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How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take? Taking a Look at the Process

Faris Kirmani • Aug 25, 2022

how long does dental implant procedure take richmond

Dental implants are a permanent, secure, and stable solution if you have missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a missing tooth. Placed in the jawbone, where the missing tooth was, it acts as a natural tooth root, forming the base for restorations such as a crown, bridge or denture. It's a wonder of modern technology and requires meticulous planning, but how long does a dental implant procedure take from start to finish? You'll need to get a consultation at your local dental clinic to find out more, but meanwhile, let's look at the process.

What's Involved in the Dental Implant Procedure?

The dental implant procedure is a multi-stage process that takes several months. It's essential to have an assessment from a dentist that offers consultation appointments to understand better what is involved, as each case is different. Notable stages in the process include the initial consultation, the dental implant surgery and the final stage, where the artificial tooth or teeth are affixed.

1. Initial Consultation

Dental implants have an excellent record of success, with a survival rate of 96.8% after ten years. This is partly because a rigorous process at the initial consultation and examination determines whether you are a good candidate. During the consultation and assessment, the areas that the dentist will want to find out about include:

Your Dental Health

As the dental implant is inserted into the jaw, you must have a healthy jawbone. Bone loss is common in the jawbone, especially if you have lost teeth due to gum disease. If insufficient healthy bone is present, an implant cannot be placed—although it is possible to augment the bone with a bone graft, which is a standard dental procedure.

Your General Health

There is no upper age limit for the placement of implants, but you must be healthy enough for a successful outcome of your dental implant procedure. Some chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, blood clotting disorders and auto-immune disease, may be problematic for dental implants. Likewise, some medical treatments, including cancer therapies, could be an issue.

Each situation is determined on a case-by-case basis, so if you have a condition, it doesn't mean you cannot have dental implants. But, the answer to the question 'how long does a dental implant procedure take' may be longer than you anticipate.

Whether You are a Smoker

Smoking has a detrimental effect on dental implants. It diminishes blood flow, affecting how nutrients and infection-fighting cells are transported around the body. After implant surgery, this is crucial to prevent infection and aid healing. On a long-term basis, smokers have a higher risk of implant failure than non-smokers.

The initial consultation and examination will take between 1-2 hours. The dentist reviews the mouth thoroughly and will ask about your desired goals from the treatment. Preliminary tests, including CT scans and impressions of the mouth and teeth, may be taken at this stage.

Next, the dentist will put together a treatment plan that outlines all the stages of how the dental implant procedure will progress. We will discuss what type of implants are available and what is the best option for your circumstances.

2. The Dental Implant Surgery

How long does a dental implant procedure take from the surgical point of view? That depends on how many dental implants you have. The general rule is that placing one implant takes between 1-2 hours.

The surgery is performed under a local anaesthetic in the dentist's office. If you are particularly nervous, they may offer conscious sedation alongside a local anaesthetic to help you relax.

The procedure begins with a small incision in the gum to form a flap where the implant is to be placed. The flap is pulled back to expose the jawbone, and a small hole is drilled in the bone. The implant (a titanium, screw-like post) is inserted, and the gum flap stitched back into position, covering the implant. The area is left to heal, during which the process of osseointegration takes place. This is when the bone and implant fuse together, creating a stable and secure fixture onto which the artificial tooth or teeth are attached at the next stage of the process. Osseointegration of dental implants generally takes around four months, but it could be longer.

3. Attachment of Artificial Tooth

Attachment of the artificial tooth (crown) is the final part of the dental implant procedure. This is carried out under a local anaesthetic and involves the dentist opening the gum to expose the dental implant. A connector (abutment) joins the implant to the crown, completing the process in a procedure that takes less than an hour.

How Long Does Dental Implant Procedure Take from Beginning to End?

The whole process for dental implants typically takes around four to six months for most healthy patients. However, it can take around a year if you have health issues or bone loss that has required a bone graft. Even if you have some health problems, you may still be a good candidate for implants, but you will need to see a dentist who can give you a thorough assessment. Schedule a dental consultation near you or call us on (02) 4501 7930 to find out more.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.