Dental implants take several months to place completely, as time needs to pass between each stage in order for the mouth to heal. While this may seem like a long time, dental implants are made to be a permanent restoration. Dentures last 3 to 7 years, and dental bridges last 5 to 15 years, whereas dental implants last over 25 years. A consultation appointment is important as the first step because the density of the jaw must be analyzed. The patient must have enough bone mass in the jaw, as the implant is inserted into it like a natural tooth.
If there is not enough bone mass, then a bone graft will need to take place. This can add up to a year to the procedure time as the patient's jaw needs time to develop more bone. In the first surgical procedure, the implant will be placed. This is done by removing any gum that is obscuring the desired position, drilling a hole in the jaw and putting the titanium implant in the bone. The implant will fuse with the bone over the next few months, creating an incredibly strong foundation for the abutment and crown. This process should take around 2 to 6 months, at which point the abutment and crown will be placed. The abutment can be placed with the implant, with the crown, or on its own. The abutment acts as a connector between the implant and crown. When both the abutment and the crown are placed, the restoration is completed.