What is a Tooth Implant?
It’s essential to understand what you are dealing with to comprehend how long it takes to recover. A tooth implant is primarily to replace a missing tooth or missing teeth. Tooth loss can be due to gum disease, tooth decay, a failed root canal, or an accident.
Dental implants can help in all these cases, and this involves a prosthesis used by dentists to replace missing teeth. Implants are tiny titanium posts that dentists place in your jawbone. The titanium integrates with the jawbone making it stronger, making a solid anchor for artificial teeth.
The dental implant process has four stages: consultation, dental implant surgery, abutment placement, and crown fitting. The dentist will walk you through it all.
Stage One: Your Free Consultation
You’ll meet with your dentist for a consultation before getting dental treatment Melbourne. They’ll do a thorough physical examination, decide how many dental implants you’ll need, and make a surgical recommendation.
Your dentist will work with you to set a date for your dental implant if your gums are stable, the surrounding teeth are healthy, and your bone density is satisfactory.
If your dentist discovers a condition that could jeopardize the effectiveness of a dental implant, there are steps you may take to ensure your jaw and mouth are in good health.
These steps involve:
- Bone Graft – this creates more density for your jaw so it can support the dental implant. Depending on the extent of the graft, healing from this can take between two weeks to three months.
- Tooth Extraction is usually done when one or more teeth are decaying around the dental implant area. Depending on the type of extraction, you might need a local anesthetic or a more complicated surgery using a general anesthetic. Recovery from this can take up to one to two weeks.
Stage Two: Dental Implant Surgery
This is where it begins once your dentist determines that your jaw is healthy enough to implant.
Most patients opt for local anesthesia, but sleep dentistry is available should you prefer the thought of being asleep during the procedure.
Here is happens precisely during the dental implant procedure:
Your dentist will make a slight incision in your gums and
a titanium rod is placed into your jaw bone, where it will fuse over time.
Stage Three: Placing the abutment
The abutment is what connects your implant to your crown.
The procedure is also done under local anesthetic. The recovery time for the abutment is between two to six weeks.
Again, your dentist will give you instructions to follow on what to eat in between your procedures. It is also advised not to smoke during this entire process, so it does not impede your recovery time.
Stage Fourth: Artificial Teeth Selection and Implantation
The crown is custom made specifically for you. The dentist first builds a mould using 3D imaging or x-rays. It takes about six weeks for the crown to be ready.
Once your custom crown is ready, it is fitted in. This is the final procedure, and you will go home with your smile.
After this procedure, you may require about four weeks to recover if no other surgeries are required.
How long does it take to recover from dental implant surgery?
This is a frequently asked question as to how long it takes for dental implants to heal.
You will require a minimum of 24 hours to heal from the procedure. This allows the anesthetic to wear off. Your general health is also put into consideration when it comes to your recovery time. You also need to be careful what to eat after dental implant surgery
Your jaw needs time to heal and the titanium to integrate itself with your jaw bone. This can take from about eight weeks to nine months.
The healing process is based on the number of implants placed and your health. You would need to follow the dentist’s instructions to ensure the quickest recovery possible.
Since this is a procedure that is unique to each individual, several factors come into play. These factors include the state and shape of your mouth.
Dental Implant Recovery Time – Conclusion
While there are many steps involved when getting dental implants, following the dentist’s instructions and practising good dental hygiene will significantly help speed up your recovery process.
As we said earlier, it can take about six to eight months to recover.
Your health and the condition of your mouth play a significant role in the speed of your recovery as well.
Our friendly dentists at Glenferrie Dental will check in with you regularly to make your recovery as quick as possible.
Get a Free Dental Implant Quote From our Australian Trained Dentists
Dental implants are a significant undertaking that you would not want to entrust with just anyone. They are, however, worth the investment.
It is the most commonly chosen option with patients for missing teeth, and you get a more natural look and feel. You are looking to improve and change your life.
At the end of the day, you make a saving but can encounter many challenges. Put the health and care of your teeth in the hands of those you can trust.
Get a free quote today from Dr Peter Laird at Glenferrie Dental.