If you are in need of replacement teeth you are likely wondering how a dental implant procedure works and the timeframes involved.
This is why understanding the dental implant procedure timeline is important to patient planning as well as comparing providers in terms of exploring the possibility of quicker, or as we’ll see below, less invasive solutions.
As with many healthcare options, practitioners who are well-versed in modern technologies can often provide more attractive solutions for their patients. At The Dental Implant Place in Ft. Worth, Texas, this is exactly why dental implant patients from over 20 states choose us for their teeth replacement options.
Below, we will outline the implant procedure timeline that is common at The Dental Implant Place, referred to as “Same-day implants.” As you will learn, there are many advantages to this approach and the types of treatments that are unique to our practice.
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However, it also makes sense for you as a patient to understand what the traditional dental implant procedure timeline looks like, so we will begin with an explanation of that.
As you’ll see, the same-day implant procedure we use at The Dental Implant Place is far less invasive, increases your comfort, and accelerates healing.
Traditional Dental Implants Timeline
- Initial consultation
- Second visit
- Extractions (if necessary)
- Up to 10 days healing process
- Third visit
- Implant surgery
- Fourth visit
- Suture removal (if necessary, 1-2 weeks from surgery)
- Fifth visit
- Placing the abutment (3-6 months from implant visit)
- Placement of a temporary crown
- Sixth visit
- Final tooth placement (2 weeks after abutment placement)
The timeline for a dental implant procedure can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. However, here is a general outline of the process.
Traditional dental implant process step by step
- Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with a dental implant doctor. During this appointment, the specialist will examine your mouth, take x-rays, and discuss your treatment options with you.
- Preparation: If you and the doctor decide that dental implants are the best option for you, the next step is to prepare the site where the implant will be placed. This may involve extractions or gum surgery to create a stable foundation for the implant.
- Extraction (if necessary)
- Implant placement: Once the site is prepared, the implant itself will be placed into the jawbone. This is typically done using local anesthesia and may require a surgical incision in the gum tissue. Many times, this will happen on the same day as the extraction. Temporary teeth are placed to help protect the site and provide aesthetic cover.
- Healing and osseointegration: After the implant is placed, it will need to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone tissue. This process, called osseointegration, can take several months. During this time, you may need to visit the dentist periodically to ensure that the implant is healing properly.
- Placement of the final restoration: The final step is to place the restoration on top of the implant. No abutment is necessary in our process. This may be a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the number of teeth being replaced and your specific needs.
Overall, the entire process can take anywhere from six weeks with no extraction to several months for full arch replacement to complete, with multiple appointments and procedures required along the way. It's important to follow your dentist's instructions and attend all necessary follow-up appointments to ensure the success of your dental implant treatment.
Tooth extraction and implant timeline
As noted, the timeline for tooth extraction and implant placement can vary depending on the individual patient's circumstances and the specifics of their case. However, here are some general timelines for these processes:
During the initial consultation, the dentist will examine the patient's mouth and take x-rays to determine if tooth extraction is necessary. If teeth are extracted, the patient will need to wait for the extraction site to heal before the implant can be placed.
This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the patient's healing rate and the condition of the extraction site.
Once the extraction site has healed, the implant can be placed. After the implant is placed, the patient will need to wait for the implant site to heal.
This can take several months, during which time the implant will integrate with the surrounding bone.
Same-Day Dental Implants Timeline from Dental Implant Place
- Initial consultation
- Second visit
- Extractions (if necessary)
- Implant surgery
- Placement of temporary teeth (bridge or denture)
- Third visit
- Final teeth placement (2-3 months after implant placement)
The alternative to the traditional dental implants timeline mentioned above is what is called same-day dental implants. At our Ft. Worth, Texas office patients come from far and wide to enjoy this innovative procedure for the time-saving benefits it provides.
As the name suggests, patients are able to get dental implants in one day as opposed to the months-long process involved in traditional dental implants.
Like traditional implants, the process begins with a consultation to determine if the patient qualifies for same-day implants and/or needs extractions.
In the event extractions are needed, our office also provides same-day tooth extractions and implants. This can save a few weeks to a few months from the traditional healing process as well as an additional visit to the dentist.
Opposed to the traditional method where you go without teeth post-surgery, same-day implant patients can chew solid foods while your mouth heals from your extractions.
In all, you are saving time going back and forth to the dentist for numerous procedures, check-ups, and potentially hidden bills.
Learn more about same-day dental implants
Dental Implant Procedure Timeline FAQ
How long do dental implants take from start to finish?
The process of dental implant placement typically takes several months to a year or more from start to finish. The exact timeline can vary depending on the individual patient's circumstances and the specifics of their case. However, with same-day dental implants, this start-to-finish process can be significantly reduced to a few months.
What are the stages of getting a dental implant?
The process of dental implant placement typically takes several months to a year or more from start to finish. The exact timeline can vary depending on the individual patient's circumstances and the specifics of their case. However, with same-day dental implants, this start-to-finish process can be significantly reduced to a few months.
How many trips to the dentist are required for an implant?
The dental implant procedure can involve as few as three visits to as many as five visits depending on the specific cases and needs of the patient. Full arch treatment requires many more visits and will vary depending on the type of restoration. At practices such as The Dental Implant Place, we use modern techniques that significantly reduce the number of visits required.
Do you get a temporary crown after a dental implant?
Temporary crowns are common at The Dental Implant Place after the implant is placed. Waiting for an abutment is not necessary. These temporary crowns are usually used for 2-6 weeks as the jawbone heals and a custom crown is made.
