If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, you’re likely eager to begin the journey to restoring your smile. One important question you might have is, “How long does dental implant surgery take?” Having this information can help you get ready for the treatment. Thankfully, your Falls Church dentist can give you all the details you need. Let’s explore the dental implant process, including how long it typically takes and some tips for a smooth recovery.
What Does the Implant Process Entail?
After the consultation, the first step in the dental implant process is the surgery itself. This begins with numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic to ensure comfort. Then, a small incision is made in your gums to create space for the implant. The dentist carefully inserts the implant into the prepared area and stitches the incision to promote healing.
Following the surgery, the process moves into the next stages. Initially, there’s a recovery period to allow your gums to heal from the incision. Once this healing is complete, you’ll receive the abutment. Finally, in the last phase, the dentist will attach the final restoration to complete the implant.
How Long is the Actual Treatment?
Understanding how dental implants work can help you figure out how long the whole treatment will take. When you’re in the surgery phase, putting in one implant usually takes about 1-2 hours because it’s quite detailed work. If you’re getting more than one implant, the surgery might take longer. To speed things up, your dentist might use special tools like a CT scanner to plan where the implants should go.
After the surgery, there are different stages to go through. Your gums need about 1-2 weeks to heal up after the surgery before they’re ready for the next step, which is getting the abutment(s). Then, you’ll have to wait 3-6 months after the surgery for the final part, where the implant or implants fully attach to your jawbone.
How Should You Handle Your Recovery?
Following surgery, there are steps you can take to speed up your recovery. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind:
- Eat Soft Foods – During your recovery, stick to eating soft foods. This will help prevent irritation at the treatment site and ensure the implant fuses smoothly.
- Get Plenty of Rest – For the first one or two days after implant surgery, be sure to rest as much as possible. Also, try to keep your head elevated whenever you can.
- Be Careful of the Surgical Site – As needed, apply ice intermittently to the surgical site to reduce swelling.
While it’s natural to be excited about your upcoming smile transformation, it’s important to remember that undergoing implant surgery takes time and healing. Being aware of this is vital for ensuring the successful healing and lasting beauty of your new smile!
About the Practice
Dr. Sheng Ji has been providing dental care from his Carmichael practice for over twenty years. He delights in boosting patients’ confidence in their smiles and educating them about optimal oral care practices. His office offers a range of services, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as emergency procedures. Specializing in high-quality dental implant surgery, they can completely renew your smile. To discover more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ji and his team, visit their website or call their office at (916) 961-1902.