Find out how long it can take to get your permanent dental implant.
You’re considering turning to our Chesapeake, VA, dentists Dr. Harry Squire and Dr. Paul LeTellier for dental implants but you have some questions first. We understand. It’s important to get all the facts about restorative dentistry so you can make the best decision for the long-term health of your smile. Here’s what you should know about the dental implant process.
Determining Whether Implants are Right for You
Before you get dental implants, our Chesapeake, VA, dental team will first need to make sure that you are right for this tooth replacement. To do this, we will sit down with you and go through your detailed medical history to make sure that you are healthy enough for implants. We will also perform x-rays to make sure that the jawbone is strong enough to support your implant. We will also ask you questions regarding your treatment goals to make sure that implants align with what you’re looking for.
The Dental Implant Process
It will take multiple visits to get dental implants from our Chesapeake, VA, family dentists. During the first visit, we will perform a minor surgical procedure right here in our office to place the dental implant into the jawbone. The process doesn’t typically take more than one hour to complete. After the implant has been placed, we will allow the jawbone and tissue to fuse around the implant to anchor it permanently into place. It takes anywhere from 3-6 months for the implant to completely fuse with the jawbone (this process is known as osseointegration).
Once the implant and jawbone are permanently bonded together, the next step is to place the abutment on top of the implant. An abutment functions like a prepped tooth ready for a dental crown. It will serve to connect the implant with the artificial tooth. It typically takes about 4-6 weeks for the gums to heal once the abutment is placed. Once healing is complete, then we will permanently cement the crown over the abutment to complete the dental implant. Most people will be able to get their complete restoration in about one year.
Have questions about getting dental implants from our Chesapeake, VA, dental team? Want to find out if you’re an ideal candidate for treatment? If so, call Chesapeake Family and Implant Dentistry at (757) 436-0026 to schedule a no-risk consultation.