Dental implant surgery is the second phase of treatment when replacing missing teeth. A minor procedure, it serves to build the foundation for your new smile. As you prepare for this step, you may wonder how long the surgery will take. Keep reading to learn the typical timeframe and what to expect throughout the process.
What Occurs During Dental Implant Surgery?
When having dental implants placed, your dentist will start by administering local anesthesia. This numbs your mouth, ensuring you feel no pain throughout the procedure. Next, they will open your gums to place and position each dental implant so that it remains stable until it integrates with the existing bone and surrounding tissues.
Once they are satisfied with the placement of each implant post, they will close the gum tissues and place protective healing caps over each implant. You will then be sent home to recover and allow osseointegration to begin. This is the 3-6-month period in which your titanium implants will fuse with your jawbone.
How Long Does Surgery Take?
The timeframe for surgery can vary based on how many implants you receive. The average procedure length is 1-2 hours for a single dental implant; however, if you require more than one, the procedure will take longer.
When you consider the overall timeframe for dental implant completion, many dentists estimate 6 to 8 months. This includes the recovery phase and osseointegration, which can take 3-6 months, as well as the metal abutments that must be placed and their respective healing time (about two weeks). Then, your dentist will need to attach the custom restoration.
Attempting to rush the recovery process is never a good idea, so you will need to follow the aftercare instructions your dentist provides and adhere to the guidelines to ensure you heal properly. This will minimize your risk of complications and give your dental implants the greatest chance of long-term success.
Dental implant surgery is a necessary part of the overall process, and it’s well worth the time required to achieve a full, complete, and beautiful smile.
About Grand Dental – Oz Park
Our team is here to ensure missing teeth are swiftly replaced with high-quality dental implants. With a team of professionals trained and equipped to provide this treatment option with the latest dental technologies, you can rest assured that your smile remains in qualified hands. If you want to feel more confident and enjoy life with a complete smile, visit our website or call (773) 871-3393 to schedule a consultation today.