Do you need a dental implant? Then you probably have a lot of questions about the procedure. Most people new to the idea of dental implants make a lot of assumptions. After all, it sounds like a big deal. In truth, most patients who come through Rockville Dental Arts tell us the experience was more like getting a filling.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
How long the procedure takes depends on a few factors. Two of the major factors are your dental health and the experience of your dentist.
At Rockville Dental Arts, Dr. Norkiewicz has been performing dental implants for over 20 years and has amassed over 2000 implants with a 98% success rate. They’re handled in-house daily, with an easy and pain-free procedure.
With a healthy patient, one dental implant can take just 10 to 20 minutes to perform. Two implants can take up to 30 minutes.
Some patients may need full mouth implants. For most clear choice dental implant patients we use guided surgery done with a 3D jaw scan. This allows us to precisely place the implants exactly where the bone is based off the cone beam scan. This procedure is done quickly and efficiently and only takes approximately one hour.
If teeth need to be removed or other dental work is being done at the same time, the procedure may take a bit longer. You can ask your dentist about what to expect.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Dental Implant Procedure?
Again, this answer is dependent on your own dental health.
The health of your gums, jawbone, and teeth will all be taken into consideration by your dentist before determining that you are a good candidate for dental implants. Some patients may need to have bone grafting done on their jawbone before the procedure to make sure they’re in their best health so the implant will last long term.
While your health will be checked to make sure you’re a great candidate for a dental implant, some patients will still heal faster than others. For a dental implant to completely heal will take somewhere between six and twelve weeks.
However, keep in mind that you’ll feel better much sooner than that.
What To Expect While Recovering From A Dental Implant Procedure
If you’re wondering how long does a dental implant procedure take, then you’re probably also wondering about the recovery process.
The first thing to remember is that the procedure itself will use anesthetic and be pain-free, so you don’t need to worry.
In the following few days, the gums around the implant may be sore. This can usually be handled by most patients with over the counter painkillers and warm compresses. If the pain is worse than that, you should contact your dentist right away. You can always communicate with your dentist about your experience to make sure you’re healing properly. At Rockville Dental Arts, our team is always available to answer questions.
Some of the side effects some patients experience in the days after a dental implant procedure include minimal pain, mostly a sore feeling in the gums, possible bruising of the skin and gums, minor bleeding at the site, and minor swelling of the gums and face. It can also be difficult to chew and eat immediately after the procedure.
Answering Your Questions About Dental Implant Procedures
A great dentist will always be willing to answer your questions about your dental health. Never be afraid to ask things like “How long does a dental implant procedure take?” or “Do dental implants hurt?” or “How dental implants work?” The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.
Do you have any questions? Are you ready to schedule a consultation? Get in touch with our team at Rockville Dental Arts today.