The entire dental restoration procedure will generally have four basic phases. However, the steps may differ from patient to patient in various circumstances. If you want an average number, then the entire treatment will be completed within 5 to 8 months. In many cases the process is quicker for those replacing a whole set of teeth!
Phases Of Getting a Dental Implants
Here are the steps that your dentist would have followed to replace your missing teeth. The scenario will be different if you still have the damaged tooth. Then, you will first have to remove that damage and teeth and then proceed with the whole restoration treatment. Otherwise, these are the steps:
Evaluation and Preparation
The first step is an initial visit with your implant dentist to determine if you are a candidate for implants. This initial implant consultation averages 1 to 2 visits. Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral exam and review your medical history.
This provides crucial information about your oral health, jaw bone density, and proximity to nerves and other structures. Any detected issues may need additional procedures to be done before the implant can be placed. This may add months to the duration.
The Implantation
Once a candidate, the next is the actual implant surgery, a surgical procedure that is done under a simple outpatient procedure. You are given local anesthesia to numb the area, and the surgery itself takes about 1-2 hours per implant.
Most of the patients just need one visit for implant surgery. However, some complex cases need more visits over weeks or even months to complete the multiple implant placements. Several days after the surgery, you can still expect to have some swelling and tenderness. Your dentist will most likely prescribe medication to control postoperative pain and recommend soft foods.
The Healing Period
The longest step is the waiting period of 3 to 6 months until your jaw bone tissue heals and integrates with the implant, osseointegration. This is a waiting period; you will visit periodically for the dentist to observe how well the healing is taking place before the next stage.
The osseointegration time will be determined by the individual’s rate of healing. Dense jaw bone osseointegration takes shorter times than lower-density bones. Patients who experience some loss of bone may require a longer period to achieve osseointegration.
Ask Your Dentist in Victorville, CA About Dental Implants
If you are considering dental implants, you have come to the right place. At Kelly Smile Dentistry we provide an advanced and long-lasting replacement option to all our patients and help them to enjoy a full smile. Ask us anything about the implantation procedure. Book your dental appointment with by calling us at 760-946-6850 and get your personalized restoration services with ease.