Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. The procedure can take several months to complete, and the results are definitely worth the wait! But how long does a dental implant procedure take from start to finish? You’ll need to confirm with a dentist that offers consultation appointments, but here’s a look at each stage of the dental implant process—from the initial examination to the final placement of the implant.
The Dental Implant Process: From Start to Finish
Besides the healing time, most surgical procedures are deemed finished after the surgery. However, that isn’t the case with dental implants. In fact, one of the most crucial parts of the process is just beginning once the implants are placed—and it is vital to the success of the dental implant procedure.
Broadly, the dental implant process consists of three stages—the initial consultation, the implant surgery and the attachment of the artificial tooth. However, the exact nature of the process may not be the same for everyone, and additional steps may be required before or after the implant surgery. These will affect how long the procedure takes to complete.
For example, dental implant surgery must be performed on a healthy mouth. Thus, the dentist will treat these first if there are signs of active gum disease or tooth decay. Additionally, if the jawbone is not dense enough to hold an implant, bone graft surgery may need to be carried out—and it may take a year to complete the dental implant process.
Let’s take a closer look at each stage.
Initial Consultation and Examination
During an initial consultation, the dentist will take a thorough medical history and review your dental records.
They will also assess your current oral health and thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and oral tissues.
X-rays of the mouth or CT scans may be taken to evaluate the health of your jaw.
Suppose you are deemed a suitable candidate for dental implants, a personalised treatment plan is developed, and impressions of your mouth are taken so the laboratory can prepare your custom-made artificial tooth (or teeth).
Get a dental consultation near you to find out more. It should generally take 1-2 hours.
Dental Implant Surgery
The surgery to insert a dental implant is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area around the implant. However, conscious sedation can be given in addition to the local anaesthetic if you are of a nervous disposition.
The procedure is relatively straightforward and typically takes around an hour to complete. Recovery from the surgery is usually quick, and most people quickly return to their normal activities within days. How long does a dental implant (surgical) procedure take? Typically, it takes 1-2 hours to place one implant.
Healing Time
After dental implant surgery, the area is left to heal. During this time, the implant fuses with the jawbone (osseointegration). Dental implants are typically made from titanium (a material compatible with the human body), so they won’t be rejected and provide a secure and robust base on which to mount an artificial tooth.
Attaching the Replacement Tooth
The attachment of the replacement tooth is the final part of the dental implant process. In patients with healthy jaw bones, this can often occur around 3-4 months after the dental implants are inserted into the jaw. However, if augmentation of the jawbone is necessary with a bone graft, it may be up to a year before the procedure is finalised.
Attaching the artificial tooth is straightforward and performed under a local anaesthetic—generally taking no longer than an hour.
Looking After Dental Implants
In truth, the dental implant procedure may well be finished, but dental implants require a lifetime of care if you want them to last. Just as natural teeth need cleaning to prevent bacterial plaque, dental implants require the same attention.
You must have a thorough twice-daily cleaning and flossing routine to keep the tissues surrounding any dental implants free from plaque and healthy to prevent peri-implantitis (a condition similar to gum disease that destroys gum and bone tissue).
Besides your cleaning routine, you must visit a dentist regularly who can monitor the health of your mouth and dental implants. If problems are spotted, early treatment can often nip them in the bud. For example, if you have a build-up of tartar on your implants, the dentist can remove it before any harmful bacteria can run amok. Unfortunately, if you neglect your dental implants, there is a chance you may lose them.
How long does a dental implant procedure take: The bottom line
The dental implant process is not the quickest treatment you can get—unlike a crown or denture. But, the beauty of dental implants is that they mimic natural teeth so well that there is no other tooth restoration option that matches them for aesthetics, feel and function. Get a consultation at your local dental clinic today if you’d like to know more about dental implants and whether you are suitable for them.
References
Healthline: What you need to know about a dental bone graft
If you have missing teeth and are considering implant-based restorations as an option, then it pays to understand the pros and cons of dental implants to know if they’re right for you. In this post, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of undergoing dental implant surgery so you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started.
Firstly, dental implants are expensive
Initially, anyway, a dental implant procedure does not come cheap. In fact, when compared to conventional restorations like bridges and dentures, dental implants can come in at two or three times the cost.
However, if you look beyond the short term, dental implants can last for many years, so it’s likely, that you will only pay once during your lifetime. On the contrary, because conventional restorations will need replacing frequently, you may end up spending more than you think over the course of a lifetime.
The good news is that many dentists now provide flexible payment options for procedures like dental implant surgery, so you’ll probably be able to spread the cost of treatment rather than having to stump it all up in one go.
An implant restoration involves undergoing dental implant surgery
The surgical aspect of a dental implant procedure is something that cannot be avoided. So it’s understandable that people who can’t undergo surgery or are worried or concerned about it may want to choose a different option.
That said, in most cases, undergoing dental implant surgery is a quick and straightforward process taking less than an hour. Our experienced team at Pearl Dental Care, for example, ensure that patients feel minimal to zero discomfort during the implant placement process. Moreover, many patients are surprised by how easy it is and tell us that ‘it was over before they knew it.’
Getting a dental implant is not a quick fix solution
You may already know that the process of getting a dental implant cannot be done in one sitting. Typically, a dental implant procedure, from start to finish, takes anywhere between 4-9 months to complete. Primarily, this is because time is needed for the implant to stabilise in the jaw. So why is this important?
Dental implants are a standalone treatment. In other words, they don’t rely on the support of other structures in the mouth. They instead form a stable foundation by fusing with the existing bone tissue in a process known as osseointegration.
Once the implant and jawbone become one, it’s sufficient to support a single dental crown, a bridge, or as a series of dental implants supporting a complete arch of replacement teeth.
Unfortunately, osseointegration is a natural process that cannot be rushed, taking 2-5 months on average. Once fully stabilised, the implant and its restoration become an integral part of the mouth.
So, while this aspect may be a disadvantage to some people, others realise that what they eventually have is a natural-looking and long-lasting fixed restoration that is easy to care for.
Of course, this post is all about the pros and cons of dental implants. So, as we’ve talked about some of the initial disadvantages, it’s only fair to balance it and discuss the advantages.
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth
Elaborating more on the above section, once a dental implant is fully stabilised and the permanent restoration attached, a dental implant is arguably the closest thing to natural teeth that modern dentistry allows. Dental implants enable you to bite and chew normally, while caring for them is as easy as brushing and flossing regularly.
Let’s touch on the chewing and biting aspect for a moment because it’s an important one. If you opt for a conventional restoration like a dental bridge or denture, chewing and biting capability is often limited. With some studies quoting a significant reduction in bite force, it’s understandable why long-term denture wearers may need to adapt their diet.
On the contrary, research suggests that within 2-3 months of getting a dental implant, your chewing capability may be 80% – 85% of your normal bite. This means that as soon as your dental implants have stabilised in the jaw, you should be able to eat whatever you like.
A dental implant prevents bone loss
As far as the pros and cons of dental implants go, this is perhaps one of the most significant advantages.
When teeth are missing, the bone tissue that once supported the natural tooth root gets reabsorbed back into the body because it is no longer required. This, in turn, causes the jawbone to shrink. In fact, in the space of one year, the jawbone diminishes by around 30%
Unfortunately, conventional restorations cannot halt the bone loss process, which is why the jaw’s ever-changing shape requires dentures or dental bridges to be changed often.
Conversely, because dental implants are anchored directly into the jaw, they re-stimulate the remaining bone tissue. The result is no further bone loss and, by default, no more premature ageing.
So there you have it, the pros and cons of dental implants explained. If you want to know more about dental implants and how they work, get a consultation at your local dental clinic. A dentist that offers a consultation should take the time to answer any questions or queries you have about the dental implant process while checking to see if you’re a good candidate.
Here at Pearl Dental Care, we ensure you understand every aspect of the dental implant process before committing. So, if you are considering getting implants but are still unsure, call us and book a dental consultation near you. We can help you to create a fully functioning and aesthetically pleasing smile that you can be proud of.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
NCBI – Evaluation of Maximum Bite Force In Patients With Complete Dentures
If you’re thinking about having dental implants, you probably already know dental implants are a great choice of tooth replacement. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed below the gums’ surface and secured to the jawbone. This means they look and feel just like natural teeth, but it is a multi-stage process and takes a while to complete. So, just how long does the dental implant procedure take? It’s best to get an opinion from a dentist that offers consultation appointments, but we outline how each stage takes below.
The Dental Implant Procedure Stages
The dental implant procedure involves several vital stages that typically take several months to complete from start to finish. This involves the initial consultation and suitability assessment, the dental implant surgery and the completion of the implant procedure with the attachment of your new artificial tooth.
Initial Consultation and Suitability Assessment
Dental implants are one of the most sought-after treatments for replacing missing teeth. It’s easy to see why. They are robust, stable, and look and act like natural teeth. Furthermore, with reasonable care, they can last a lifetime. However, although popular, they are not suitable for everyone. There is meticulous planning involved in the process to determine whether you are ideal for the procedure, which will help ensure your implant’s longevity.
During the initial consultation, an examination of your mouth and jawbone will be conducted, and tests, such as x-rays and CT scans taken of your mouth. The dentist will ask about your goals from the treatment and your health history, as these can affect the suitability for dental implants. This part of the process typically takes between 1 and 2 hours.
Dental Health
It’s necessary to have a clean bill of oral health before you are considered for a dental implant procedure. If you have tooth decay or evidence of gum disease, these will both need to be treated before the implant treatment begins. The treatment also requires a viable, healthy jawbone to hold the implant. If you have bone loss in the jawbone, it may be challenging to place the implant. However, it is possible to have a bone graft to increase bone availability, a standard dental procedure for patients with dental implants.
General Health
Some medical conditions may make it more difficult for dental implants. Still, as each case is taken on its own merits, if you have diabetes, auto-immune disease, blood clotting disorder or other long-term health issues, you may be suitable for implants, depending on how well managed your condition is. However, your answer to ‘how long does the dental implant procedure take’ may be several months longer than someone without any health issues. Get a consultation at your local dental clinic to discuss whether your health problems may be a complication.
Smoking
The risk of implant failure in people who smoke is significantly greater than in non-smokers. We’re all aware of the damage smoking does to the body, but as the mouth is the first recipient of cigarette toxins, it can have far-reaching consequences for dental implants.
The implants are placed into the jawbone in a surgical procedure.
After surgery, the body requires good blood flow to transport nutrients to the wound site to help tissue repair and fight infection.
Smoking diminishes blood flow, putting this process at risk and increasing the risk of disease that may result in implant failure.
Furthermore, long-term smokers are more susceptible to gum disease that destroys the gum, bone and other tissues that support teeth. It can also lead to peri-implantitis—a similar condition that affects the tissue surrounding dental implants—eventually leading to implant failure.
Dental Implant Procedure Surgery
The dental implant procedure is performed in the dentist’s office—typically under a local anaesthetic. But, if you are anxious about the surgery, conscious sedation may be offered. This relaxes patients, so they are still aware of requests from the dentist to perform simple tasks, such as opening their mouths but are unlikely to remember anything. Many people feel as though they have been asleep when they have been awake through the whole procedure.
The procedure involves making a flap incision on the gum. This is so the dentist can access the jawbone. A hole is drilled in the bone, and the implant is placed. The implant is covered when the gum is stitched back into position and left to heal. During the healing process, osseointegration occurs— when the dental implants and jawbone fuse together, after which the artificial tooth can be attached.
How long does the dental implant procedure take to complete after surgery? Typically, osseointegration takes four to six months, but if you have had a bone graft, it could be as long as a year.
Attachment of Artificial Tooth
The final part of the dental implant procedure is completed once the artificial tooth is attached. This is a straightforward procedure performed in the dentist’s office under a local anaesthetic to numb the gum. A small cut is made to expose the implant, and the artificial tooth is attached using a connector (abutment) that joins them together. This part of the process takes less than an hour.
How Long Does The Dental Implant Procedure Take from Start to Finish?
To recap, the dental implant procedure generally takes four to six months from initial consultation to attachment of an artificial tooth. However, if you have health issues, it can take up to a year. Book a consultation near you to find out more about dental implants. Contact Pearl Dental Care in St Marys today.
Dental implants are replacements for missing teeth. When a tooth is lost, the teeth around it move to fill the gap, leading to various dental problems such as issues with one’s bite, unusual speech patterns, and misalignment. A dental implant not only restores function and appearance but can also enhance oral health by boosting jawbone health. But what are dental implants, and how do they work? Take a look at our summary, and then get a consultation at your local dental clinic to find out more.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that replace lost teeth. They are made from titanium— a metal that is biocompatible with the human body—and are surgically placed in the jaw to act as an anchor for a crown, bridge or denture.
With a success rate of over 95 per cent, dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth, as they look, feel and function the same way. They provide better chewing power than conventional dentures and restore the wearer’s smile and self-confidence.
What is the Procedure for Dental Implants?
The process of receiving a dental implant is lengthy and meticulous, which is why it has such a high success rate. A recent study showed survival rates of implants after 3 and 5 years to be 99% and 97%, respectively.
The entire procedure for dental implants is not a quick process and takes part over several months. The key milestones during the treatment include:
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
The initial consultation and assessment involve discussing your goals and past medical history. The dentist thoroughly examines your mouth to check the health of the teeth and gums. Tests and scans to assess the health of your jawbone may also be undertaken at this time.
If you are a suitable candidate, a customised treatment plan is created. The next steps involve having mouth impressions taken which are sent to a laboratory for your dental implant to be made and receiving a date for dental implant surgery.
2. Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is a standard procedure carried out under a local anaesthetic in the dentist’s chair.
Dental implant surgery is relatively straightforward, and the implant generally takes a few months—if not up to a year—to completely integrate with the jawbone (osseointegration). Once it has, this artificial root becomes permanent and can last decades or even a lifetime.
The surgery generally takes between 1-2 hours per implant. It involves making an incision in the top of the gum to expose the jawbone. The dentist drills a hole in the bone and inserts the implant. The gum is then stitched back to cover the implant, allowing the area to heal for the required time.
3. Completion with Attachment of Artificial Tooth
The procedure is completed with the attachment of an artificial tooth in a minor procedure at the dental clinic.
Why not find a dentist that offers consultation appointments to determine whether a dental implant is a suitable treatment for you.
What are Dental Implants‘ Advantages and Disadvantages?
Permanently secured—no worry about them falling out or slipping
No restriction on what foods you eat
Improve your appearance
Help to maintain jaw health by encouraging new cells to grow in the jawbone
Long-lasting with good oral health
Do not require any special care—just regular brushing, flossing and check-ups
Dental implants have few disadvantages, but there are a few:
The procedure takes time to complete
It’s expensive compared to other tooth replacement options
Not everyone is suitable for implants
Who is Not Suitable for Dental Implants?
It’s worth bearing in mind that some chronic health conditions or lifestyle habits may make you unsuitable for dental implants. But, this doesn’t mean you are excluded from having them, as every case is considered individually.
Chronic Illness
A long-term medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease or osteoporosis, may make it more difficult to have a dental implant placed, although not impossible.
These conditions can affect the mouth in various ways, e.g. reducing saliva production, which makes gum disease more prevalent, impinging blood flow so that essential nutrients do not get around the body or weakening the bone so that a dental implant cannot be installed securely.
Smokers
The body requires nutrients to heal and fight infection. Smoking inhibits blood flow which transports nutrients around the body. Thus, after implant surgery, there is a risk that dental implants can become infected, leading to their failure and necessitating removal. Furthermore, the long-term health of implants can be affected by smoking which can lead to peri-implantitis — a disease similar to gum disease that affects the tissue surrounding implants.
What are Dental Implants? The Final Word
Dental implants are an excellent innovation for restoring missing teeth with a solution that looks, functions, and acts like natural teeth. Find out more about them with a dental consultation near you in St Marys and schedule an appointment with Pearl Dental Care or call us on (02) 9158 6312.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
International Journal of Implant Dentistry: Implant success and survival rates in daily dental practice: 5-year results of a noninterventional study using CAMLOG SCREW-LINE implants with or without platform-switching abutments https://d-nb.info/1171119240/34
Dental implants offer an excellent solution for those looking for long-term tooth replacement. Looking and functioning just like natural teeth, implants are maintained in the same way. But how long do dental implants last? The quick answer is that it often depends on a patient’s choices and oral hygiene.
Since the first placement of a dental implant in a human volunteer in 1965, advances in dental technology mean that implant failures due to functionality issues or rejection are rare. Nowadays, when an implant does fail, pre-existing medical conditions and diseases and misuse of the dental implant are the most likely culprits.
When you get a consultation at your local dental clinic, a dentist will explain the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene during the procedure and for life.
So, getting back to the question of how long dental implants last. One of the main reasons dental implants have the potential to last a long time is the high quality and durability of the materials involved.
Long-lasting dental implant materials
A dental implant consists of three main components: the screw or post, an abutment, and a dental crown.
The titanium screw embedded into the jawbone is usually made from incredibly durable and long-lasting titanium. Because titanium is biocompatible, it fuses with the surrounding bone to become a permanent fixture in the mouth (osseointegration).
The abutment that connects the implant with the dental crown is usually made from titanium, but other materials like stainless steel may sometimes be used.
The dental crown is a false ceramic tooth mounted onto the abutment, providing a natural tooth’s aesthetic and function.
The abutment and crown are typically more prone to damage and don’t last as long as the dental implant post because they are exposed and used actively for biting and chewing food.
So how long do dental implants last?
With twice-daily brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups, the implant screw can last a patient’s lifetime. However, according to studies, 50-80% of implant crowns may need to be replaced around the 10-15 year mark due to wear and tear. That said, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and adopting a cautious approach with the dental crown could help it last longer.
Location is also a factor when predicting how long dental implants last. Molar implants at the rear of the mouth are frequently used for chewing food, meaning they may not last as long as implants at the front of the mouth.
What are mini dental implants, and how long should they last?
With a diameter of less than three millimetres, mini dental implants are narrower than other types of dental implants – roughly about the same size as a toothpick!
Because of their diminutive size, mini dental implants (MDIs) can be used in patients suffering from considerable bone loss. MDIs are popular because the technique is more straightforward and less invasive.
Often MDIs are used to secure removable dentures, although they can be used to replace single teeth.
Like regular dental implants, MDIs are designed to be permanent. However, in a systematic review of four studies of MDIs supporting a single crown, researchers found no difference in how long they lasted compared to conventional dental implants.
If you’d like to know more about mini dental implants and whether they can work for you, why not book with an implant dentist that offers a free consultation.
What factors can influence how long a dental implant lasts?
While dental implants may last some people a lifetime, they can sometimes fail. In the main, implant failure typically happens when something disrupts osseointegration or the healing process.
Factors that can cause an implant not to last as long as expected include:
Insufficient bone – Dental implants, like natural teeth, rely on the bone for support. Dentists often use bone grafts to improve bone density to give the implant a better chance of survival.
Poor oral care – A lapse in oral hygiene could lead to peri-implantitis, which could cause implant failure.
Smoking – Smoking affects the blood flow to the affected area, negatively impacting healing and osseointegration.
Teeth grinding – Bruxism can fracture the implant, loosening the screw and causing the implant to move and potentially fall out.
Medical conditions – Various medical conditions have been associated with implant failure, including osteoporosis, diabetes, a weakened immune system and bleeding disorders.
Age – Dental implants often don’t last as long in older people. This may be due to underlying bone or medical conditions.
An Inexperienced dentist – can contribute to the failure of an implant due to improper placement, the use of poorly designed implants, or attaching a crown before the implant is stable, amongst other things
Hopefully, the above information has answered your question, how long do dental implants last.
The takeaway
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, but they sometimes fail. The secret to an implant lasting a long time is maintaining good oral hygiene combined with six-monthly dental check-ups. This way, a dentist can diagnose any problems and treat them early.
If you’re considering dental implants or worried that something is amiss with an existing implant, why not schedule a dental consultation near you in St Marys by calling on (02) 9158 6312. Pearl Dental Care work with our patients at every step to help their implants last a long time.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
They will also assess your current oral health and thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. 
Once the implant and jawbone become one, it’s sufficient to support a single dental crown, a bridge, or as a series of 
The implants are placed into the jawbone in a surgical procedure. 
Chronic Illness
