Dental Implant Treatment Timeline
Those who are missing teeth can replace them with dental implants. These restorations are currently deemed the most successful and longest-lasting replacement option. Dr. Byron J. Nordhus places and restores dental implants at our Wichita, KS, practice.
Many of our patients want to know the details of the dental implant treatment timeline. Length of treatment can vary depending on several factors, including oral health, healing time, and complexity of the case. However, the basic steps remain the same no matter what the circumstances. Here, we will outline the phases of dental implant treatment so you can be well-informed.
Initial Consultation
The first step is to schedule an appointment at our Wichita practice. During this visit, Dr. Nordhus will take x-rays, clinical photographs, and gather other important diagnostic information. We will discuss your oral health goals and discuss your medical history in detail to make sure dental implant treatment is right for you.
Preparatory Procedures
In some cases, patients may need to undergo preparatory procedures before having dental implants placed. For some, this may involve extracting damaged or decayed teeth. In other cases, this may require bone grafting or sinus lifts to prepare the jawbone for the implants. Additional healing time will be necessary in many cases.
Not everyone will need preliminary treatment. But this step is crucial for those who do.
Dental Implant Placement
Once the jawbone is healthy, dental implants can be placed during an oral surgery appointment. Dr. Nordhus references scans and x-rays to identify important orofacial landmarks, and strategically positions the implants into the jawbone.
Sometimes a restoration is attached during this step. But in many cases, the implant is covered with a healing cap and the restoration is attached later on. If the implants are being placed in the smile zone, your dentist will place a temporary restoration so you will not have to deal with gaps or spaces in your smile.
Healing Period
Osseointegration is essential to the long-term health and stability of an implant. This process allows the surrounding bone to fuse to the implant post. Bone tissue actually grows into microscopic holes on the implant surface. All in all, this process takes about three to six months, longer in some cases.
Placement of the Final Restoration
Once integration is complete, the final restoration can be attached. Single implants are restored with crowns, while multiple implants may be restored with fixed or removable bridges or dentures.
To attach a restoration, a small connector post, called an abutment, is placed. This component extends just beyond the gums and provides an anchor for the crown, bridge, or denture. There are several different types of abutments, depending on the kind of restoration being added.
Learn More about Dental Implants
Dental implants are incredibly effective and can last a lifetime with proper care. To learn more about this restorative option, schedule a visit at our Wichita practice. Our team is always here to answer questions about potential treatment. Contact us online anytime or call our office at (316) 721-6730.
