How Long Do Implants Take from Start to Finish?

Dental implants are often discussed in general terms, which is why it can sometimes feel difficult to get the answers you’re looking for. If you’re wondering what you’re in store for, it highly depends on not just your oral health but also your general health. Here, we’ll look at how implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH work, and why it’s not always easy to predict your individual timeline. (We’ll also look at why implants are still worth the investment.)

The Implant Timeline

Implants start with a consultation because, unfortunately, not everyone is able to get the service. If your gums or bone aren’t healthy enough, they won’t be able to support the metal post and abutment. A dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH will measure everything from your bone density to your alignment. The dentist then prep the site, which may include extracting a damaged tooth.

The next step is to place a metal post in your jaw and install a temporary crown until the post fuses with the jaw. This is what anchors the tooth, in much the same way the roots of your tooth do. When it comes to the healing time, it can take up to six months for the metal to fully fuse to the bone, but somewhat frustratingly, it can also be as little as six weeks.

After the dentist has confirmed that the implant has fused, they will add an abutment to the post to connect the permanent crown. This can take another few weeks to complete.

Why Invest in Implants?

If you value your time, you may know why some patients opt for other options to replace a tooth, like bridges or partial dentures. However, even though implants take some effort, you do get what you pay for. The time and money you invest is the best way to restore your smile while opening the door to a normal diet and reducing the odds of breakage if you endure unexpected physical trauma (whether from a fall or a hard grain of rice).

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact State Valley Dental today for more information. Our team can help you estimate your timeline and likely progress based on everything from your age to your genetic history to your overall oral health!