Osseointegration
Your gums will be healed in a couple of weeks, but it will take several months for your jaw to fuse to your implant. Everyone heals differently, so it can take a few weeks to multiple months.
Abutment
Once your jawbone has healed, you’ll require a quick procedure to add an abutment to each implant post. The fixtures will secure your restoration. Your dentist will also take an impression of your mouth to create your new teeth.
Restoration Placement
In a couple of weeks, you’ll return to your dentist to receive your restoration. You’ll walk out of the dental office with a complete smile.
Although it’s not a quick process, it’s time well-spent to enjoy a permanent solution for tooth loss. You’ll never need to worry about replacements with the right maintenance, like brushing and flossing. It’s never too late to invest in the most reliable tooth replacement technique.
About Dr. Paul Weinstein
Dr. Weinstein earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry before continuing his education for 4 years in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He has the qualifications to treat complex dental issues and is board-certified in oral maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Weinstein is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call (561) 299-4324.