What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are artificial structures that a dentist places in a patient's jawbone. If a person has lost one or more teeth, they may require an implant. A dental implant is a tooth replacement structure. The surgeon inserts a screw-like device into the jawbone, which acts as an anchor for an artificial tooth called a crown.
The artificial tooth is attached to the dental implant via an abutment. The crown is made to fit the individual's mouth and to match the color of their teeth.
Crowns have the appearance, feel, and function of natural teeth.
Dental Implant Process Timeline
Dentists use dental implants to restore the smile of people with missing teeth. They are one of the best solutions for replacing missing teeth as they are stable and comfortable. Dental implants are fused to the underlying jawbone and can last for many years, making them a worthwhile investment for people with missing teeth. But how long does the implant process take?
The duration of the dental implant process usually depends on factors such as the state of your oral health. The dental implant procedure timeline can take as little as 4 to 6 months, or it might take as long as 12 months. The dental implant procedure timeline can be quicker for those receiving a brand-new set of teeth. Discussed below is a step-by-step guide to the dental implant timeline.
The Dental Implant Timeline
- Phase 1- Initial consultation: Your Glenview dentist will determine if you’re suitable for dental implants during your initial consultation. Your implant dentist will also ensure that your mouth is in good enough shape for an implant by conducting a thorough oral examination. During your initial consultation, your
dental implant dentist will also assess your existing dentition and the bone quality at the site of the dental implants using a CT scan.
- Pre-Implant surgeries (Optional) - 3 to 12 months: In certain circumstances, pre-treatment procedures like a bone transplant to rebuild the jawbone, tooth extraction, or an alveoplasty (bone smoothening) may be required before dental implants can be placed. Full recovery following these procedures can take three to twelve months, depending on your circumstances and oral health.
- Phase 2 - Implant placement: The prosthetic root is implanted, giving the site time to heal. After implanting the prosthetic root, your
dental implant specialist will clean and stitch the site of the procedure, after which you will be released to go home. The treatment lasts one to two hours, and recovery takes three to six months. During the recovery period, the titanium dental implant will gradually merge with the surrounding bone tissue.
- Phase 3 - Creating your dental implant restoration : The creation of your dental implant restoration occurs during the recovery period of your implant placement. You’ll visit your Glenview dentist for a few follow-up appointments throughout the recovery process. Your
dentist Glenview will obtain imprints and pictures of your gums, teeth, and implant as your mouth recovers. This information is then sent to the dental lab and is used in fabricating your implant restoration.
- Phase 4 - Abutment placement (1-2 weeks): An abutment needs to be installed a few days or a week before your final dental visit. This will connect the tooth to the implant. Once placed, the abutment will serve as the mounting point for your final implant restoration. It entails pulling back the gum tissue, inserting an abutment, and covering the abutment with a healing collar or a temporary tooth to prevent the gums from healing around it.
- Phase 5 - Placing the final implant restoration (1 day): You’ll visit your dental implant dentist about one to two weeks after undergoing abutment placement. To ensure that your permanent implant restoration fits properly, your dental implant specialist will remove your temporary tooth or healing collar. After that, your dentist will complete the process by firmly bonding your permanent implant restoration. How long does it take to get dental implants? As discussed above, the dental implant timeline is determined by various factors. However, it always begins with an assessment by your skilled Glenview implant dentist. Early intervention helps shorten the total amount of time in which you can have your dental implant in place.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental implants act and feel like natural teeth: One of the main benefits of dental implants is that they restore complete chewing ability. Dental implants also help to restore the smile of people with missing teeth and enable them to eat, chew, brush, and floss normally. They are also stable and look like natural teeth.
- Dental implants are durable and can last a lifetime: Dental implants are durable and can last for a lifetime as opposed to a dental bridge which might last for only a decade. The dental implant fuses with the jawbone and is made of titanium. Titanium is suitable for dental implants as the body does not reject it. Overall, it creates a strong substitute tooth for a long term solution.
- Dental implants prevent bone loss: A missing tooth can cause the deterioration of the underlying jawbone. Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and function both as the missing tooth and as the missing root. Dental implants provide the stimulation necessary for natural bone growth by restoring normal chewing function and strengthening your jawbone.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Because most steps are surgical in nature, you do need to factor your recovery time into your future plans. While the preliminary bleeding and swelling should improve in seven to 10 days after each procedure, it will take a few months for your gums and soft tissue to heal completely. You can expect to eat soft foods during this time and will need to exercise meticulous dental hygiene to ensure the surgical site is kept clean and free of bacteria.
Family Dentistry in Glenview and Nearby Areas
Your dental implant procedure timeline is determined by your oral health, any pre-treatment surgeries you might need, and how you take care of your implant following surgery. Get in touch with
Glenlake Dental Care today, our skilled and experience
Glenview dentist
Dr. Eric Lim will help you to learn more about the dental implant timeline. To schedule an appointment, call
(847) 892-4696 or
contact us online.
