How long does a dental implant procedure take?

Consider Sarah, a girl living in Endeavour Hills who got into an accident and lost a front tooth. This incident made her unable to bite properly and lose confidence when smiling. However, getting a dental implant in Endeavour Hills allowed her to regain her natural smile, boosting her confidence and overall well-being. She can now eat, speak, and laugh without hesitation, thanks to this advanced solution.

Dental implants have revolutionised the field of dentistry, offering a permanent solution to tooth loss that looks and feels natural. However, for those of you who haven’t actually had the experience of getting a dental implant, the procedure may seem daunting. Questions like ‘will it hurt?’ or ‘how long does a dental implant procedure take?’ are quite common. 

That’s why, we’re here to answer some of your questions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down each step of the dental implant process, from consultation to crown placement, providing insights and answering frequently asked questions along the way. So, let’s get right into it.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth or bridges. They provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Dental Implant Process (Step By Step Explanation)

Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation (1-2 visits to the dental clinic)

The very first step of a dental implant procedure is consultation and evaluation. You meet up with a dentist or oral surgeon to determine your eligibility for dental implants. This involves evaluating your oral health, assessing the condition of your jawbone, and discussing treatment options tailored to your dental needs. After a comprehensive assessment by a dentist in Endeavour Hills and confirming that you’re going to get a dental implant, the dentist usually schedules an appointment for the surgery based on your schedule. Now, it’s time to wait until the day arrives. 

Step 2: Tooth Extraction (if necessary) (20-40 minutes)

Once your dental surgery appointment has arrived and you’re on the Implant Surgery Dental Chair, the procedure begins with a tooth extraction. This is to remove any damaged or decayed teeth that need replacing. This step also includes injecting your gums or near areas with local anaesthesia so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Once the affected tooth has been removed, the dentist cleans and prepares for the new implant.

Step 3: Implant Placement (1-2 hours per implant)

The next step involves the surgical placement of the titanium implant into your jawbone. Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure a painless procedure. Once in place, the implant serves as a sturdy foundation for the abutment and crown to stay in place.

Step 4: Healing and Osseointegration (4-6 months)

Following implant placement, a period of healing is necessary to allow the bone to fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration. This integration ensures the stability and durability of the implant, mimicking the function of a natural tooth root.

Step 5: Abutment Placement (30-60 minutes)

Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment (a connector piece) is attached to the implant. This abutment protrudes above the gum line and serves as the attachment point for the final restoration.

Step 6: Dental Crown Placement (1-2 hours)

Finally, a custom-made dental crown, crafted to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, is fixed onto the abutment. This crown completes the restoration, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing replacement tooth.

Conclusion

Since a dental implant procedure isn’t a one day process, it takes over 5 months to complete. However, the time you spend on a surgery chair is on-average 5-6 hours. It certainly requires a commitment of time and patience but the long-term results make it a worthwhile investment. 

FAQs:

1. How long does the dental implant process take?

The entire process can take over 5 months to complete but the average time spent on a surgery chair is around 6 hours. That is because each step requires its own timeframe for healing and preparation.

2. Are dental implants painful?

No, they’re usually not painful as the dentist applies local anaesthesia during the surgical placement of implants, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure. However, you may experience some soreness and discomfort during the healing process (at home), but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

3. How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. However, in real-life scenarios, dental implants usually last up to 30 years.