Just How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Actually Take?

If you’re considering dental implants in Richmond, then you may have seen conflicting information about how long dental implant treatment actually take. Although you can have prosthetic teeth that are fitted onto the implants in the same procedure that the titanium rod is anchored into place (known as immediate implants), there may be underlying reasons why they’re not the best option for you. So in order to answer the question, lets take standard implants as a point in case.

Examination

Aside from an initial consultation, the very first time you’ll enter the dental clinic for treatment is for a thorough oral examination. This includes X-rays and a possible 3D imaging scan where the dentist can have a good overall view of what needs to be done. From this they’ll develop a treatment plan based on your dental needs.

Surgical procedure

Assuming that you don’t require a bone augmentation or sinus graft prior to fitting an implant then the next step is to secure the titanium rod down into the jawbone. Surgery can take between 1-2 hours per implant and when finished most implant dentists will fit a temporary crown.

Recovery time

This isn’t really ‘recovery time’ in the sense of recovering from a surgical procedure, although patients may expect some very slight swelling and bruising. Instead, this is more about the time taken for a crucial aspect of a dental implant in Richmond to happen, and that’s the bone fusion process. Known technically as osseointegration, it occurs when the bone tissue which the implant is placed into starts to merge and fuse with the titanium implant. When it does, it creates a super-strong platform. In terms of time scale, then it all depends on the healing capabilities of the individual. Some may take as little as 4-6 weeks for osseointegration to occur whereas others may be looking at a figure closer to 12 weeks.

Abutment fitting

When the dentist is happy that bone fusion has taken place the next stage is to go back into surgery and have a socket shaped component fitted known as the abutment. The abutment acts as an interconnecting shock absorber between the  implant and the permanent porcelain crown and involves uncovering the gum and exposing the implant once again. Once the implant is fitted the final porcelain crown is cemented into place. Sometimes this is done at the same time as the abutment and other times patients will come back for a separate fitting.

Overall

If you take into consideration the time taken from the initial consultation, through to the medical examination and surgery, and into the placing of the abutment and eventually the crown, it can take 3-9 months. However much depends upon the circumstances and healing capabilities of the individual. If a patient has to undergo a bone augmentation or a sinus lift in addition, then this has to be done first of all before any implant can be permanently attached. Add to this recovery/healing time and it can easily add on an extra 4-8 weeks.

If you want to know more about dental implants in Richmond then why not visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk or contact us. Our friendly and highly skilled staff led by Dr Harmit Kalsi are standing by to assist.