How Long Does It Take to Get Dental Implants?

How long does it take to get dental implants? We hear this question all the time. The traditional dental implant process can take anywhere from 6 months to a year—from consultation to the final tooth placement. Six to eight months is the most common timeline; it generally only takes longer if the patient requires pre-surgeries like bone grafting.

And while these types of traditional implants are still ideal for many patients, a growing number are seeking out alternatives like All-on-Four implants, which can be placed in a single day. Each type of implant offers its own unique benefits. 

The Traditional Implant Procedure

Traditional dental implants can take several months to complete because there are multiple steps involved—and a couple of those steps must be spaced out by weeks or months to ensure proper healing. 

Step 1: The Consultation 

The first step is the consultation. The dentist may take X-rays, CT scans, and other types of 3D images to examine your gum and jaw health and determine if you would be a good candidate for dental implants. They’ll also use this information to map out a custom plan for your procedure and help you to understand your options. 

Step 2: The Post Placement 

The post placement is the first surgical procedure you’ll undergo as a dental implant patient. Screws or posts are surgically implanted into the jaw bone to provide the foundation for your new teeth. Each post takes about an hour to place. Once this step is complete, it can take 3 to 6 months for the posts to fuse with the jaw bone (a process known as osseointegration). Only then can your oral surgeon complete the next step. 

Step 3: The Abutment Placement 

Once the post heals, the dentist places the abutment. The abutment is situated at the end of the post, where it will hold the new tooth in place. After the abutment is placed, your surrounding gum tissue will need to heal. The dentist may place a temporary tooth or healing collar over the abutment to prevent the gums from healing around it. The healing process can take up to 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes less), after which you’ll be ready to receive your crown.

Step 4: The Crown Placement 

Finally, the crown (the artificial tooth) is attached to the abutment. Now the procedure is complete. With proper care, your crown can last 15 years or longer before you’ll need to replace it. The post and abutment should last a lifetime. 

Factors That Can Influence How Long it Takes to Get Implants 

The above steps are pretty typical for a patient with excellent gum health and bone density. However, some patients have additional oral health complications that must be addressed prior to their dental implant placement. These complications can result in a longer treatment process.

Bone Grafting 

To be a good candidate for implant surgery, you must have healthy underlying bone material to work with. If the bone has degenerated due to poor oral health or because of missing teeth, the dentist or oral surgeon will typically need to perform a bone graft before the implantation procedure can begin. This is a process of rebuilding the jaw so that it can support an implant. Depending on the extent of the bone loss, a bone graft can take 3 to 4 months to heal prior to the implant procedure. 

Periodontal Disease Treatment 

If you have mild or advanced gum disease, the dentist will need to remedy it before the dental implant procedure can begin. A gum disease treatment can delay your implant procedure by a few weeks or months depending on the severity of the infection. 

How to Get Dental Implants in One Day 

It is possible to get dental implants in one day when you opt for All-on-Four implants or All-on-Six implants. The technology works like an implant-denture hybrid that’s fused to your jaw using four to six posts. You get the same permanent result as you would with a traditional implant, but you can more easily receive several implants at one time—and at a fraction of the cost of traditional implants. 

Again, the process may take longer if there are underlying oral health issues that must be addressed first. But for the typical healthy patient, an All on Four procedure may be a viable option for complete smile restoration in less time. 

A Dental Implant Treatment Is Worth the Time Required 

Whether you get your implants in 6 months or a single day, they’re an investment you won’t regret. Dental implants go a long way toward restoring confidence and quality of life.

If you’re curious about your best options for tooth replacement as well as the timelines involved, the best thing you can do is schedule a consultation. You may not have to wait as long as you thought for that new smile.