How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take? What to Expect

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the best choice  if you want your smile to look and feel as natural as possible. However, implants take a relatively long time to finish, unlike other teeth replacement options such as dentures.

So, how long does a dental implant procedure take, and is the wait worth it? Today, we’ll answer your question with this dental implant treatment timeline.

How long does a dental implant procedure take?

Our team at Beyond 32 Dental offers digital dental implants to patients. With this dental implant process, treatment can be completed in approximately 6 to 9 months. This may sound like a long and tedious process, but with our experienced team, you will be delighted with the results.

Dental Implant Process Timeline

After knowing the answer to “how long does a dental implant procedure take”, we will now let you in on how the dental implant process goes. From your first visit to a dentist that offers free implant consultation up to the treatment proper and completion, here’s what the timeline should look like.

Day 1 – Initial Consultation and Diagnostic Procedures

The first few days of the dental implant process consist of identifying if you are a suitable candidate for tooth implants. For this, you can head to a free dental consultation near you, such as with our team at Beyond 32 Dental.

Our dentist will take digital X-rays and a CBCT scan to assess if implants are the best route for you. From this, they will design a personalised treatment plan and get you started on the treatment. Find out more. 

Week 1 – 2 – Dental Implant Surgery

After meticulous planning, it’s finally time for your implant placement. The surgery starts with administering anaesthesia or sedation to keep you as relaxed and comfortable as possible. 

Using 3D digital computer technology, our dentist makes the smallest incision to place your dental implants precisely into the jawbone, minimising pain and speeding up recovery and healing. A single implant should take no more than 20 minutes.

After 3 – 5 Months – Implant Healing

Then, you must wait up to 5 months for your dental implants to completely heal. This stage is different for everyone. Some may take a shorter or longer time than others. The key is to be patient to ensure an ideal recovery.

Also, during this time, the process of bone-implant integration will take place. This is vital to the success of your dental implants. As the bone heals, it will grow around the tooth implant for optimal stability and support.

Within 6 Months – Abutment Placement

Once the dental implants have successfully fused with the bone, a connector or abutment piece will be surgically attached to the implant screw to connect the dental implant to the final restoration. A healing collar is placed over the abutment to prevent the gums from covering it. After about two weeks, the abutment and gums should heal.

After 7 Months – Designing a Restoration

For the last step of your treatment, a digital scan of your healed dental implants is taken so your dentist can create a customised restoration. Depending on your needs, this can be a single dental crown or a full set of dentures.

Once ready, it will be placed in position and checked for a healthy and comfortable bite before it is bonded onto the implant to complete the process.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

After knowing the answer to “how long does a dental implant procedure take”, we hope this does not discourage you from the treatment. It is quite a lengthy process, but the results are most certainly rewarding.

Dental implants give you a naturally beautiful smile that can last up to a lifetime. Our dentists can achieve this through thorough planning in a detailed, step-by-step procedure. Each step is necessary for a safe and effective treatment with little to no complications and results that you will love.

Dental Implants at Beyond 32 Dental

This timeline roughly approximates how long the dental implant process will take. Some patients have a quick recovery time that shortens the procedure, while others can take a bit longer. But ultimately, the results are the same for everyone.

Some patients may need to undergo presurgical procedures to optimise their jawbone for implants. This is an extra step to treatment with dental implants that your dentist will explain beforehand. 

Get a free consultation at your local dental clinic in Cherry Brook with the experienced team at Beyond 32 Dental to get started on your implant treatment. Our complimentary dental exam includes X-rays and a CBCT scan for enhanced treatment planning and diagnosis.

Call us today on (02) 9158 6334 to book your appointment.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 

References

PubMed – Osseointegration and dental implants
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24473360/

Mayo Clinic – When Bone Grafting is Required
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622

PubMed – Presurgical evaluation of bony implant sites using panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography—influence of medical education
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5595007/