How long will it take to have a dental implant fitted?

Dental implants allow you to regain a natural looking smile even after losing a tooth, which means that your dentist will work hard to achieve a subtle finish. 

As opposed to being attached the surface of the teeth a dental implant is fixed into the jawbone, essentially becoming an integrated and fully working part of the mouth. 

With both the functionality and appearance of a normal tooth, the process to fit a dental implant can take longer than other tooth replacement options, however, the results are worth it.

How long does it take for a dental implant?

The length of time the overall treatment to insert a dental implant will take depends on how complex the individual case is. 

At an initial consultation your dentist will discuss the process involved in fitting a dental implant and the suitability of the treatment. 

In cases where a tooth has been missing for some time, or where there have been other issues, the jawbone may have receded to the extent that the bone does not have enough depth to allow a screw to be fitted. 

Titanium screws are inserted into the jawbone during the initial stage of a dental implant – with the tooth replacement fitted onto this. 

Your dentist will make an incision into the jaw before drilling into it to accommodate the screw. When this is complete a process of osseointegration takes place where the screw bonds with bone around it to give the implant stability. 

This can take between three and six months. However, if your dentist has suggested that you may need a bone graft you will need to go for an additional scan to show exactly how much bone there is in the area. 

Bone grafts to support dental implants

If only a small bone graft is needed it is possible to carry this out at the same time as inserting the screw, however, a larger bone graft may need time to become established. This would mean a further procedure is needed. 

Once osseointegration is complete an abutment is fitted onto the screw, which often needs the gum line to be opened again. When this site has healed the replacement tooth can finally be put in place.

While having a dental implant fitted can take three to six months, or even longer, it is important to consider that this process allows the replacement tooth to become a fully working part of your mouth. 

Comfortable and natural-looking, dental implants are the ideal way to replace lost teeth and recapture a perfect smile. 

To find out more about having dental implants fitted contact Bhandal Dental practice.