How Long Is the Process for Getting Dental Implants?

The dental implant restoration process is intricate, but it’s all worth it when it ends with successful and reliable dental implants in Lexington, KY, that will accompany you for years to come. With them, you can recover your mouth’s function while being able to show off your smile with pride.

However, getting a dental implant can take several months, depending on various factors like the state of your mouth, the amount of implant you get, and how well you follow post-operative instructions. We developed this guide to help you understand how long your dental surgery will take.

Understanding the Implant Placement Process

The implant placement process involves a surgical procedure to insert a titanium artificial screw into your jawbone. This ensures optimal stability and durability for your new restoration, allowing you to eat all your favorite foods easily.

The process for getting dental implants consists of the following steps:

• Initial Consultation and Examination: The first step in getting dental implants should involve a thorough examination. This involves a visual examination with your dentist, along with X-rays or 3D scans to assess the state of your jawbone. During this part, the oral surgeon will determine if a bone graft is needed and decide on the placement of the implants.
• Bone Graft: If a bone graft is needed, it’ll be conducted in the second step. During this time, bone material—either yours, artificial, or donated—will be placed in the sinus to restore the jawbone’s density. Afterward, bone grafts usually need 4 months to heal before moving on.
• Surgical Procedure: A date for the implant surgery will be set after the bone graft has healed. Inserting the artificial root takes one to two hours. For the implants to fuse with the jawbone, they must heal for three to six months.
• Crown Placement: Fitting and fastening the crown is the final stage. Usually, this requires two visits spaced out by roughly two weeks. About 10–14 business days after the implants bond, when the gums have sufficiently healed, impressions are taken. Then, the crown is sent to a lab to be customized. Once it’s done, it’ll be attached to your smile.

So, How Long Does Getting Dental Implants Take?

As you can see, getting an implant is a lengthy and multi-step process. Implant surgery typically takes one to two hours per implant, but if a bone graft is required, the entire dental implant procedure may take three to six months or longer.  

The implant site, the patient's healing period, and compliance with post-operative instructions to promote a quicker titanium post-osseointegration are some of the factors that can influence the duration.

Dental implant recovery times can vary based on the needs and circumstances of each individual. It is also crucial to adhere to routine check-ups to monitor progress. These are typically performed one week, two weeks, one month, and four to six months following surgery.

Making the Implant Process Faster

There are ways to make the implant placement process faster by taking advantage of “Teeth in a Day®.”

This process involves crafting your crown in office, at the same day we take the impressions, so you don’t have to wait any time for the final restoration to come. This allows you to have a complete smile faster, helping patients feel more normal and content with their new looks.

Get Dental Implants in Lexington, KY, Faster

Dental implants can be a life-changing solution for patients missing one or several teeth. However, the process for getting this dental restoration is long, and it involves several steps to ensure your new tooth heals properly, successfully restoring your smile.

Knowing these timelines before starting helps set realistic expectations, ensuring a smooth and successful dental implant procedure. Additionally, following the aftercare and choosing experienced dental professionals leads to the best results and a lasting smile. If you have any doubts, contact Georgetown Sedation Dentistry for help!