Dental implant restorations can vary from patient to patient, depending on your oral health, the number of implants needed, and how well your jawbone heals and fuses with the implants.
Each Step In the Process
- You and your doctor will have a consultation to map out the plan and expected timeframe for dental implants. This could vary between 1 or 2 visits, so that your doctor can take x-rays and CT scans, so we can tell where exactly you need your implants.
- If needed, you can have a tooth extraction done. Now, this isn't a step that everyone needs in their timeline for implants, but if you have weak or damaged bone in your mouth, we extract it to make sure you have a good foundation for your implants to go on, and this healing process can take up to 4 months.
- Surgery for your implant should be about an hour long, where we place the implant post into your jawbone. You will be fully numb for this part, and you shouldn't feel pain, likely just a slight pressure.
- The healing process should take around 3 to 4 months, and in that time, osseointegration happens, which is your jawbone fusing to the implants. This is the critical time to listen to your doctor about healing habits after surgery.
- After surgery is done and your mouth is healed, that's when we go back in with an abutment and restoration. This is where we go in and attach everything together, then we test your bite to make sure everything is correct.
The full dental implant process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on healing and any additional procedures required. We are here to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Be Patient, Healing Is a Process
If you have questions or concerns or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us at Waters Family Dentistry to see whether dental implants in Anderson, SC, are the best option for you.