How Long is the Process For Dental Implants?

Have you ever heard anyone talk about dental implants? Chances are they’ve gushed over them, talking about how great they are, what a lifesaver, how natural-looking they are, and what a perfect solution they are for missing teeth. And that’s all true, which is why dental implants in Grand Island, NE are so popular. But what people don’t talk about as much is the actual process for getting implants. Still, it’s helpful to know what to expect, including how long is the process for dental implants.

Initial Consultation and Planning

First, you’ll visit with your dentist in Grand Island, NE at Gentle Dental Care. This visit will include things like taking a history of your oral health and overall health, taking digital images and discussing your lifestyle and oral health goals. The idea of this visit is to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. If you have underlying conditions that might sabotage your implants, those would have to be rectified before going ahead.

Bone Grafting and Healing

If there isn’t sufficient amounts of bone and bone density, you may need a bone graft. Bone grafting involves taking bone from another part of your body or using a special bone grafting material to add to your jawbone. The healing time can vary from 3 to 6 months, allowing the graft material to integrate with your natural bone. Note that not everyone needs bone grafting.

Implant Placement

Next comes placing the titanium implant post into your jawbone. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation. After the implant’s placed, it requires a healing period during which the jawbone grows around the implant (osseointegration) and can take 3 to 6 months.

Abutment Placement and Healing

After osseointegration has completed, an abutment is placed on the implant that will hold the new tooth. The placement of the abutment can be a quick procedure, but sometimes it might require a couple of weeks for the gum tissue to heal around it.

Crown Placement

The final step is the placement of the crown, the artificial tooth that matches your natural teeth. This typically involves a couple of visits to make impressions of your mouth and place the crown, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks.

Altogether, the dental implant process generally takes about 5 to 8 months from start to finish. For more details, contact your dentist in Grand Island, NE.