The motivation for individuals undergoing a dental implant procedure varies, and the duration of the procedure is a common concern. Some individuals require dental implants to fill the gaps caused by missing teeth, while others seek to secure their dentures in place. There are cases where people opt for implants to replace a recently extracted or congenitally missing tooth. Various factors lead to tooth extraction, including decay, infection, gum disease, or tooth injury.
The dental implant procedure time primarily depends on:
- The type of dental implant used
- The number of required implants
In this blog, we will discuss the steps involved in the dental implant procedure.
Dental exam
Before starting any dental work, a dentist will conduct a thorough dental examination. The objective of this step is to know your oral cavity’s overall health. This examination may involve the use of X-rays and 3D scans. Regardless of your dentist’s familiarity with your mouth, this step is essential.
In this step, the dentist will analyze the condition of your gums and jawbone to know if they can support the dental implants. Subsequently, they will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and provide appropriate care.
Implant procedure
Following a comprehensive exam, your dentist will schedule surgery for dental implants. Titanium screws are placed in the jawbone below the gums, taking about 1-2 hours per screw.
The number of implants required in the procedure decides the duration of the procedure.
Afterward, a healing period allows integration with the bone to support new crowns or bridges. This takes time but is important for the successful completion of the dental implant procedure. Finally, the dentist completes the restoration, providing you with your new teeth.
Post-procedure recovery
After receiving a dental implant, certain individuals may encounter swelling, bruising, or discomfort. The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the dental work required during the implant installation.
Furthermore, if a tooth extraction was necessary, additional discomfort may be experienced. The period between the implant surgery and the crown fitting is crucial. The healing process typically spans approximately 90 days.
Crown and abutment fitting
Following the healing process, the next and final step involves attaching the abutment and crown to the dental implant. The abutment acts as a cushioning element, protecting the implant and supporting the permanent crown.
This step may require exposing the gums to ensure a precise fitting for the abutment and crown. Once the abutment is securely in place, the crown will be fitted, marking the completion of your dental implant procedure.
Conclusion
It is important to understand that the dental implant procedure entails multiple steps and may span several months from initiation to completion. However, the outcome is a permanent replacement tooth. The most accurate estimation of the duration specific to your case can be obtained through a discussion with your dentist.