If you have lost one or more of your natural teeth, a dental implant is an option you should seriously consider. These oral prosthetics replace the lost tooth and its roots, and they restore your smile. When it comes to figuring how long the entire process will take for any given patient, the answer to that question is a bit complicated.
Generally speaking, the process of getting a dental implant takes about six months. That is the time it takes for the implant to fuse with the bone structures surrounding it, giving the prosthetic a solid foundation. The artificial tooth that goes on the implant is typically attached once this process is complete. Patients who need to get bone grafts before implant installation might need up to three months to recover before starting the process.
That does not mean everyone who gets a dental implant has to wait at least six months before being crowned. There are certain types of implants that are crowned the same day the implant is installed.
For example, All-on-4 dental implants can be used to replace full sets of teeth. Those who opt for this procedure get the artificial teeth permanently attached to the implants during a single appointment. The same goes for same-day-implants and mini-dental implants. Both of these can be crowned the same day they are inserted into the patient's jaw.
The best way to get an accurate estimate of how long it would take to get implants is by setting an appointment with Diamond Head Dental Care.
The typical consultation takes less than an hour. It gives the patient an opportunity to go over their options with the dentist. They get to ask all the questions they have about dental implants, and the dentist goes over their medical history and any medications they are taking. A 3D CT scan might be taken to determine if the patient is a good candidate for dental implants. If the patient is cleared for implants, a date will be set for the procedure.
The patient will be given a shot of anesthetic prior to the installation of the implant. This numbs the area so the patient does not feel pain. The implant – usually a titanium screw or rod – is surgically inserted into the patient's jaw. Depending on the location being worked on and the type of implant being used, an artificial tooth might be attached to it immediately or the patient might have to wait six months for osseointegration to be complete.
Patients are often advised to stick to liquid or softs foods for the first few weeks after implant installation. They are free to consume mostly soft foods for the next six months while their implant fuses with their jaw. Once osseointegration has been attained, the patient can go back to their regular eating habits.
Implants are in a class of their own when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Stop by our Honolulu clinic for your implant consultation today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.
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