If you're considering dental implants, you've probably heard the process takes time. It’s true, however, understanding what the process involves and why can make it easier to accept. Each phase serves a purpose, and rushing any of them can compromise your results.
Dental Implant Timeline Steps
- Consultation and Treatment Planning — Your first visit with Dr. Baller includes x-rays, a bone density assessment, and a full review of your health history. Most patients move to the next phase within a few weeks.
- Tooth Extraction (If Needed) — If a damaged or failing tooth is still in place, we need to remove it before we can place the implant. Dr. Baller can perform the extraction and place the implant in the same visit, depending on the condition of the surrounding bone. If extraction is needed and the site needs time to heal first, expect to add 4 to 8 weeks before the next phase.
- Bone Grafting (When Needed) — Not every patient needs a bone graft, but if you have experienced jawbone loss, grafting may be necessary before implant placement. Healing from a graft typically adds three to six months to your timeline, but it’s an investment in a stable foundation.
- Implant Placement — Dr. Baller places the titanium post surgically in your jawbone under local anesthesia for your comfort. You can manage any soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers, and most patients return to work within a day or two.
- Osseointegration: The Waiting Phase — This is the longest and most important part of the process. Over three to six months, your jawbone gradually fuses with the implant. This integration is what makes implants so long-lasting compared to other tooth replacement options.
- The Final Crown — Once Dr. Baller confirms that osseointegration is complete, she places your custom crown. This appointment is the one you've been waiting for and the final step in the implant process.
Total Timeline: What to Expect
From consultation to final crown, most patients complete treatment in six to twelve months. Complex cases involving grafting or multiple implants may take longer.
Dental implant treatment is a significant investment of both time and money, but for most patients, the long-term stability is worth it. Call Baller Dental & Ortho at Southlands at (720) 653-3223 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Baller.