Dental Implant timeline: How Long Does a Dental Implant Take?

Achieving your dream smile with a dental implant is a process that demands patience, spanning multiple visits to achieve optimal results. Despite the time investment, the outcome of a permanent, natural-looking implant tooth renders the procedure highly rewarding.

At Art of Modern Dentistry, our meticulous dental implant process timeline ensures successful outcomes through a series of visits.

What is the Dental Implant Procedure?

Dental implants are surgically implanted into a person’s jaw to replace missing teeth. They help restore a person’s ability to chew and maintain their appearance. These implants support artificial teeth, such as bridges, crowns, or dentures.

Losing a tooth due to injury or disease can result in various complications, such as speech difficulties, bone loss, and discomfort while eating. Fortunately, replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant can significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life and overall health.

Dental implant systems comprise two main components – the dental implant body and abutment. Some systems may also include an abutment fixation screw.

The implant body is inserted into the jawbone during surgery to replace the tooth’s root. The implant abutment is then attached to the implant body using the abutment fixation screw. It extends through the gums and into the mouth, supporting the artificial teeth attached to it.

Why Opt for a Dental Implant?

Numerous factors may necessitate a dental implant. It’s often required following the extraction of a single tooth, where the implant seamlessly replaces the missing tooth with a prosthetic. The implant becomes a permanent fixture thanks to bone integration, ensuring stability and eliminating movement.

Moreover, dental implants serve as anchoring points for dental bridges or dentures, offering a more natural feel without covering the palate or necessitating adhesives. This results in a secure, aesthetically pleasing smile with implant-supported partials or dentures.

Benefits of Dental Implants

The benefits of dental implants outweigh the procedural complexities. Dental implants boast longevity, potentially lasting without risk of displacement or cavities. As the jaw accommodates the implant post, it mimics the stability of natural teeth.

Furthermore, maintenance is hassle-free as implants don’t require removal for cleaning. Routine brushing and flossing suffice, promoting oral health while alleviating hygiene concerns.

Preventing dental gaps or crowding post-extraction is another advantage of dental implants. By stabilizing adjacent teeth, the need for orthodontic interventions diminishes, preserving the integrity of your smile.

Dental implants prevent bone loss and stimulate growth in the jaw in case of multiple teeth replacement. They are durable and enable normal dietary habits, allowing for the consumption of fresh and crunchy foods, leading to improved nutrition. Additionally, implant-supported dentures eliminate the need for adhesives, offering a more natural appearance and enhanced functionality during eating and speaking activities.

The Dental Implant Process Timeline

Embarking on the journey of dental implantation involves a structured timeline, beginning with tooth extraction if necessary. Subsequent steps vary based on individual requirements and bone condition.

Extraction

The process commences with removing the damaged tooth, followed by a healing period. A bone graft might be recommended to augment bone density depending on bone quality.

Bone Grafting

For some individuals, bone grafting becomes necessary to enhance bone volume. This step extends the timeline as new bone material integrates and matures.

Implant Insertion

Once adequate bone density is confirmed, the implant’s base is surgically placed. A temporary cover may be applied as the jaw gradually envelops the implant.

Healing

The healing phase involves surgical recovery and bone integration, often necessitating dietary adjustments to support optimal healing.

Finalizing the Abutment and Crown

Following successful healing, impressions are taken to fabricate the abutment and crown, completing the restoration process.

Post-Implant Care

Regular dental appointments are crucial post-implantation to monitor bone health and oral hygiene.

Recommendations for Patients

Before deciding on dental implants:

• Discussing potential benefits and risks with your dental provider and determining if you are a good candidate for the procedure is important.
• Be sure to ask them about the specific brand and model of dental implant system they will be using, and keep a record of this information for your reference.
• It is important to note that smoking can negatively impact the healing process and may decrease the success of the implant in the long term.
• The implant body may take several months or longer to heal, during which a temporary abutment will replace the tooth.

After the dental implant procedure:

• Follow the oral hygiene instructions given by your dental provider carefully.
• Regularly clean the implant and surrounding teeth to ensure its long-term success.
• Schedule regular visits with your dental provider to maintain your implant’s health.
• If you experience any pain or looseness in your implant, notify your dental provider immediately.

While the dental implant process demands time and commitment, its enduring benefits make it a worthwhile investment in preserving your smile’s function and aesthetics.

Dental Implants Available in Chicago

At Art of Modern Dentistry, we offer advanced dental technology and accept many dental insurance plans. Let us help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Our team is available to answer your questions and provide you with guidance on your dental implant options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.