How Long Does The Dental Implant Process Take?

If you’re interested in dental implants in Shirley, Lunenburg, Groton, and the surrounding areas, Dr. Matthew Annese is here to help. But how long does it take to get an implant at Nashoba Valley Dental? Find out below! 

A Single-Tooth Implant Usually Takes Between 6-8 Months To Complete

You’ll visit Nashoba Valley Dental multiple times over a period of 6-8 months to get a dental implant. This is the usual time-frame for a single-tooth implant. However, the time it takes to restore your smile may be a bit different depending on your case.

For example, if you have a dead tooth that requires extraction and replacement, it must be pulled and the area must heal for several months before the implant process can begin. The same is true if you require a bone graft to strengthen your jaw bone before your implant is placed.

After your initial consultation, Dr. Annese can help you determine how long you can expect your dental implant treatment to take, so feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment if you’re interested in more information.

Understanding The Dental Implant Process – In-Office Time & Healing Time 

6-8 months may seem like a long time for a piece of dental work. But actually, most of this time will be spent waiting for your implant to heal properly. 

In total, you’ll only spend a couple of hours at Nashoba Valley Dental throughout the entire process. Here’s what you can expect.

1. Initial appointment – At your initial appointment, Dr. Annese will make sure you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If he thinks an implant is right for you, he will begin preparing your treatment plan.
   
   
2. Implant surgery – You will come back a few weeks after your initial appointment to have your implant surgically placed by Dr. Annese. This is a short, simple procedure. Afterward, you’ll be sent home with healing instructions.
   
   
3. Healing & recovery – It will take up to 6 months for the implant to “osseointegrate” with your bone. This is why dental implants take such a long time. However, it’s important to wait until the bone is fully healed, because this is what ensures the implant will attach permanently to your mouth.
   
   
4. Abutment placement – About 1-2 weeks before your final appointment, you’ll need to have a quick follow-up surgery to expose your dental implant and place a small “abutment” on the implant. This is what your implant restoration will attach to, restoring your smile.
   
   
5. Final implant restoration – As mentioned above, this will usually happen between 6-8 months after your initial appointment. Dr. Annese will attach a custom-built crown to your dental implant, completing the procedure and restoring your tooth.
   

Dental Implants Are Worth The Commitment – Schedule An Appointment Today!

6-8 months may seem like a long time, but considering that your dental implant will likely last you for the rest of your life, it’s definitely worth investing the time in getting implants at Nashoba Valley Dental. If you’d like to learn more and see if dental implants are right for you, just give us a call at (978) 425-9088 or contact us online.