Dental implants are a popular and effective treatment for missing teeth as it provides a permanent, functional, and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement options like dentures, dental implants do not require adhesives or special care, and they do not slip or move in the mouth. With proper care, dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime. However, many patients are having concerns regarding the relatively huge time commitments for implants. So how long does a dental implant procedure take?
This post from Sydney Dental will help you answer this question and also provide you with details about this popular tooth restoration. What are you waiting for? Let’s dive into it right now!
1. What is a dental implant treatment?
Dental implant treatment is a procedure used to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function just like original teeth. A dental implant is a small metal post that is surgically put into the jawbone to act as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant has completely fused with the bone in a process called osseointegration, it can support a dental crown, bridge, or denture, which replaces the visible part of the missing tooth.
Dental implant treatment process involves several steps and stages, taking the patient many months. The first stage is the initial appointment and treatment planning, during which the dentist will evaluate the patient’s oral health, take X-rays and impressions, and create a treatment plan. The second one is the implantation, during which the implant is placed into the jawbone. After the implant is placed, the patient must allow time for osseointegration to occur, which can take a few months. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, the abutment is placed on the implant to act as a connector for the top restoration. The final stage is known as the restoration placement, during which a dental crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment.
2. How many types of dental implants are there?
There are several types of dental implants for patients to choose from. Each of them come with its own unique design and intended use. The most common types of dental implants are:
- Endosteal Implants: These are the most commonly used dental implants which are placed directly into the jawbone. They are shaped like small screws and are typically made of titanium, which has been shown to be biocompatible with human tissue. Once the implant has fused with the bone, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to it;
- Subperiosteal Implants: These implants are placed on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. They are used when there is not enough healthy jawbone for holding an endosteal implant. These implants are made of a metal frame with posts that protrude through the gum tissue to provide support for the restoration;
- Zygomatic Implants: Zygomatic implants can be recommended when there is not enough healthy jawbone to support traditional implants, and bone grafting is not an option. They are placed in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone and are anchored to the cheekbone;
- All-on-4 implants: All-on-4 implants are a type of endosteal implant used to replace a full arch of lost teeth. They use four implants strategically placed in the jawbone to support a full arch of replacement teeth;
- Mini dental implants: Mini dental implants are smaller in diameter than traditional implants and are used when there is not enough room or bone density for a larger implant. They are also used to stabilize dentures or other removable dental prostheses.
The type of dental implant recommended will depend on different factors, including the amount and quality of available jawbone, the patient’s overall oral health, and the intended use of the dental implant. A consultation with a dental professional can help determine which type of implant is the best fit for an individual’s specific needs.
3. How long does a dental implant procedure take?
The duration of a dental implant procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the condition of the patient’s oral health, and the complexity of the case.
In general, the implant placement procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the particular case. However, the complete process can take several months to a year or more, involving several stages that require healing and osseointegration of the implant post with the bone in the jaw.
The typical timeline for a dental implant procedure is as follows:
- Consultation and treatment planning: This may take 1-2 appointments, during which the dentist will assess the your oral health, take X-rays and impressions, and come up with a treatment plan;
- Implant placement: This is typically done using a numbing medication, and the length of the procedure depends on the number and location of the implants. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours;
- Osseointegration: This is the process by which the implant fuses with the jawbone, which can take several weeks to several months;
- Abutment placement: Once the implant has fully anchored into the jawbone, an abutment is placed on the implant to serve as a connector for the final restoration;
- Restoration placement: Depending on the case, the final restoration may be a dental crown, bridge, or denture, which can take a few appointments to complete.
4. How to take care of your dental implants?
Taking care of dental implants is essential to ensure their longevity and overall oral wellness. Here are some tips on how to properly care for dental implants:
- Brush and floss regularly: Just like natural teeth, dental implants require regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque and bacteria. It is recommended to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day;
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush around the implant site. Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes or abrasive toothpaste, which can damage the implant or the surrounding gum tissue;
- Use interdental brushes or floss threaders: Special interdental brushes or floss threaders can be used to clean the hard-to-reach areas around the implant;
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: Hard or sticky foods can damage the implant or the restoration attached to it. It is best to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels;
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure by reducing blood flow and inhibiting proper healing. It is best to quit smoking or avoid tobacco products altogether;
- Visit the dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health and identifying any potential issues with the implant early on;
- Consider using a water flosser: A water flosser can help clean around the implant and remove any food particles or debris that may be difficult to reach with traditional flossing.
Taking care of dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. With proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime.
5. A note from Sydney Dental
In summary, the dental implant process requires a great deal of patience and commitment from the patient and the dental team, but the end result is a permanent, functional, and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.
Hopefully this read on how much time is required for dental implant treatment is informative and helpful to you learning about this restoration option. If you are still unsure of anything in search of a new unforgettably stunning smile, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are at 499-501 Ba Hat St, Ward 8, District 10, HCMC, Vietnam looking forward to your visit. You may also call us at (028) 3504 9440 for a free no-obligation comprehensive consultation. Your pretty, shiny smile is 100% guaranteed at Sydney Dental!
