Your Dental Implant Journey

Dental implants are an exceptional treatment option for most patients with missing teeth. They can improve your quality of life and provide lasting oral health. However, many patients ask how long it takes to get the implants. In general, the process takes between three to six months. Here’s what your Dental implant journey may look like.

1. Your Evaluation

The first step to getting your tooth implants is to visit your dentist for a consultation. They carry out an evaluation to determine whether dental implants are the right choice for you. There are many potential treatment options for missing teeth, and each case is highly unique.

Your dentist checks several factors before deciding whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. The presence of gum disease or other issues can require additional treatment before moving forward with dental implant surgery in order to avoid infection.

The condition of your jawbone is another important element. Dental implants rely on the jawbone for a strong foundation. If the bone is too small or lacks density, you may not be a good candidate for dental implants. This could be due to natural size variation or jawbone deterioration after living with missing teeth for an extended amount of time.

Both of these outcomes are relatively rare, with most patients being deemed good candidates for tooth implants during their first evaluation. In some cases, a bone graft may be necessary to augment the jawbone and provide the foundation your dental implants need. This can extend your treatment timeline because it takes time for a bone graft to heal fully.

2. Your Dental Implant Surgery

If your dentist determines that implants are the right treatment for you, you will move on to dental implant surgery. This is the process through which your dentist places the implants in the jawbone.

In some cases, this process involves removing a damaged or decayed tooth ahead of the implant placement unless the tooth is already missing entirely. That step is generally handled at the same time as the implant placement.

Your dentist cuts the gum tissue at the implant site to expose the bone. They then place the titanium implant, which has a screw-like base. Over time, the implant integrates with the natural bone tissue.

The implant site takes about two weeks to heal. You may experience some swelling and soreness during this time. You’ll also have to stick to soft foods, such as yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes, for at least a few days to avoid upsetting the implant site.

After those two weeks, you should feel fine and have no further symptoms related to recovery. However, it takes between three and six months for the titanium implant to integrate with your bone tissue. This process is called osseointegration, and it provides an incredibly strong and lasting bond.

3. Your Crown Placement

Once your dental implants are fully bonded with the bone tissue, you’re ready for the dental crown placement. Depending on the type of crown, or other options, such as full-arch replacements, this may require several appointments.

You will need either physical or digital impressions to ensure that your dental crown is a perfect fit. It must attach to the dental implant abutment precisely, and your dentist also customizes it to match your smile’s shape, size, and color.

In the case of CEREC same-day crowns, you can have your crown prepared and placed in just one appointment. The dentist uses 3D imaging technology to capture every detail of your smile. They then produce a custom crown in-office, which can be placed right away.

Once your dental crown has been placed, that’s the end of your dental implant treatment. You should have little to no recovery after crown placement, except possibly a little soreness. You’ll be ready to share your smile with the world again and enjoy eating and speaking naturally.

Your titanium dental implants are expected to last for the rest of your life. However, you may need a replacement crown over the course of 10 to 15 years. This process is quick and easy, as you don’t have to go through dental implant surgery again.

Getting Started on Dental Implants Near Highland Park, TX

Your dental implant timeline can vary depending on your individual case, but the fastest route for any patient is to reach out about dental implants near Highland Park, TX, today. Dr. Gary Alhadef takes a comprehensive approach to restorative dental care and will develop a custom treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Schedule your consultation at Dallas Cosmetic Dental to find out whether you’re a candidate for dental implants and what your treatment timeline will look like.