Going the Distance: How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?

In the field of restorative dentistry, dental implants are often heralded as the ideal treatment for the most serious smile concerns. They provide a permanent, effective solution for missing teeth and those that are damaged or decayed. At Smart Arches, our dental implant specialists provide first-class restorations by prioritizing two important things: exceptional results and patient comfort and convenience.

There are a few factors that can impact how long your dental implant procedure will take. But in most cases, a procedure that involves a single dental implant takes just 1-2 hours. Keep reading to learn all about dental implants, what to expect, and how long your treatment may take.

What is dental implant treatment?

Dental implant treatment is a surgical procedure that allows us to restore missing or damaged teeth with long-lasting, durable tooth replacements. The treatment itself involves extracting the existing tooth (if necessary) and surgically embedding a small post within the jawbone. An abutment is then placed on the implant to act as an anchor for a crown or bridge.

Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium or zirconia, which means that your implant will fuse with your jawbone over time and function just like the natural root of a tooth. Your tooth replacement will be custom-made and highly durable, so it will look, feel, and function exactly like a real tooth.

How long does the procedure take?

The amount of time it will take to complete your dental implant procedure depends on a variety of factors, including:

The number of implants being placed
The type of restoration used (generally a dental crown or a bridge)
Whether you’re getting an extraction and an implant on the same day
Sedation specifications
Your individual needs and goals

In general, it takes about 1-2 hours to complete a dental implant procedure that involves placing a single implant.

Before you schedule the procedure, you’ll visit our specialists for a FREE dental implant consultation. During this consultation, we’ll discuss your health history, perform an exam, take x-rays, and discuss your individual treatment plan with you. We’ll also answer any questions you have and make sure you understand what to expect from the process, including how long your procedure is likely to take.

Who’s a good candidate?

If you have missing or damaged teeth, dental implants may be the ideal solution. But what makes you a good candidate for dental implants? Here are a few characteristics of eligible patients:

Adequate bone density
Healthy gums
Good oral care and hygiene practices
No smoking or chewing tobacco
Not grinding teeth excessively

Keep in mind that even if you aren’t currently eligible for implant surgery, you don’t have to give up. Depending on your situation, the right preliminary treatments and/or lifestyle changes can help you achieve the foundational health you need to become a candidate for dental implants.

Types of dental implant treatments

Traditional implants

Conventional dental implants are a tried and true method for replacing one or more teeth. With a traditional procedure, each implant will be placed independently. We’ll then wait approximately 3-6 months for the implant to heal and fully fuse to the jawbone before securing your tooth replacement.

All-on-4 implants

If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, then the All-on-4 dental implant method is the best way to efficiently restore your smile without excessive cost or time commitment. In fact, with All-on-4, we can replace entire rows of teeth with just one convenient procedure.

This method is performed by securing four implants strategically. These implants serve as anchors to support a custom bridge or permanent dentures, giving you a full and beautiful smile without the hassle of placing an individual implant for every missing tooth

Same-day implants

While traditional dental implant treatment can take several months to fully complete, we also offer same-day implants. Same-day implants allow us to secure your implant and place your custom crown in the same appointment. Not only is this method ultra-convenient, but it also allows for more effective healing and fusion to the jawbone.

Related treatments

Depending on your situation and smile goals, your dental implant procedure may be performed as a standalone treatment or it may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to address other concerns.

If you’re suffering from tooth decay or have teeth that are severely damaged, you may require one or more extractions prior to having dental implants placed. Patients who don’t have sufficient bone volume or density to support implants may also require bone grafting prior to treatment.

In other cases, you may choose to pair your dental implants with one or more cosmetic dental treatments as part of a comprehensive smile makeover. Popular smile-makeover procedures that are frequently used in conjunction with implants include:

Clear aligners or braces
Gum lifts or reshaping
Dental veneers
Teeth whitening
Dental bonding
Crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations

What to expect from the recovery process

Recovery following a dental implant procedure is usually pretty smooth and straightforward. It’s common to experience some mild swelling and sensitivity for the first couple of days, but you should notice a significant improvement throughout the first week following treatment.

The majority of patients are completely recovered within 1-2 weeks after dental implant surgery. If you require bone grafting or have multiple implants placed during a single procedure, the process may take a little longer. At Smart Arches, we’ll give you comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure you have a smooth and comfortable recovery.

Smart Arches can provide you with the high-quality dental implant treatment you need!

At Smart Arches, you can rest assured that your smile is in good hands. We don’t just provide dental implants; we’re specialists with extensive training and experience in implant technology and dentistry.

We’re here to help you restore your smile and achieve your cosmetic and health-related goals. We love what we do and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.