The Process of Getting Dental Implants

Getting dental implants is a three-stage process that can vary from person to person. Usually, the entire process can last anywhere between five to eight months.

The treatment length differs based on your overall health, the implant procedure, the number of implants required, their position inside the mouth, and whether bone grafts are necessary. Treatment can also take longer if your tooth has an infection in the gum or root. Your dentist may wait several weeks for the disease to clear before fixing the implant.

First Consultation

During your first consultation, your dentist may perform an X-ray or CT scan and take your teeth’s imprints. The dentist will review your physical and dental health history to check if you have any health problems that could affect the procedure’s outcome. If you have any gum infection, they will treat it first before starting the implant process.

If everything checks out, your dentist at Woodyard Dental Care will design a dental implant treatment plan that meets your needs and preferences. Please note that if you usually smoke, you will need to pause it for the duration of your treatment. More things to note include the following:

Tooth removal. If you have an impacted, damaged, or broken tooth, you will require dental surgery to remove it. A simple tooth extraction should not affect the treatment’s timeline.
Bone grafting. Bone grafts may be necessary if your jawbone is not healthy and strong enough to support the implant. This first part of the treatment may take three to six months if you need to build your bone using bone grafts.

Implant Surgery

The dentist makes an incision in your gums, exposes the jawbone, and drills deep into it where they will insert the implant. During that time, the dentist places an artificial root into the bone, allowing it to heal.

The implant will recover around the jawbone tissue and merge with it. This process usually takes three to four months. Once your gums heal, the dentist will place an abutment to hold the dental crown. Recovery may last about two weeks.

Placing the Crown

Placing the crown is the final step of the dental implant process. The dentist uses your tooth’s imprint to design your dental crown. Once the mouth fully heals and your dental crown is ready, the dentist will attach the crown to the abutment using cement or screws. The process ends as soon as your dental crown is securely in place.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants may be appropriate for you if:

You are above age 18 when your face and jawline have finished developing
You are in good physical shape
You have healthy gum tissue
Your jawbone is strong enough to support an implant or endure a bone graft
You do not smoke. Smoking can affect the recovery process

Your dentist will perform a comprehensive health checkup and dental exam to help determine if you are a good candidate. The dentist will recommend other suitable dental treatments if dental implants are not right for you.

For more on getting dental implants, visit Woodyard Dental Care at our Paducah, Kentucky office. Call (270) 213-6620 to schedule an appointment today.

The Process of Getting Dental Implants