Dental Implant Procedure Timeline

Dental implants are a way of replacing missing teeth. And while it may sound simple enough, it is actually similar to other types of minor surgeries, making it a bit more complicated than other tooth replacement options. If you are not familiar with dental procedures, you may not understand what to expect when choosing dental implants.

 

Initial Consultation

If you are interested in dental implants, you will first have a consultation with your dentist to decide if they are right for you. Your dentist will take full mouth x-rays and perform a dental exam. You might also have impressions of your teeth taken. After this, your dentist will provide a recommended treatment plan for you.
 

Your dentist will go over each step of the procedure and give a time frame. If you need a bone graft, it will be discussed during this appointment. Once this is done, you can schedule the first stage.

 

Bone Grafting

If you do not have enough bone density in your jaw, you may need to get a bone graft which can take about four to 12 months to heal before you can get the implants. Bone grafts will ensure that the jaw will be strong enough to receive the implants.

 

Placing the Implants

The implant itself is the metal screw that goes into your bone. This screw is what anchors the false teeth into place. It can take one to two hours for this part of the procedure, but you will be anesthetized for this portion. The healing process may take up to five months for the lower jaw and as long as seven months for the upper jaw.

 

Placing a Temporary Crown

Once your implants have fused to the jawbone, you can get a healing collar and a temporary crown. The healing collar will help prevent the gum tissue from growing around the implant. This healing collar will go on the top of the implant. It is a piece of round metal that will stay in your mouth for about 10 days to two weeks.

 

Placing the Abutment

The abutment is the piece that will connect the implant to the crown. It will screw into your implant. After this has been placed, you will get impressions taken for each tooth. If you did not receive a temporary crown before, you will receive one now. This will stay in place while your gums keep healing around the artificial tooth. You will have this temporary crown for about four to six weeks during which your permanent crown will be made.

 

Placing Your Permanent Crown

The very last stage of your procedure involves placing your permanent crown into place. This is the part that you can see which will look like your natural teeth. The crowns can be screwed into your abutment or cemented permanently in place. Generally, cementing it in place tends to look better and is more natural because there is no hole for the screw. The screw hole may be visible at some angles. Your dentist can help you determine the right type for you.
 

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, please contact Concierge Smile Boutique in Culver City, California, today.