The length of dental implant treatment varies from patient to patient. Some straightforward treatments can be completed relatively quickly, while more complex treatment involving bone grafting, several implants or multiple replacement teeth may take considerably longer.
What affects the treatment time?
Several factors can influence how long dental implant treatment takes, including the amount and quality of available bone, the number and position of implants required, whether additional procedures are needed and how quickly healing takes place.
In selected cases, it may be possible to provide a temporary tooth or teeth on the day implants are placed. In other situations, allowing the implant time to integrate with the surrounding bone before it supports a restoration is the more appropriate approach.
The stages of dental implant treatment
1. Assessment and treatment planning
Treatment begins with a detailed assessment. This may include X-rays, three-dimensional imaging and digital scans where appropriate. I will assess your teeth, gums, bite and available bone before planning the position of the implants and the replacement teeth they will support.
2. Any necessary preparatory treatment
Some patients require treatment before implants are placed. This might include an extraction, treatment of existing dental or gum problems or bone grafting.
3. Implant placement
The dental implant is carefully positioned in the jawbone. Depending on the individual situation, a temporary restoration may sometimes be provided at this stage.
4. Healing and osseointegration
The bone then heals around the implant in a process called osseointegration. The time required varies according to the implant site, bone quality, treatment undertaken and the individual patient’s healing.
5. Creating the replacement tooth or teeth
Once the implant is ready, digital scans or impressions can be used to create the crown, bridge or other restoration that will be supported by the implant.
6. Fitting the final restoration
The final restoration is fitted and the appearance, fit and bite are carefully assessed.
7. Long-term maintenance
Once treatment is complete, good daily cleaning and regular professional maintenance are important for monitoring the health of the implant and the surrounding tissues.
There is no single timetable that applies to every dental implant patient. Following your assessment, I will explain the stages involved in your particular treatment and give you a realistic indication of how long I expect it to take.