Are you preparing for dental implant surgery? Replacing your missing teeth is a worthwhile investment when you consider how beneficial it is to have a full set of teeth. But as you think about the day of your procedure, you may become curious about how long the process of placing each implant will take. Keep reading to find out what you can expect when you arrive and how soon you’ll be able to see your complete smile.
What is the Process of Placing Dental Implants?
On the day of your procedure, your dentist will first make sure that the areas of your mouth receiving dental implants are completely numb by using local anesthesia. After making a small incision in the gums, they will create a hole in the bone so that the implant can be positioned correctly in place.
After ensuring the placement of your implants, the gum tissue will be closed, and you’ll receive a protective healing cap that will go over the implant and remain in place throughout your recovery.
How Long Does Surgery Take?
To place a single dental implant, it generally takes one to two hours to complete. However, this is largely dependent on the skill and experience of your dentist.
It’s clear that the more dental implants that you need, the longer you can expect your surgery to take. Some instances may have your dentist scheduling multiple visits should you require a more extensive form of treatment, like implant dentures.
How Soon After Surgery Will My Smile Be Complete?
The entire process of placing dental implants is a long one. On average, it can take a patient nearly a year to see a brand-new smile. What you must remember, though, is that it is well worth the time once you experience how transformational these prosthetics can be.
After your procedure, you will need to spend time recovering at home and allowing your implants to fuse with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. After your implants are firmly in place, metal abutments will be added to help stabilize your restoration.
The final step will be to receive your custom restoration, which can be a dental crown, bridge, or denture. At this time, you will officially begin reaping the benefits of a longer-lasting smile.
Receiving dental implants may take a long time, but the results you will achieve make them worth the wait.
About the Author
Dr. Dhiren Ahir is a trusted dentist in Denton who leads the team at Prime Dentistry. Focusing his efforts on helping those who are without a full set of teeth, he provides in-house dental implant placement and restoration. If you are considering ways to fill the gaps in your smile and are interested in learning more about these permanent prosthetics, contact us via our website or by calling (940) 514-0333.
