Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant is a great solution, but it is not an instant answer. Getting a dental implant takes time, but it will be worth your wait. A dental implant feels and looks just like a regular tooth, and it will hold up well for a very long time. If you are interested in getting one, you may want to know how long it will take altogether for this to happen. Your dentist may not be able to give you an exact timeline of this process, but he or she may be able to give you a rough estimate, which will be based on several factors.
The Condition Of Your Jawbone
Before a dentist will begin the process of a dental implant, he or she will need to evaluate your jawbone and health to determine if you are a good candidate. A good candidate for an implant is typically a person that is healthy and that does not have gum disease. Having a sufficient amount of jawbone is also needed for this procedure. To determine these things, your dentist will need to examine your mouth and take x-rays to get a better image of the bone in your jaw.
If everything looks good to the dentist, he or she may go ahead and schedule the procedure to install the implant. Installing the implant is typically the first step, and this involves placing a small implant inside the jawbone.
If the dentist cannot install the implant due to a problem with your bone, you may first have to go through a bone grafting process. When this is needed, your procedure will take additional time to complete, because the dentist will have to wait until the grafting is complete and has mended completely with your existing bone. This will usually take between four to nine months.
How Fast The Osseointegration Process Occurs
When the dentist is ready to insert the implant in your jawbone, you will have more waiting to do. Once this happens, the process of osseointegration must occur, and this is the same process needed with a bone graft. This process refers to the way your jawbone will fuse around the implant inside your mouth. You cannot go on to the next step of the process until the fusion is completely finished.
The final step of the dental implant process involves two different things. The first thing the dentist will do is place a titanium post into the implant. The dentist can then place a crown (an artificial tooth) on the titanium post. A dentist cannot complete this step, though, until the implant is fully fused into your bone.
To determine if the implant is fused completely, the dentist may take x-rays or may use a hand-held device. This device is used to test the way the implant vibrates. From this, the dentist will be able to determine if the implant is ready to have the final step completed. The dentist will usually wait at least three months after installing the implant to test it.
The osseointegration process will occur within around three months in most cases; however, there are things that can delay the process. If you smoke, it could delay it because smoking causes slower healing times in the body. Certain diseases can also affect this process, including diabetes.
Every situation is slightly different when it comes to dental implants. If you are interested in learning more about these or other options for replacing missing teeth, contact a dentist in your area today. He or she will help you determine if you are a good candidate for implants.
Share23 February 2016
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