How Long Does it Take to Get a Dental Implant?
By Mark Falke | Published on September 13, 2010 | 0 Comments
Since dentistry has been a staple of American medicine for decades now, sometimes the advancements in technology and new available treatments fly under the radar or are simply taken for granted. However, if you take a moment to compare the treatments that you received as a young child—think drills and silver fillings—to the procedures dentists are able to provide now—crowns, composite fillings, laser dentistry—they appear to be two completely different worlds.
One of the greatest advancements, which many dentists offer in their offices now, has been awarded to dental implants, which give the appearance of natural teeth where the originals no longer exist. A half a century ago when dental implants were invented by a Swedish scientist, he could have never plausibly imagined how his creation would shape dentistry. Even still, over 50 years later, dentists are continuously working to perfect the look of the artificial teeth, and patients are rejoicing over the natural look and feel of their replacement teeth.
At Taylor Dental Associates Inc., Mark Falk D.D.S. fits patients for new dental implants in Austin all the time. Historically, he explains, implants started out as blade implants which sat on the surface of the bone in your mouth, but have changed remarkably since then. Now, Dr. Falke says, the device is implanted directly into your jaw so that it replaces the root of your former tooth and a replica of your tooth is placed on top. Additionally, almost regardless of where you have lost a tooth or set of teeth, your dentist can work to replace them with one of the following types of implant locations:
Single tooth replacements: Without sacrificing the look or health of the surrounding teeth, a single dental implant is surgically placed into your jaw by your dentist. After the implant is placed, you are fitted for a crown, which will cover the implant and provide the appearance of your natural smile.
Anterior Replacements: The anterior part of your mouth consists of the six upper and six lower teeth in the front of your mouth that are most likely to appear when you smile. Because these are some of the most noticeable teeth, it is important to have any spaces or gaps fixed.
Posterior Replacements: Just as the anterior implants focus on the front teeth in your mouth, posterior implants can replace teeth that have been lost in the back of your mouth. These implants must be able to withstand the pressure of constant chewing, as we mostly use our back teeth when consuming food.
Full Arch Replacements: These implants, which replace an entire row of teeth, help restore your ability to chew and also lessen the probability that the bones in your mouth will shrink, which is typical when the teeth in the arch of your mouth are missing for a prolonged period of time.
Once it is decided where the implant is going to be placed and the amount of new teeth you will be receiving, Dr. Falke explains that your dentist can move forward with the actual implantation. Traditionally, he says, your dentist will place the implant into the jaw and then allow the mouth to heal before placing the restorative tooth or teeth. While healing periods vary for patients, Dr. Falke says that most of the time, the process takes about six months.
However, as technology continues to advance, the possibility of same-day teeth is becoming more attainable. In this instance, he explains, the dentist places the implant into your jaw and then fits you for a provisional tooth in the very same visit. This is generally only possible when you are doing a single tooth replacement and not when you are in need of multiple implants. Dr. Falke points out, however, that the idea of “same day teeth” does not tell the entire truth. While yes, your implant and tooth can be placed on the same day, you will still need to visit your dentist for consultations and possible teeth cleanings or extractions, which, he says, could take a few appointments.
Before you decide on an implant or any other form of cosmetic surgery, it is advised that you speak with your dentist about all of your options and receive a complete oral examination. In order to obtain the perfect smile, you first need a healthy mouth.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.