How Long Does It Take to Get Dental Implants?
When clients call us, one of the questions they ask is how long does it take to get dental implants? And, while it’s not possible to provide an answer that covers every imaginable case, a few estimates are possible. As Kalamazoo’s premier source for high-quality implant dentistry, we pride ourselves on educating our patients and helping them choose the best options for their health.
In most cases, dental implants are the most durable, most natural, and longest lasting solution to missing teeth.
We’ve discussed the implant procedure before and, in another article, discussed the workings of ‘same day implants.’ But, when your teeth are damaged, you want to know exactly how long it takes to repair – or replace – them. So, in this post, we’d like to specifically cover the time frames involved.
So, really, how long does it take to get dental implants?
Realistically, there are a couple of answers to this question. While the dental implant surgery itself can be completed in only a few hours, it’s important to remember that both prep work and healing times are necessary.
With discovery, examinations, prep work, and healing times considered, it takes three to six months to complete the dental implant process.
Step 1: Dental Examination
Generally, the procedure starts with a dental exam. During this exam, we’ll look at the overall health of your mouth via X-rays, scans, and traditional dental techniques. Since your implants will be affixed directly to your jawbone, this process helps us determine if additional steps, such as bone grafts, are necessary.
Step 2: Dental Implant Surgery
During the dental implant surgery phase, we fix titanium implants to the jawbone. These implants will act as root replacements. Sometimes, in the case of full-arch, same-day procedures, we will affix the teeth with titanium screws into the implants. But, with regular – or single-tooth – solutions, this step is done after the healing stage.
Step 3: Healing
After your surgery, you may experience some discomfort. During this time, it’s incredibly important that you follow the instructions given to you by your dentist. This may include applying ice, altering your diet, or avoiding certain exercises. Your initial discomfort may diminish in under a week. But, again, you’ll need to continue the regimen that your dentist assigned you until the full healing period is complete.
Questions about how long it takes to get dental implants?
At West Wind Dental, we know that patients want fast, immediate solutions to missing, damaged, or painful teeth. Based on how often we’re asked about how long it takes to get dental implants, we understand it’s a primary concern. So, if you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, we encourage you to reach out to us today to discuss your options.
Dr. Andrew Hamilton, DDS, FAGD
Dr. Hamilton is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Michigan Dental Association (MDA), the Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society (KVDDS), the American Academy of Implant dentistry (AAID), the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics (IAFA) and also attends courses with the Pikos Institute in Northwest Florida. He is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICIO), has achieved fellowship status in the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA) and in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), has graduated from and is an alumnus of the Kois Center program in Seattle, and is on the faculty of the Global Dental Implant Academy (GDIA).
The little spare time left over is spent Steelhead and Salmon fishing and the occasional round of golf.