Dental implants are a marvel of modern dentistry, and over the last few decades, they have become extremely popular. Between 2000 and 2016 the number of dental implants rose by 5% and this number has been steadily climbing since. The reason for this increase is twofold: the aging population in the United States is rising as more members of the Baby Boomer generation reach advanced age; and, medical advancements and dental education have made the procedure much more effective. Understanding the dental implant timeline is crucial for patients considering this transformative tooth replacement option.
Full and partial dentures were once considered the end-all-be-all of tooth replacement. However, as implants become more accessible and effective, they are replacing dentures as the preferred choice for many dental patients. This is because they are a permanent solution as opposed to dentures which are removable and require periodic refitting. They are also extremely stable and durable, functioning just as a natural tooth would. This stands in contrast to dentures which tend to slip around and affect speech and eating.
People often wonder how long the dental implant timeline takes, which will be addressed later in the article. First, it is important to understand the dental implant process.
What Does a Dental Implant Entail?
A dental implant is effectively a replacement tooth root. Teeth are affixed to the bone of the jaw by the root, i.e., the half that faces the jawbone and is concealed by gum tissue. When the tooth is lost or removed, a space is created in its place. This space is where the implant is placed. The implant itself is a metal fixture that is fused to the jawbone where the root once was. This provides a place to affix a replacement tooth, typically a full crown. A full crown is a full custom-made tooth composed of porcelain or ceramic. The crown will be attached to the implant; once it is fully attached, it will look and function just like the remaining natural teeth. Implants can replace one tooth, multiple teeth or even full sets of upper and lower teeth.
How Long Does the Implant Process Take?
The time it takes to complete dental implants varies case by case. This is due to several factors, including the strength of the patient’s jawbone and the number of implants they are getting. Typically, however, a patient can expect the process to take over one month due to the time it takes for bone material to heal. At first, this may seem like a long time, but when compared to the prospect of enjoying a lifetime of strong, healthy replacement teeth, it is insignificant. Dental implants are a truly remarkable tooth replacement option, and patients will soon forget the process even happened as they enjoy the full potential of their restored smile.