How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?

How long dental implant treatment takes is one of the first questions everyone considering an implant asks.

An implant is the treatment closest to the natural tooth structure. A gap left by a missing tooth harms the neighbouring teeth and the jawbone over time. An implant keeps the natural tooth form, helps preserve the jawbone and lets you chew properly. It is also the right treatment when the bone under the gums is damaged or when the jawbone deteriorates with age.

Implant treatment starts by placing an artificial root in the jawbone. Once this root has fused with the bone, the implant tooth is fitted in its natural form. Before starting, the width of the mouth and whether the implant can be placed are assessed. Placing the implant takes about 10 to 30 minutes; with a narrow jaw it may take up to an hour. Healing of the bone around the implant and fitting of the teeth until they work without any problem takes between 3 and 8 months.

Is implant treatment painful?

Although the whole process takes from 6 weeks to 8 months, discomfort is usually felt only for 1–2 days after the surgical step. Local or general anaesthesia is used depending on the patient. As the anaesthesia wears off, mild pain, slight aching and some swelling are possible, just as with any dental treatment. Painkillers keep this period comfortable.