Dental Implants Timeline

There are many restorative dental treatments available for missing teeth. However, there are none as secure, reliable, and convenient as dental implants. Because of the many benefits that dental implants offer patients, it is the most recommended treatment for missing teeth at Dr. Louis J. Buono’s cosmetic dentistry practice. While the results of dental implants are rewarding and long-lasting, patients should understand that this is not a “quick” or “instant” dental treatment. The placement of dental implants requires multiple appointments and there is an extended recovery time before the implants are complete. When his Long Island patients are receiving dental implants, Dr. Buono ensures that they have a complete understanding of the procedure and are aware of the treatment timeline that should be expected.

Consultation

Before any dental implant treatment can begin, it will need to be determined if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants. If a patient is missing one or more teeth and has healthy gums and jaw bone, they will likely be a good candidate for dental implants. If this is the case, Dr. Buono will refer the patient to a trusted oral surgeon for the next step of dental implants treatment, which is oral surgery.

Surgery

Under the care of a trusted oral surgeon, who works closely with Dr. Buono, the dental implants will be surgically placed in the gum line. Small holes will be made in the gum line and the threaded dental implants will be placed. While the surgical procedure does not take long, there is a significant recovery time following surgery. The implants need time to fuse with the jaw bone. This process, known as osseointegration, may take anywhere from three to six months. When the bone and implant have integrated, another small incision will be made in the gum line and abutments will be attached to the dental implants. These abutments extend above the gum line and will be used to attach dental restorations.

Dental Restorations

After the gums have healed from the placement of the abutments (which should take one to two weeks), the final step of dental implant treatment will be attaching dental restorations that have been custom designed by Dr. Buono. There are several restorative dentistry options for tooth replacement with dental implants. Dental implants can be used as anchors for dental crowns, dental bridges, or permanent dentures. The dental restoration that is used will be determined based on each patient’s needs as well as personal preference. Dr. Buono will then customize restorations that will fit comfortably and securely within the patient’s mouth.

While the complete dental implants treatment can take six months or more, patients find that it is well worth the wait in order to benefit from the superior fit, comfort, function, and aesthetics provided by dental implants.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have any more questions regarding dental implants treatment or would like to learn if you are a good candidate for the procedure, schedule an appointment with Dr. Louis Buono at your earliest convenience.