Dental implants are one of the most efficient tooth replacement options available because they mimic natural teeth and are intended to last far longer than traditional dentures. The process is more involved than dental solutions from earlier eras, however, and can take as long as six to eight months, depending on what steps you need to restore your oral health. If you’re considering this surgery, it’s important to understand the process and recovery time associated with each step so you can achieve success with your new smile.

The Steps of Getting Dental Implants

Extractions

The first possible step is tooth extraction. If your damaged or decayed teeth are still in your mouth, your dentist will need to remove them. This is usually its own procedure because anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort. When needed, extraction will often take two weeks to fully heal.

Bone Grafts

People with strong, healthy jawbones and gums won’t need this step, but those who have had gum disease or issues with jaw strength will most likely need a graft. As dental implants will fuse with your jawbone, these grafts create a sufficient bone structure that supports the implants long-term. Typically, dentists will remove a small amount of healthy bone from another area in your body (such as your chin) and implant it into your jawbone, although a composite substitute can also be used. It can take anywhere from three or four months to fully bond with your jawbone.

Metal Post Installation

Once your bone and gum tissue are healthy, whether from grafting or proper oral health care, the fixture is installed in your jawbone. The metal is screwed into your jaw for strength and support. The process takes an hour to complete and four to six months to heal. Once the healing, known as osseointegration, is complete, you will have another procedure where an abutment (titanium rod) is attached to the implant. This rod will eventually connect the metal post to your new tooth.

Crown Fittings

The last step in dental implants is to create crowns and secure them to the abutment. Dental crowns, also called “caps,” are prosthetic coverings that look like your natural teeth. They’re often molded and created while you’re healing from the metal post implants. Once your gums have taken a few weeks to heal from the abutment, your new tooth will be secured. This last step doesn’t require any additional healing, but you should wait 24 hours before eating any sticky foods.

If you’re worried about damaged, decayed, or missing teeth, consult the experts at Daleville Dental, LLC, in Dale County, AL. Their dentists have been serving the community for almost 25 years, providing preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. Call (334) 598-4994 to speak with a member of their team or visit their website to learn more about dental implants.