For most patients, dental implants can be placed in just one visit.
In this initial step, the dental implant is placed in either jawbone under local anesthetic, which is the same feeling you get when you have filling or crown done at your dentist. Alternative sedation options such as oral sedation or IV sedation are also available for this procedure. Most patients have very little discomfort following the procedure and claim that it is as easy as getting a filling. Over the first three to twelve weeks following this initial step, the implant begins integrating with the jawbone.
You will able to function normally during this time of healing.
After the implant has fully integrated to the jawbone, the second phase of treatment begins.
At this time point, your restorative dentist designs the final tooth replacement (implant-crown) to be put on top of your implant. The final crown will ultimately improve both your function and esthetics. This second phase of therapy involves an impression (mold) being taken of your mouth. Then, a small connector referred to as an abutment, is placed on top of the implant to anchor your new tooth (crown) to the implant. The entire procedure from the day of implant placement to the cementation of your final crown usually takes three to four months and most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily lives.
Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire bite. They can also be used to anchor dentures and partials to improve their fit and stability. Implants are designed to be long-term tooth replacements and last longer and more predictably than other tooth replacement options.
—Jeanette H.