The more complex a treatment is, the longer the overall treatment is expected to take. In the case of dental implants in Carrollton, there are many factors to consider when determining the length of your unique case. Dental implants are designed to provide replacement teeth that lasts for many decades, so it’s worth taking the time to learn and undergo the treatment that is traditionally longer than most.
Factors That Influence Treatment Length
Dental implants rely on your existing bone tissue in order to integrate properly. That means those who have had missing teeth for a long time may not be eligible for dental implants, at least not right away. Before implantation and healing begins, a bone graft may be necessary to increase your overall bone volume. This process utilizes bone from either another area of the body or from a donated cadaver to increase the density and strength of your current jaw bone. Bone grafts can take three to four months to effectively heal alone.
Furthermore, if you have a dental condition, especially gum disease, then that’s going to require treatment before implantation can start. Healthy gum tissue is crucial to ensuring proper healing around the implant as well as creating a stable foundation for many years to come.
Single Tooth Implants vs. Multiple Teeth
Another important factor to consider is the number of teeth you intend on replacing as this will influence the number of implants you need to have integrated. Fortunately, implants are incredibly effective at anchoring restorations, which means you will not necessarily need an implant for every tooth you are replacing. For example, a single tooth replacement may require one implant, while a more extensive restoration like a dental bridge only requires two implants, despite being able to replace three to four teeth at a time. The same goes for implant-retained dentures, which replace an entire arch of teeth using only four to six implants.
The Overall Treatment Process
Overall, you should be expected to commit at least 6 to 8 months to the entire dental implant process. Keep in mind this is the typical time frame for planning, placement, healing and restoration. Therefore, placing multiple implants only takes more planning, which expands the overall treatment length further.
The planning stages involve taking X-rays and visiting an oral surgeon so a surgical guide can be created. This guide ensures that your surgery is as smooth and predictable as possible, increasing the chances of a successful outcome. After all planning is complete, you’ll have the implants placed and given time to heal. Healing time can also vary depending on if the implant was placed in the upper or lower arch. Once the implant has fully integrated, you’ll come back to the original office you had your consultation at to have the implant restored with a crown, bridge or denture.
Are you ready to speak with a dental professional on dental implants? Schedule a consultation with a dentist in Carrollton to get started!
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy earned her DDS degree from New York University. Her extensive training in restoring dental implants with high-quality crowns, bridges and dentures ensures that your replacement tooth will look and function as naturally as possible. To learn more about her practice, you can contact her through her website.