Since you’ve decided to get dental implants, you’re likely eager to start treatment. Anyone would want their smile restored as soon as possible. Still, you may have a lingering question: How long will your dental implant surgery take? If you’d like the answer, your San Antonio dentist will gladly share the relevant details. Read on to learn about dental implant surgery, how long it takes, and what to do for recovery once it’s over.
What’s Involved in Dental Implant Surgery?
For context, you need to know how dental implant surgery works before you can learn its timeline. You won’t grasp why it takes as long as it does otherwise.
Dental implant surgery has several crucial steps. The first is to numb your mouth with a local anesthetic, making the treatment painless. Next, the dentist will make a small incision in your gums to create space for the prosthetic. They’ll then place your implant post and suture the incision afterward, concluding care by placing a protective cap over the post.
How Long Does It Usually Take?
Due to its complexity, dental implant surgery isn’t a “one-and-done” thing. Dentists need time to perform it correctly and ensure good treatment results.
On average, the typical dental implant surgery takes 1-2 hours to place one implant. It follows that treatment will take longer if you get two or more posts. Granted, the treating dentist can use a CT scanner to speed up the work; this device creates digital implants that map placement sites.
Note that implant surgery is followed by a longer recovery period. Even when it’s over, your mouth has to heal before you can enjoy your new teeth. The implant posts usually need 3-6 months to fully fuse with your jaw.
Tips on Speeding Up Recovery
While you can’t alter your surgery’s timeline, you can speed up your recovery from placement. Just remember to use the following tricks:
- Be Careful of the Implant Site(s) – You shouldn’t touch or chew with your new implants right after they’re placed. Instead, apply ice packs near the treatment site for a few weeks to reduce swelling.
- Don’t Overexert Yourself – For at least a day after surgery, avoid exercise and keep your head elevated. Strenuous physical activity could delay or undo your healing.
- Eat Soft Foods – Follow a soft food diet while you recover, as doing so will prevent irritation to the implant sites.
To learn more about dental implant surgery, please consult your treating dentist. They’ll let you know what to expect from the entire process!
About the Practice
Crownridge Dental & Orthodontics is based in San Antonio, TX. Led by Dr. Christian Pham, our practice blends modern dental care with a warm and enjoyable setting. Patients can expect treatments that span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as custom care that meets their needs. Our team even performs dental implant surgery in-house to ensure the best results! For more details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (210)-538-7500.