Dental implant surgery is a transformative procedure that can restore your smile and your confidence. Getting them is long, requiring months of planning and healing to achieve success. But how long is the procedure itself? Continue reading to learn more about dental implant surgery and its duration. Knowing what to expect can help you plan out your treatment for a smoother experience!
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before the actual surgery, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss your treatment plan. This preparation phase may involve diagnostics, such as X-rays or CT scans. This will help your dentist assess your bone density and decide the best placement option.
Depending on your case, other procedures like bone grafting may be necessary. Your dentist wants to ensure that there is no time or effort wasted by boosting the compatibility of your mouth. This will add a couple of months to your pre-surgery phase, but without it your implants might fail to integrate.
Surgical Procedure
On the day of your dental implant surgery, you can expect the procedure to take a few hours. The exact duration depends on the number of implants being placed and the complexity of your case. Typically, each implant you receive takes one to two hours to place properly.
During the surgery, your dentist will first numb your mouth with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Then, an incision is made in your gum to expose the underlying jawbone. Next, a small hole is made in the bone for the titanium implant fixture to fit into. The gums are then stitched closed once the implant is securely in place. Lastly, a temporary restoration may be placed over each implant for aesthetics and to protect them as they heal.
Recovery Phase
Following dental implant surgery, it’s important to allow time for proper healing. Over the next few months, your implants will undergo osseointegration, fusing with the surrounding bone. During this time, it’s important to follow all post-operative instructions to ensure a speedy recovery. The quicker you heal, the faster your permanent restorations can be placed!
So, there you have it, the entire dental implant process timeline. With this information, you can go into your dental implant surgery with confidence, knowing what lies ahead. Dental implants take a long time to complete, but the investment is well worth it!
About the Author
Dr. Julia Karpman is a talented and highly educated dentist with a dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She enjoys helping her patients achieve lasting smiles through excellent dental care that uses the latest technology. Call (860) 563-3766 to schedule a dental implant consultation at Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill or visit the website to take a look at other treatments and services.