Dental Implants: What's the recovery time?

Have you been considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth? That's great! Implants are known to be the best and most long-lasting solution to replace missing teeth, which is why they are highly recommended by dentists from all around the world. You may have certain concerns about dental implants before going for them, such as how long it would take to get them done. This brief read will emphasize just this to help you make a more informed decision.

Do you need to get a tooth extraction?

In some instances, patients prefer to get a dental implant right after getting their decayed or damaged tooth extracted. This is actually the better way to restore a natural tooth, as it wouldn't allow the adjoining teeth to drift from their orthodontically right positions or the jawbone to deteriorate. A dental implant may be placed in the jawbone on the very day of the extraction, provided you have sufficient jawbone volume. In case the jawbone density and volume are below the threshold, we may suggest a bone graft to replenish it.

How is the implant placed?

The dentist will take various factors into consideration and schedule your dental appointment for the implantation. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb your oral tissues before commencing the procedure. A small hole will be made in place of the extracted tooth, and the metal implant stud will be placed in it with extreme precision. Once this is done, the dentist will secure it with dental adhesives and suggest a suitable healing period.

How long does the implant take to heal?

It differs based on each patient's physical condition and various other factors. Typically, it may take between 6 to 8 months for the jawbone to fuse with the metal implant stud and hold it firmly. Patients wouldn't feel much of a physical difference during this process. However, the dentist would advise you to keep away from hard and crunchy foods that could damage or dislodge the implant. The healing period can be affected by the following:

• The number of dental implants placed
• Jawbone health
• Overall health condition
• The natural healing ability of your body
• How well you follow the care instructions provided by the dentist
• Oral habits, such as smoking, chewing tobacco, etc.

How is the crown placed?

The dentist will check if the implantation site has healed fully and if the jawbone has grown around the grooves of the implant stud. Once this is confirmed using scans and x-rays, we will schedule the surgery to place the abutment and the dental crown. The temporary restoration will be removed, and the permanent prosthesis will be placed on the implant. Its fit and contour will be checked, and once confirmed, it will be bonded to the teeth permanently using dental adhesives.

Ultimately, the entire process of getting a dental implant may vary between 12 to 18 months. Most patients often say that implants are worth the wait and the investment due to all the benefits they offer and their close similarity to natural teeth.

You may schedule a consultation with our Dentist in Frederick, MD by calling us at (301) 663-1144 or reaching us through an online query. We're always happy to help.