Wondering how long it takes to get dental implants in San Diego from Rio Vista Family Dentistry? Depending on your oral health, it could take as little as 4-6 months, or up to 12 months or longer. Take a look at the dental implant timeline below to get a step-by-step breakdown of what’s involved in the process:
1. Initial Consultation – 1 Day
Your initial consultation with your doctor is what determines whether or not you’re a good candidate for implants. Through a comprehensive oral exam, he’ll ensure that your mouth is healthy enough for an implant. If your treatment is approved, you’ll schedule your implant surgery.
(Optional) Pre-Treatment Surgeries – 3-12 Months
In some cases, you may need pre-treatment surgeries like a bone graft to restore your jaw bone, a tooth extraction to make room for an implant restoration, or bone smoothing (alveoloplasty) to prepare for an implant. Depending on your situation and oral health, it could take anywhere from 3-12 months to fully recover from these treatments.
2. Implant Placement – 1-2 Weeks
Your implant will be placed about 1-2 weeks after your initial consultation. Your doctor will use her treatment plan to place your implant directly into your gum and jaw bone. The area will be cleaned and stitched shut to promote healing, and you’ll be sent home.
3. Healing & Recovery – 3-6 Months Or Longer
It takes between 1-2 weeks for the initial healing process. However, your implant must also “osseointegrate” with your jaw bone. This means it fully bonds with the bone, becoming a natural part of your mouth. This process can take 3-6 months or longer, depending on your case.
4. Building Your Implant Restoration – During The Recovery Process
Building your implant happens simultaneously while you recover from your implant placement. You’ll come in for a few follow-up appointments with your doctor during the healing process. As your mouth heals, she will take impressions and images of your gums, teeth and implant. This information will be used by our dental lab partners to build your implant restoration, such as a dental crown.
5. Getting Your Abutment Placed – 1-2 Weeks
A week or two before your final appointment, you’ll need an abutment to be placed. The abutment is what your permanent implant restoration will attach to. This involves folding back the gum tissue from your appointment, placing an abutment, and placing a healing collar or temporary tooth on the abutment to keep the gums from healing around it.
6. Placing Your Final Implant Restoration – 1 Day
About 1-2 weeks after your abutment has been placed, you’ll come in for your final appointment. Your doctor will remove your healing collar or temporary tooth and check your permanent implant-supported restoration to make sure it fits. Then, she will bond it into place permanently, completing the procedure.
How Long Will Your Treatment Take? Find Out With A Consultation At Our Office!
Your dental implant timeline depends on your oral health, the pre-treatment surgeries you may require, and how well you care for your implant after surgery. Want to know more? Find out if you’re a good candidate for implants with a consultation at Rio Vista Family Dentistry. Contact us or give us a call at (619) 299-1122 to get started.
