What to Expect- Dental Implant Process Timeline
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation for dental implants, your dentist will assess your oral health and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
X-rays or other imaging tests are taken to get a better look at your jawbone and your surrounding oral structures. These tests help determine the best location for the implant and whether or not you have enough jawbone density to support it.
If you’re deemed an ideal candidate for dental implants, your dentist will explain the surgical procedure, recovery time and estimated cost of treatment.
Finally, the dentist may take measurements or dental impressions of your teeth and jaw for use while planning your implant placement.
Pre-Implant Treatment Surgeries (3-12 Months)
Extraction with Bone Graft and Membrane: During the extraction appointment a bone graft material will be placed to maintain the width and height of bone, increasing the bone density. A membrane is sutured in place to maintain the bone graft material in place. This membrane and sutures are removed at a later appointment when the bone grafting is healing.
Sinus Augmentation: When placing an implant in the upper jaw, the implant may need to be placed in the sinus area, a hollow area behind the cheekbones. In some cases this area may not have enough bone to support an implant. A sinus augmentation can add bone to the sinus area and provide enough support for the implant. This procedure is performed before or during implant placement.
Ridge Expansion: When the jawbone is too thin or narrow, ridge expansion can add width to the jawbone. This procedure is performed before or during implant placement.
If you need any of the procedures mentioned above, expect a longer dental implant process timeline. Each patient’s dental implant timeline will be dependent upon the condition of their oral health.
Dental Implant Placement
The specific steps of the dental implant surgery may vary depending on your implant position and individual needs. The dental implant procedure timeline only takes one visit, but patients will need to plan time for healing.
Generally, the dental implant procedure can be completed in the following steps:
Anesthesia: You will be given local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure and feel no pain.
Incision: The doctor will make a small incision into the gums to access the jawbone.
Implant Placement: The implant ( small metal screw) is placed into the jawbone deep enough to ensure it is stable and secure.
Suture: The incision will be closed with sutures, and the surgical area will be cleaned. Your doctor may place a cover on your implant which you may feel coming slightly out of the gums.
Once the implant surgery is complete, you will go home to begin recovering.
Recovery (3 – 6 Months)
Immediately after dental implant surgery, you will likely experience discomfort and swelling around the surgical site. This can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses.
During the first few weeks following surgery, you will want to eat softer food and avoid biting or chewing on the surgical site. You will also want to avoid smoking and practice good oral hygiene habits.
Once the implant is placed, and the incision has healed, your body will begin the natural process of osseointegration. Osseointegration occurs when the bone starts to grow into the “threads” of the implant and fuse with it, creating a strong and stable base for the replacement tooth. This process typically takes several months to complete.
After your healing process is complete, an appointment will be made to ensure the implant has osseointegrated and is checked for stability. Your doctor will then setup your appointment to have the custom restoration made.
Creating Your Custom Restoration
Your doctor will take custom impressions to create your custom restoration. Depending on your dental needs this may be an implant crown, bridge or denture.
Restoration Placement
At this final dental appointment your custom restoration will be placed on top and secured to your dental implant. You will leave the office with a beautifully complete smile and improved oral health.