Dental implants are a preferred means of replacing missing teeth since they are efficient, durable, and look like natural teeth. No doubt, many people wonder how long it takes to get dental implants? This process has several stages and therefore the total time taken varies with each case. Here’s what to expect when visiting a dentist in Deer Park, TX for dental implants.
Initial Consultation and Planning
To start the implant process, one needs to first have an initial consultation. During this visit, your dentist will: evaluate the state of your oral health, take X-rays and discuss treatment options while allaying any fears or concerns that you may have. Additionally, if you require any preliminary procedures like extractions or bone grafting, they will also be programmed at this point.
Timeframe
The first visit usually takes 1 hour; however, scheduling it and receiving results might take from one up to two weeks.
Preparatory Procedures (If Needed)
Not everyone is ready for implant placement right away. In case your jawbone is not strong enough to support an implant then a bone graft will be necessary so as to add strength to it through addition of bones into your jawbone material. These procedures require time for healing before implantation can occur especially after tooth extraction.
Timeframe
Depending on the extent of grafts performed and different healing rates among individuals, it takes between 3-6 months for bone grafts to heal completely. In contrast, it usually takes 4-6 weeks for teeth extraction sites to heal.
Implant Placement Surgery
Once your mouth is ready, the next step is the placement of the dental implant. During this surgical procedure titanium post is inserted into the jawbone by your dentist which acts as new tooth root immediately after implantation osseointegration begins whereby fusion with jawbone occurs resulting in firm ground work for artificial tooth.
Timeframe
Also, the abutment placement is a minor procedure with a duration of about 30 minutes. Period of healing following abutment placement usually lasts for two weeks.
Crown Placement
The placement of a crown is the final stage in dental implantation procedure. The kind color as well as form of this tooth shaped restoration which can be taken from other natural teeth are custom made to suit these features. Your dentist will connect this crown with the abutment after it is ready.
Timeframe
Customizing your own crown may take up to 2-3 weeks while it takes only one visit for actual crown placement.
Total Timeline
Given this, dental implants require an average span of six months and can extend beyond a year depending on preliminary operations and inborn duration of healing. While it may seem like a long process, the results are worth it since you get to enjoy a strong and durable tooth that is natural looking for life when well taken care of.
Tips To Prepare for Dental Implant
Consult with your Dentist
Before your procedure, consult with your dentist.
Follow the Pre-Surgery Instructions
Your dentist may give you specific recommendations to follow prior to your operation, such as fasting for a set period of time or refraining from taking certain drugs.
Arrange Transportation
Sedation is common during dental implant surgery, so make arrangements for transportation ahead of time so you can focus on your recuperation.
Conclusion
Just as getting a dental implant involves steps, it also requires time and patience although the advantages are quite impressive. Therefore, by choosing the right dentist from Deer Park, Texas who is competent enough, one can be assured that their journey towards getting an implant will be smooth. So, always remember that every patient’s case is different so your timeline may differ slightly from others. To better know how long this treatment would take, consult with your dentist in Deer Park, TX about your specific problem.