Dental Implants are a great option to restore broken, decayed or missing teeth. Implants:
• Are a better alternative to dentures,
• Allow you to eat your favorite foods easily, and
• Look and feel just like “natural” teeth.
One of the most common questions we get is
“But How Long Will This Implant Process Take, Doc?”
Before diving into how long the process takes, let’s cover the basics of dental implant treatment.
Dental implant treatment is a surgical procedure that replaces the root of a tooth. For years, bridges or dentures were the only way to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth. While these are still great options, dental implants offer more advantages for many cases.
Here at Bayway Dental, we handle all procedures for Dental Implant Treatment. We can address everything from a single missing tooth, to several teeth, to an entire jaw (or both jaws).
First, we remove the tooth if necessary (via a surgical tooth extraction), and ensure the empty socket is well prepared for the new tooth with a socket preservation (bone graft).
Next, we place the dental implant (root). During the healing process, your new dental implant will fuse with your bone. This process, known as osseointegration, ensures a strong and stable bond between your tooth’s new root (dental implant) and your bone.
This healing process is important and ensures your dental implant has the stability needed to chew again – just like you would with a regular tooth! Once you’re fully healed, we handle the placement of your new tooth on top (dental implant crown and implant abutment).
Remember – we also offer all forms of Dental Sedation. This helps so many of our patients who have been putting off dental work overcome their fears and get the treatment they need.
And of course, all these procedures are done by the same doctor, ensuring predictable and long-lasting results for you!
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implant Treatment?
Dental Implant treatment might sound like a lot – especially if you haven’t been to the dentist in years. However, it helps to remind yourself that this is a routine procedure with predictable results. Did you know that implant dentistry is the second oldest dental procedure? Mayans were known to use shell pieces to replace missing teeth as early as 600 AD.
There are many benefits to dental implant treatment, as stated by the American Academy of Periodontology such as:
• Improved Smile
Since Dental Implants are carefully designed to fit your mouth, they look and feel just like your natural teeth. They will improve your smile immediately. This is always a confidence booster!
• Preservation of Jawbone
Ever hear the phrase, “If you don’t use it, you lose it?” It’s true that your body will wear away bone in your jaw that is not “used” with a tooth on top. The forces of chewing every day are keeping your bone healthy and strong. When a tooth is lost, that open space tells your body, “I don’t need to spend energy on this bone anymore”, and it wears away (atrophies).
With a dental implant, that new root serves as an anchor to preserve your jawbone. This prevents shifting of your nearby teeth and keeps your bite in alignment.
• Eat What You Want!
Dental implants are more durable than dentures, since they are literally anchored to your bone (just like your natural teeth). This makes it easier to eat foods that you may have had trouble with before. Enjoy eating whatever you want again!
• Long Lasting Results
Once fused to your jawbone, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. Our success rate at Bayway Dental is over 98%! With results like this, we literally guarantee our work!
So, How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?
The reality is there’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer to this question. From the procedure itself to the healing period, every aspect depends on you as the patient. Remember – we are literally creating custom body parts!
If you’re missing a lot of teeth or an entire jaw, you may be a candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implant Surgery, or our Same Day Smile. This gives you a new smile the same day of your surgery!
The Dental Implant healing process takes 3-4 months, on average. This doesn’t mean you go without a tooth during that time – we’ve got options to keep you smiling while you heal.
Our Dental Implant process is generally 4 Stages:
1. Consultation & Exam
At your first appointment, Dr. Sherberg takes a 3D image of your mouth using our CBCT Scan. This helps him create a customized plan for the placement of your implant.
Using carefully designed surgical guides, we work behind the scenes prior to your next appointment to ensure your surgery day is as quick as possible. We’ve carefully planned exactly where your implant will go, so when you show up, we get right to work.
2. Dental Implant Appointment
When you show up, we are ready for you. Your entire procedure has been planned, we’ve ordered the exact size implants for you, and your custom surgical guide is ready for use.
The length of your appointment will depend on how many implants you’re having fitted.
If you’re anxious about this appointment, we will administer the form of Dental Sedation that is best for you. Patients of ours do not “white-knuckle” their way through dental treatment here – we ensure you feel relaxed and calm the entire time.
3. Your Healing Process
Once your dental implants are in place, your mouth will need to heal. Again, the length of time this takes will vary by individual.
Immediately after the procedure, most of our patients have little to no discomfort. Since our dental implants are placed with surgical guides, there is minimal downtime.
The healing we’re referring to is the silent process of your new implant bonding with your bone. There should be no discomfort associated with this process. If there is, you give us a call and we will address it.
Initially, you’ll receive temporary crowns (false teeth on top) while your mouth adjusts to the implants. After several months, or when your implants have fused with your bone, you will receive your permanent new teeth!
Call Us Today to Start Your Dental Implant Treatment
You can now see that we have a predictable and routine process for placing dental implants. Schedule an appointment at our St. Petersburg, FL office today to learn how Dental Implants can help you.
And remember, at Bayway Dental, we don’t believe fear should hold you back from getting the dental care you deserve. We promise to NEVER judge you for not visiting the dentist sooner.
No lectures. No Judgment. Just Care.
