If you’re in need of a dental implant, you probably are worried about how long the healing process takes or how extensive the work will be. While the specifics are different in every case – depending on the extent of the work being done and your individual bone structures – the process often takes several months. Here’s a look at a few of the stages of having dental implants placed.
Pre-Operation
After determining you’re a candidate for a dental implant surgery, your dentist will review your X-rays and take molds of your jaw and teeth to get the best possible look at the structures of your mouth. This includes your current teeth positioning and spacing, as well as the condition of your jaw bones and gum tissues.
Initial Operation
An initial surgery will be performed to place an implant or post into the bone of your jaw. This can sometimes require two separate surgeries, depending on the extent of the work being performed and the strength of your jaw bones. In some extreme instances, a bone graft may be required, using bone structures from elsewhere in the mouth or even another place on the body. These additional steps will often require a lengthier healing time as the bones go through osseointegration, says the Mayo Clinic. This portion will often take up to six months of healing time to be fully repaired, or as long as nine months for grafts.
Fitting and Anchoring
Once your mouth has healed from the initial operation (and any subsequent work needed), your artificial teeth will be installed and fitted to the implant. Depending on how well the new teeth fit, this may take several weeks to complete perfectly. However, once your implants are permanently affixed and properly fitted, your replacements are ready to restore your mouth to its previous state of comfort and function.
It’s important to remember that every case is different, so your results may vary dramatically depending on your oral health and your surgical needs. Your dentist can give you a more accurate assessment and idea of what kind of recovery time may be required in your circumstances. If you’re considering dental implants or would like to learn more, call Genesee Dental today at 585-343-1113 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online now.