(02) 9723 5757Bet you are googling this because your dentist just recommended a dental implant! Are you curious about what exactly a dental implant procedure is? Read on for a quick overview of the procedure and the time it takes to get a dental implant.
What Is A Dental Implant and Why Do You Need It?
Dental Implants are titanium screws that surgically replace your tooth’s root. They form a base for your artificial teeth.
You will be recommended a dental implant if you are missing a tooth or are unwilling or unable to wear dentures.
How Long Does the Entire Procedure Take?
It’s a long and delicate procedure comprising several stages depending on your requirement. In general, if you have to undergo a single tooth implant, then the below stages are usually recommended –
Stage 1
The procedure starts with a full root extraction of the failed tooth (a lot like a root canal treatment) or other preparatory treatments such as bone grafting or restoration of tooth/gum health. Stage 1 preparatory procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic and require a deft touch.
This usually requires a healing period of 6-8 weeks. In the case of complex bone grafting, the healing period can extend up to 3-4 months. After the period of healing several dental CT scans are used to assess the health of the bone and map the position of major nerves etc. This allows experienced dentists to understand how to proceed with the next stage.
Stage 2
This is the stage where the actual implant is surgically inserted. Inserting a single impact could take up to an hour. After this, the implant is left alone to heal and for the bone to fuse with the titanium implant. This process, called osseointegration takes between 4-6 months.
Stage 3
Now comes the time for your new prosthetic tooth to come into play. The first part of the process includes attaching an abutment to your implant – this connecting piece also needs a healing period of a few weeks. While you are waiting at home, your dental crown is being custom created at the lab.
The next and the final step is to attach the dental crown to the abutment, and that’s it! You are done! You now have a fully functional tooth as close to natural teeth as possible.
A dental implant procedure offers the best possible solution for patients with missing or failed teeth to maintain a normal lifestyle.
With an experienced dentist, the procedure is made relatively easier and can lead to years of absolutely painless oral health.
At Align Dentistry & Medical Centre, we offer a free consultation to our first-time patients. Here we provide a variety of dental solutions that extend from basic care services such as oral exams, tooth fillings, and teeth whitening to complex treatments such as tongue tie treatment and root canal surgeries.
We pride ourselves on our patient-first philosophy, and we ensure that everyone in our team takes out the time to explain all the details to the patients and suggest the most affordable and useful course of action.
Call us now at (02) 9723 5757 or (02) 9086 9219 to book a FREE consultation.