Dental Implants: How long is the treatment process?

Dental Implants: How long is the treatment process?

bone grafting MidlothianWhen you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, you want to replace them as quickly as possible to restore your complete smile. If you’re considering dental implants for tooth replacement, you’re likely to be curious about the treatment timeline. Different circumstances can affect the process of getting dental implants, but in certain conditions, the treatment process can be quite brief.

The quality of bone at the dental implant site is the main characteristic that can affect the treatment timeline. If a patient has insufficient bone to support osseointegration of the dental implant (when the surrounding bone fuses with the implant), then bone grafting may be necessary prior to dental implant placement. The patient must heal fully from the bone grafting before dental implants can be placed.

Other factors that can influence the amount of time it takes to get your dental implants include your oral health and overall health. If you have an active infection or gum disease at the implant site, that issue must be addressed before you can move forward with getting your dental implants. Additionally, you must be in good enough health to tolerate the surgery.

At your initial consultation, your oral surgeon will evaluate your case to determine whether bone grafting must be completed in order to make you a suitable candidate for dental implants.

When you are ready for the actual dental implant placement, that procedure can be completed in a matter of hours. The time will depend on the number of dental implants being placed. Additionally, patients often can be fitted with a temporary replacement prosthetic crown, bridge or denture at that same appointment, although the patient may need to return after osseointegration is complete to get the permanent appliance.

To learn more about what you can expect in terms of a treatment timeline for dental implants, schedule an evaluation at our office. We can give you more detailed information about the dental implant placement process.