When a patient has dental implants put in, there is a short healing period between implant surgery and permanent crown placement. This period, usually lasting anywhere from four to six months, is crucial to the success of the implant.
The amount of time between implant surgery and crown placement differs from patient to patient and can be shorter or longer depending on each situation. The amount of healing time after implant surgery depends on a few key factors, such as oral health, overall health, whether bone grafting or extraction is needed and patient age.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted directly into the jawbone where tooth loss has occurred. Implants are made up of three different parts: the post, the abutment and the restoration.
The implant post is a screw-like metal rod that is inserted directly into the jaw bone. The post acts as the new tooth roots. The entirety of the implant post sits below the gum line. The abutment is a small peg-like structure that is used as a connector between post and restoration. The abutment sits just above the gum line. After a healing period, the restoration is placed above the abutment. The restoration is the visible part of the implant, usually a dental crown.
Dental implants are the most effective and unique form of tooth replacement, as these prosthetic teeth effectively replace every part of the natural tooth. Other tooth replacement methods such as dentures or bridges do not utilize the jawbone for support. Because implants are the only tooth-replacement method that utilizes the jawbone, the jaw remains healthy and in use. Keeping the jawbone active prevents deterioration of the bone, helping to maintain oral health and facial shape.
In the time between implant surgery and crown placement, a process known as osseointegration must first occur. Osseointegration refers to the healing of the jaw bone around the implant post. Implant posts are made up of titanium, a metal that is used for its unique ability to fuse with living bone. Until osseointegration occurs, the implant post is not able to bear the weight nor pressure of a permanent restoration. If proper osseointegration occurs, this proves that the implant is stable enough to support a crown.
Osseointegration can take anywhere from four to six months to complete. At this point, if no issues have arisen, crown placement can move forward and the patient can use their new dental implant as one would a natural tooth.
However, some conditions can affect the outcome of successful implant surgery and crown placement. Health concerns like diabetes and osteoporosis will need to be noted before any implant surgery can take place. Some patients may need bone grafting in order to receive an implant. Age, patient family history and oral health are some key factors that determine healing time, as well.
The process of dental implant surgery along with crown placement is different for every individual. The only way to find out your exact treatment plan is to have a consultation with a dentist. Give our office a call today to set up an appointment and get your smile back.
Request an appointment here: https://riverfallsfamilydental.com or call River Falls Family Dental at (812) 962-7342 for an appointment in our New Albany office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
For healthy teeth and gums, routine dental care is necessary. For most healthy people, two times a year is the recommended frequency for dentist appointments. This is typically adequate for deeper cleaning and preventive care. However, for some patients, more frequent appointments are necessary to manage certain issues and to prevent problems from becoming more…
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, disrupting rest and potentially causing long-term health consequences. Many people are unaware that a general dentist plays a key role in diagnosing and managing sleep apnea, particularly with non-invasive treatment solutions. By…
Seeing a dentist twice a year is a component of routine dental care. A dentist is able to evaluate oral health and determine any potential concerns with tooth decay or gum disease. Though daily oral hygiene practices contribute to strong teeth and gums, it is important to seek professional care and input for optimal health.It…
While some might believe visiting the dentist is only necessary for emergencies, routine dental care can be vital for oral health and overall wellness. There are a variety of benefits to seeing a dentist two or three times a year, no matter a patient’s stage of life. While regular brushing and flossing can help keep…