Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they’re surgically placed directly in your jawbone, making them stronger and more long-lasting.
However, many patients have questions about what to expect from the procedure before they commit, like how long it usually takes. If you’re considering getting dental implants, continue reading to learn more about their typical timeline!
How Long Does Dental Implant Surgery Take?
The time it takes to complete this treatment from start to finish depends significantly on several factors unique to your situation. Before proceeding, you must consult your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate. They’ll examine your mouth to ensure no pre-existing issues, like cavities or gum disease, interfere with the results. They will also take X-rays or other scans and images to measure your jawbone density to verify that it’s thick enough to support your restoration(s).
If your jaw is too thin, an additional bone graft procedure may be required to bulk it up before you can continue. It can take several months to mend after this procedure before proceeding with dental implants.
Then, your implant surgery might only take an hour or two to complete, though it could be longer if you’re receiving multiple prosthetics. Once your gums have recovered sufficiently, your provider will need to schedule another procedure to place the abutment, which can take a couple of weeks to heal.
How Long Is Dental Implant Recovery?
It’s normal to experience some aches and inflammation when the medications wear off after your procedure. Usually, the worst of your symptoms peak around the third day after your visit, then gradually subside. It often takes about three to six months to heal completely because that’s how long it takes your jaw to produce enough new bone growth to fuse with the titanium support rod anchoring your restoration.
How Can I Avoid Complications During Dental Implant Recovery?
Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions to help you heal effectively without developing complications. Following these directions closely can help expedite your recovery. For instance, it helps to avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods that could irritate your gums. Soft, bland foods like mashed potatoes, applesauce, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and blended smoothies are popular options.
You should also keep your mouth clean by gently brushing and flossing twice daily, taking care to avoid the surgical site to avoid harming the blood clot that must form there to heal. If it’s damaged or dislodged, your mouth must form a new one, adding to your recovery timeline. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of water also supports your immune system and keeps your mouth clean, so you can mend.
If you experience severe or prolonged pain or your new tooth feels unstable, contact your dentist immediately so they can ensure you’re healing as intended!
Meet the Author
Dr. Cornelia Dadaciu has over 20 years of experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. She began her dental education with a six-year program at the Ovidius University School of Dentistry, then moved to the U.S. and earned her second dental degree at the Nova University School of Dentistry. Today, she’s a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. She has the extensive training and state-of-the-art equipment to provide each step of the implant process in the office, including oral surgery. You can request an appointment on the website or call (561) 404-4804.