How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
If you are embarrassed about a missing or damaged tooth or teeth, dental implant surgery can provide an effective solution. With a dental implant surgery, your smile—and your confidence—will be restored. If you’re thinking about dental implant surgery, you surely have some questions about the procedure and what to expect. At Distinctive Dental Solutions, we can help by providing you with experience- and evidence-based answers. One common question we hear is: How long does a dental implant procedure take? Here’s what you should know about what to expect—
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant refers to a structure that replaces a missing tooth. One or more dental implants may be used in someone who is missing teeth—if multiple teeth are missing, a dental bridge may be used instead. A dental implant has three primary parts: the implant itself, which will anchor the crown; the abutment, which connects the crown to the implant; and the crown, which is custom made and resembles a natural tooth.
What Happens During the Surgery?
During a dental implant surgery, your dentist will start by explaining the procedure to you and then administering an anesthetic so that you don’t feel pain during the surgery. Commonly, the surgery involves multiple steps and will therefore be performed over a series of visits. From start to finish, you can expect for the damaged tooth to be removed if it isn’t already missing, bone grafting when necessary, placement of the dental implant, a healing process that allows for bone growth, and then the placement of the abutment and the artificial tooth/crown.
How Long Will a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
Unfortunately, a dental implant is not an overnight procedure, primarily because of the healing phase during which bone growth must occur before the abutment and artificial crown are placed. Indeed, while the implant itself will likely only take a couple of hours to place, you will probably need to wait a few months before the final steps in the process.
Talk to a Qualified Dentist Today
If you have missing or damaged teeth that are causing you embarrassment or are interfering with your ability to chew or speak, a dental implant may be one of multiple solutions available to you. At Distinctive Dental Solutions, our experienced dentists in Indiana are happy to answer any questions that you have and make a recommendation about your options. To learn more about dental implants or other dental solutions, call Distinctive Dental Solutions today.
