Dental Implants have allowed millions of people to replace their teeth with lifelike restorations that look, feel, and work just like the real thing. While dentists regard them as the ideal form of tooth replacement, receiving them involves a significant commitment of time. Here’s a brief guide to the dental implant process including some information on how long you can expect the surgery to last.
Before Receiving Dental Implants
The dental implant process begins with a consultation with your dentist so they can determine if you can be a suitable candidate for the treatment. While some patients may not be able to receive dental implants at that time, they may be able to become excellent candidates after receiving treatments like gum disease therapy or bone grafting. Gum disease treatments can take several appointments, and recovering from bone grafting can take several months, but the patient will be ready to have implant surgery afterward.
How Long Does Dental Implant Surgery Take?
The length of a dental implant surgery depends mostly on the number of implants being placed as each one adds an hour or two to the procedure. The implants are placed after the patient receives an appropriate anesthetic treatment, and they may receive dental sedation as well if they need any extra help staying comfortable. However, this surgery is not known for being especially distressing, and patients often report that receiving a dental implant is far easier than having a tooth extraction.
The Recovery Period
You’ll be ready to go home and rest as soon as your dental implant surgery is over. While it takes several months to recover completely, it’s important to go especially easy on your new titanium post for the first few days. A few excellent tips include:
- Stick to a soft diet, as crunchy or sticky foods can stress or dislodge your new implant
- Avoid hot, sugary, or acidic foods and beverages that can irritate the surgical site
- Enjoy plenty of foods that are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D to help your jawbone heal
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers or ice packs to manage discomfort as needed
After about three months, your implant should be ready to receive the abutment piece, which involves making a small incision in your gums after you receive an appropriate anesthetic treatment. After you heal from this procedure over the next few weeks, you will be ready to receive a lifelike dental crown that allows your implant to look and function just like a real tooth.
The time spent getting dental implants can be a fantastic investment. With excellent care, a dental implant can last for thirty years or even a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew earned his dental degree at New York University and completed residencies at Bellevue, Gouverneur, NYU, and Coler-Goldwater hospitals. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. His office in Staten Island offers dental implants, oral surgery, tooth extractions, and sedation dentistry. To book your dental implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (718) 568-0405.