How Long Do Dental Implants Take From Start to Finish – The Timeline To Expect

1. Your Initial Consultation With Us (1-2 Weeks).

Your dental implant journey begins with a consultation, which sets the foundation for the entire treatment process. Your consultation will include:

• An oral health evaluation with detailed imaging (panoramic x-rays, CT scans).
• A medical history review of your overall health, existing medical conditions, and any meds you’re taking.
• The development of a customized treatment plan.
• Explanation of anesthesia options (local, sedation, or general anesthesia).

During this consultation, we’ll assess whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, and explain how long the dental implants will take to put in based on your individual needs.

2. Prep Treatments If Needed (2-12 Weeks).

Sometimes patients need additional treatments before a dental implant can be placed, which can impact the timeline considerably, changing the answer to “how long do dental implants take?”. Examples of these extra treatments include:

• Tooth extractions to remove damaged teeth.
• Bone grafting for patients with insufficient jawbone density to hold the implant.
• Sinus lift for upper jaw dental implants.

Even though these prep steps lengthen the dental implant timeline, they are vital for dental implant fusion.

3. How Long Does It Take To Get Dental Implants - Placement (1-2 Hours).

A lot of our patients ask, “how long do dental implants take to put in,” and the answer is that the surgery itself is relatively quick, taking 1-2 hours. What’s involved?

1. Anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort.
2. A small incision is then made in the gumline.
3. The implant is inserted into the jawbone (computer-guided placement).
4. The incision is closed up with sutures.

Note: The timeline can be shortened if you’re a good candidate for same day dental implants, as these allow for a temporary crown to be placed the same day as the implant post.

4. How Long Do Dental Implants Take To Heal - The Osseointegration Period (3-6 Months).

If you’re booked in to get traditional dental implants and are wondering, “how long do dental implants take to heal” the answer is 3-6 months on average. The implant fuses with the jawbone during this time, and regular check-ups are needed to monitor the healing process. The length of this phase directly impacts how long dental implants take from start to finish, as proper integration is needed for the long-term success of your implant.

Post-Operative Care (1-2 Weeks).

The first 1-2 weeks of your healing period are the most critical. You’ll be prescribed pain medications, told to use ice packs to help with swelling, and given detailed instructions on a soft food diet and careful hygiene practices around the implant site.

5. The Abutment (Connector) Piece (2 Weeks)

Once your implant has fused successfully, a connector called an abutment is placed so that a new, permanent crown can be placed. This is a minor procedure that requires 2 weeks of gum healing.

6. The Final Restoration (2-3 Weeks)

After your gum tissue has healed from the abutment connection process, a custom-made crown is fabricated for you from dental impressions. This crown is attached to the abutment, and your bite is adjusted to ensure a proper fit.

7. Follow-Up Appointments Are Ongoing

You’ll receive regular check-ups to monitor your dental implant health, and you’ll be required to get professional cleanings. Always address issues promptly.