Dental implants are a popular and long-lasting way to replace lost teeth, but one of the most common questions patients ask is how long the procedure actually takes. It depends on your own oral health and whether you require any preliminary treatment. At Southside Dental Care, the implant treatment is meticulously planned so that the greatest possible result can be achieved instead of rushing it.
The initial consultation and assessment
The first step of the dental implant procedure is a consultation with your implant dentist. During your appointment, your dentist will look at your mouth, gums, and jawbone to see if implants are a good option. X-rays or scans may be used to make sure the implant is placed correctly.
This stage usually takes place over one or two appointments. Once your implant dentist has all the necessary information, a tailored treatment plan can be created for replacing missing teeth.
Dental implant placement surgery
If your jawbone is healthy and robust enough, you can have the dental implant placed right away. The dental implant procedure involves inserting the implant into the jawbone using a local anaesthetic, making the surgery comfortable for most people.
The surgical appointment itself is relatively short, often completed within one to two hours depending on how many implants are being placed. After this, healing begins.
Healing and integration period
After placing the titanium implant, the jawbone gradually fuses with it in a process called osseointegration. This is essential for long-term stability and usually takes three to six months.
Temporary teeth may be provided while the implant heals and becomes securely stable. This helps you maintain confidence in eating and smiling throughout the recovery period.
You can find more details about the implant process on our Dental Implant Glasgow page.
What if additional treatment is needed?
For some patients, treatment takes longer because extra steps are required before the implant can be placed.
Bone grafting
If there isn’t enough jawbone to support an implant, bone grafting may be recommended to build up volume and improve support. The area needs time to heal, which can take a few months before implant placement can go ahead.
Sinus lift treatment
In the upper jaw, especially at the back, a sinus lift may be needed to increase bone height. This also adds time to the overall treatment plan, as healing is required before the dental implant procedure can be placed.
While these treatments extend the timeline, they significantly improve the success of dental implants.
Fitting the final crown
After the implant has fully healed and become stable, the last stage of treatment takes place. Your dentist will take a mould to make a crown that matches your natural teeth. The crown is then secured to the implant to restore your smile and bite.
This final phase usually takes a few weeks from impression to placement.
Overall treatment timescale
In simple cases, implants can often be completed in three to six months. When additional procedures like bone grafts or sinus lifts are needed, treatment may extend to nine months or more. Your dentist will provide a clear timeline tailored to your situation.
Why the Healing Period Is Important
Dental implants provide a long-term treatment for tooth loss. Allowing sufficient time for recovery and planning helps protect your oral health and guarantees the implant feels secure and natural.
Speak to Southside Dental Care
If you are considering dental implants and want a clear idea of how long treatment may take for you, a consultation is the best place to start. Southside Dental Care provides tailored implant care for patients across Glasgow.
To book an appointment or ask about treatment times, call 07743 020777 and speak to the team.
