How long does take a dental implant take to put in?
The time it takes to place a dental implant can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the experience of the dental professional. However, the general process typically involves multiple stages, each with its own time requirements:
Dental Implant Timeline
“Dental Implant Timeline: From Consultation to Crown Placement”
- Initial Consultation and Planning:
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- The dentist or oral surgeon assesses the patient’s dental health, takes X-rays or 3D scans, and plans the implant procedure.
- Tooth Extraction (if necessary):
- Duration: 20 to 40 minutes per tooth.
- If a tooth needs to be extracted before placing the implant, this step is performed first. Healing time may be required before proceeding with the implant.
- Bone Grafting (if necessary):
- Duration: 30 to 60 minutes.
- If the jawbone is not thick or dense enough, a bone graft may be needed. Healing time can range from 3 to 6 months.
- Implant Placement Surgery:
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- The actual placement of the dental implant typically takes about 1 to 2 hours per implant, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Healing and Osseointegration:
- Duration: 3 to 6 months.
- After the implant is placed, it needs time to integrate with the jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, usually takes several months.
- Abutment Placement:
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment (a connector piece) is placed on top of the implant. Sometimes, a healing cap is used first, and the abutment is placed later.
- Crown Placement:
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- The final step is attaching the dental crown (the artificial tooth) to the abutment. This can be done during a single visit.
Overall, from the initial consultation to the final crown placement, the process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on individual circumstances and any additional procedures required.
