How Long Implants Take To Get
Having a missing tooth can be extremely annoying, unsightly and even uncomfortable. If you have a tooth that is missing, or you are going to have a tooth pulled, it’s important to consider your tooth replacement options, and which is right for you. One popular option for tooth replacement is dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are dental appliances that involve the installation of a titanium rod (or rods) to hold a false tooth (or teeth) in place. This creates a strong replacement that can last for many years.
The Importance of Tooth Replacement
One of the main reasons that people get a tooth replacement is the cosmetic appearance of their missing tooth, but there are many other reasons to have an implant placed. Without a tooth replacement, your teeth may begin to migrate over time. This can cause crowding, infections, tooth decay, gum disease and more. You may also notice that your jawbone begins to deteriorate over time. A tooth replacement can help to prevent a lot—or even all—of these issues. Dental implants are a particularly good tooth replacement option because they help to maintain the integrity of the jawbone—while also providing functional support.
The Process (and How Long It Takes)
The actual process of having a dental implant placed starts with a trip to the dentist for a consultation. If you are already having a tooth pulled, you may want to consider speaking with your dentist about whether or not you are a good candidate for an implant. They will then take a look at your jawbone, which will include taking x-rays. If they decide you are a good candidate, they will set an appointment for the procedure. If you are not immediately a good candidate, they may offer the option for a bone graft. If you agree, an appointment will be set for the grafting procedure. After a bone graft is completed, a few months may be needed for the area to fully heal.
The initial procedure of having a dental implant placed takes around 1-2 hours. The titanium rod will need time to fuse with the bone, and time will be needed for the area to heal. This recovery time may be as little as 4 weeks, but it can also be upwards of 12 weeks. Once the area is healed, the abutment will be fitted, and the tooth will be placed. The full process will often take as long as 3-9 months.
Speak with Your Dentist
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, and because of this, you’ll want to set an appointment with your dentist for a consultation about what tooth replacement options are right for you. They may determine that you are a candidate for dental implants, you are not a candidate or you may be a candidate with a bone graft. Once your dentist has made their decision, your dentist and you can make the best decision for your care.
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Learn More About Dental Implants : How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?