Do you have one or more teeth that are missing or too damaged to be saved? If so, dental implants provide a replacement option. You can replace anywhere from one to all of the teeth in your mouth with dental implants.
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, you may be wondering how long it takes. Can dental implants be done in one day? Here’s what it takes to be eligible and how much time you’ll need to plan to be available for dental implant placement.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
To understand the timeframe for dental implants, it helps to know how they work. A dental implant is surgically placed in the jaw. It is made of titanium and shaped like a screw with threads to help it fuse with the bone. Once the implant bonds to the bone, usually over the course of a few months, an abutment and crown or other prosthetic can be attached. Dental implants function as closely as possible to your natural teeth.
Average Timeframe for Dental Implant Placement
Traditional dental implant placement is done in 3 steps, which translates to 3 separate appointments. The first appointment would include the surgical placement of the implant in the jaw. A few months later, the second appointment would involve the placement of the abutment, the post that attaches to the prosthetic. During the third appointment the prosthetic would be attached, either a crown, bridge, or denture. The traditional method of implant placement allows time for healing between each step.
Same Day Dental Implants
Certain patients who are ideal candidates may be able to receive a complete dental implant restoration in a single appointment. Criteria for same day dental implants includes:
- Bone density. It is necessary for you to have adequate bone density in the area of the jaw where the implant will be placed.
- Technology. It helps if your dentist has the technology to create dental prosthetics in the office. Otherwise, even if the prosthetic was ordered ahead of time, the procedure would only work if it fit perfectly the first time. In many cases a crown, bridge, or dentures needs to be adjusted in order to fit properly.
- Good oral health. It is necessary for you to have good oral health to be eligible for same day dental implants for the purpose of healing. The presence of gum disease or other oral health problems would make you ineligible.
- No health issues. The presence of certain health issues could make you ineligible for dental implants, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, blood clotting disorders, and any other condition that could delay the healing process.
Can You Really Get Dental Implants in Just One Appointment?
In reality, the first appointment you’ll need is just a consultation and evaluation to determine your eligibility for same day dental implants. If you are determined to be eligible, then your next appointment will be scheduled to place your dental implant and prosthetic all in the same day.
Why Choose Barkoff Dental?
Not all dental practices offer same day dental implants, but we do. At Barkoff Dental we understand that life is busy and we respect your time. You may not want or be able to take off multiple days of work for different appointments. Now you can get your complete implant restoration in as little as one appointment.
To learn more, call 516-921-1133 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.