The Dental Implant Timeline

If you’re considering getting dental implants, you may be wondering how many appointments it requires, how long the healing process takes, and how long the procedure itself is. This is your dental guide to the complete dental implant timeline, from consultation to finished results.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of many various methods of replacing missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or a full arch of teeth. They are more durable, comfortable, and less restrictive than dentures and even prevent further bone loss. 

They’re made of titanium materials and are implanted into the jawbone for a secure and permanent tooth replacement. At the root of the missing tooth, a screw-like implant is inserted into the jaw. It is held in place by the bone which grows around it. Then, a false tooth is attached to the metal to blend in with the rest of your teeth and mask the gap.

Why Would I Need a Dental Implant?

There are many reasons you could need a dental implant, but the most common one is that you have a missing tooth or teeth and have been left with a noticeable gap that you want to fill. Many patients feel insecure about having a noticeable gap in between their teeth and wish to cover it with a dental implant that looks like a real tooth. Dental implants can also be used to hold dental crowns and bridges in place. They blend in with the rest of your teeth for a natural appearance.

Your Dental Implant Appointments

The dental implant procedure is a more drawn-out process compared to some other dental treatments, taking up to 6 months to fully complete. However, the process is worth it because the results will last for decades with proper care.

Consultation - At your consultation, Dr. Thomas O'Shea will perform an oral exam. Scans and x-rays will be taken to ensure you don’t have any present tooth decay or other dental problems. These scans will also give us a clearer view of where the implant will be inserted. 

Once oral health issues have been ruled out and you’ve been determined as a suitable candidate for dental implants, you will come back to begin the initial oral surgery.

Implant Surgery - A minor oral surgery will be performed but you will be given a numbing agent and local anesthetic so you don't feel pain. The implant will be inserted into the jaw bone, then Dr. O'shea will then close it up and allow it to heal for several weeks. 

Healing - It will only take about 1-2 weeks to heal from the initial surgery. However, it will take 3-6 months for the bone to grow around the implant which holds it in place by fusing with the jawbone.

Restoration - During the 3-6 month waiting period, you will still come in for a few dental appointments with Dr. O'shea to check on your progress and see how fast the osseointegration (fusing with the jawbone) process is taking place. 

Impressions of your teeth will be taken and sent to a dental lab to create a mold for your dental crown to match your teeth as closely as possible.

Permanent Placement - Once you have completely healed, it's time for your artificial tooth to be screwed or cemented onto its foundation. 

Interested in Dental Implants?

‍Dental implants help build patient confidence by improving their smile. If you think you’d benefit from dental implants, contact us at Academy Dental Care to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas O’Shea and find out if dental implants are right for you.