Do you have missing teeth? Looking for a permanent tooth replacement solution? A dental implant is a perfect solution for your missing teeth! Dental implants include posts that act as tooth roots and a crown that looks and functions just like natural teeth. This means you can restore your smile in the best way possible. However, you may have different questions about dental implants, for instance, “How long does a dental implant procedure take?” or “How many visits does it take for a dental implant?” The following blog will answer these questions.
Initial Consultation Day
If you are wondering when dental implants are necessary, a few of the following scenarios will help you get an idea.
- If you have missing teeth
- If you had a tooth extraction
- If you have loose dentures or partials
- If you have a loose bridge
- If you have a sunken-in facial appearance due to a deteriorating jawbone
- If you have loose or shifting teeth
- If you are fed up with dealing with messy denture adhesives and denture care
- If you have a broken tooth or severely cracked teeth
- If you have difficulty chewing food
Dental implants can fix all the above-mentioned dental issues and restore your smile. However, the best way to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants is by visiting the best dental implant specialist in Reno, NV.
Dental Exam
A CT scan will be performed to help determine the bone density and structure. It will also help the dentist find the perfect location to place the dental implant. If you don’t have enough bone, you will require bone grafting, which will take up to 3 to 6 months.
During the initial consultation, the dentist will make sure to conduct a thorough oral examination to determine the health of your mouth and if you have the following mentioned factors.
- If your gums & teeth are in good health
- If you have good bone density, that will offer good support
- If you have good dental habits or follow a thorough oral hygiene regimen
- If you are a smoker and are willing to drop the habit of smoking
- If you have enough patience because the dental implant procedure can take up to twelve months.
Implant Procedure
After a comprehensive exam, once it’s determined that you are the right candidate for dental implants, the implant specialist will create a treatment plan for you and explain how long the dental implant surgery will take.
- During surgery to place the dental implant, the oral surgeon will make a cut to open your gum and expose the bone.
- A hole will be drilled into the bone to place the dental implant metal post.
- This will act just like natural teeth, which means it is embedded deep into your jawbone.
- Once the post is placed, you’ll still have a gap, but it can be covered with a type of partial, temporary denture for appearance.
Once the metal implant is placed in your jawbone, the process of osseointegration begins, where the jawbone grows and unites with the dental implants. This process takes several months, however, this ensures a strong base for your new replacement tooth.
Post-Surgery Recovery
After the surgery, some people may experience some swelling, bruising, or pain, this depends on the amount of work done by the dentist to place the implants. The time after the implant surgery to the fitting of your crown is important as the success of your dental implant procedure depends on this process of osseointegration.
Abutment And Crown Fitting
The final step after your implants have healed is the less invasive procedure, i.e., the fitting of the abutment and crown. Once the process of osseointegration is complete and successful, the next stage is to have a socket-shaped complement, also known as the abutment that needs to be fitted. An abutment is a small cushion-like shock absorber that is placed between the implant and the crown. This process requires exposing the gums to ensure proper fitting.
The artificial tooth or crown is placed on the artificial root. A crown is usually made by taking an impression from your mouth. You can also get the same-day CEREC crowns, which will act as your new tooth and will be of the correct size, shape, and color. Once the artificial crown is placed, the dental implant process is complete.
How Long Will Your Treatment Take? Find Out With A Consultation
If you are wondering, if dental implants are right for you, or “how many visits will you require for dental implants?”, you can visit a dental implant surgeon to answer all your questions. A good dental office will provide you with a proper time frame and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to make sure you get the best experience.
