Tooth loss affects more than just your appearance—it can make chewing uncomfortable and harm your long-term oral health. At Towne Centre Family Dental, we help Hillsborough, NJ, patients regain their smiles through high-quality tooth implants. If you’ve been considering a dental implant, you may wonder: How long does a tooth implant take?
Single Tooth Replacement Options
Choosing the right tooth replacement is essential. If you’re missing a single tooth, you have two primary tooth implant options at our Hillsborough, NJ, practice:
- Single tooth dental implant:
- A long-term, stable solution that preserves jawbone health, with a treatment timeline of three to nine months, depending on individual healing and additional procedures.
- There is no need to modify adjacent teeth.
- Lifespan of 10 to 30 years with proper care.
- Three-unit bridge:
- A faster solution, typically completed in two to five weeks.
- Requires grinding down adjacent teeth for support.
- Lifespan of 5 to 15 years, but does not support jawbone health.
Our Hillsborough, NJ, dental team is here to help you choose the best tooth implant option for your oral health, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Understanding the Tooth Implant Process
The timeline for a tooth implant varies depending on individual circumstances. Dental implants offer a secure, natural-looking replacement that feels and functions like your own teeth. However, because implants must integrate with the jawbone, the process takes time to ensure long-term success.
1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation
A thorough evaluation is necessary before proceeding with an implant. Dr. Albert Internoscia and our team will examine your oral health, take digital scans, and assess whether your jawbone can support an implant. A bone graft may be required if the jawbone has deteriorated due to tooth loss.
2. Bone Grafting (If Needed)
For patients who have experienced bone loss, a bone graft can rebuild the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for the implant. This step is not always required but is essential for ensuring the implant’s long-term success if the jawbone lacks sufficient density.
Healing period: Three to six months, depending on the extent of grafting.
3. Implant Placement Surgery
Once the jawbone is ready, the next step is the placement of the implant. This involves a minor surgical procedure where Dr. Internoscia places a titanium implant into the jawbone. The surgery is performed precisely to ensure a comfortable experience and optimal results.
Procedure duration: 30 minutes to an hour per implant.
4. Osseointegration: The Healing and Bonding Process
The most crucial phase of the dental implant process is osseointegration, during which the implant fuses with the jawbone. This step ensures the stability and strength of the implant, similar to a natural tooth root.
Healing Period: The time required for this process varies, but most patients can expect a healing period of three to six months before moving to the next phase.
5. Abutment Placement
An abutment is placed once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone. This small connector extends above the gumline and will support the final restoration. Sometimes, the gum tissue may need a few weeks to heal before the final crown is attached.
Healing period: Two to four weeks after abutment placement.
6. Final Crown Placement
After the gum tissue has healed, the custom-designed crown is securely placed on the abutment. The crown is crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth for a seamless, natural appearance.
Final crown placement: Typically scheduled two to four weeks after abutment placement.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Several factors can influence the total time required for a tooth implant, including:
- Bone density: A strong jawbone allows for quicker implant placement, while bone loss may require additional procedures.
- Number of implants: A single implant typically heals faster than full-arch restorations.
- Overall health: Conditions such as diabetes or smoking can impact healing time.
- Commitment to aftercare: Following post-surgical care instructions helps promote faster healing and reduces complications.
The Cost of Waiting: Why Addressing Tooth Loss Matters
The timeline for getting a tooth implant varies based on individual needs, but the results are well worth the wait. Delaying tooth replacement can lead to more than just gaps in your smile.
Bone loss can occur without a tooth root stimulating the jawbone, changing facial structure, and making future dental work more complex. Additionally, missing teeth can cause shifting of neighboring teeth, leading to bite misalignment and increased wear on remaining teeth.
We’ve seen firsthand how transformative dental implants can be. Patients who once struggled with missing teeth now enjoy restored confidence, improved chewing ability, and a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Schedule Your Tooth Implant Consultation Today
If missing teeth have affected your confidence and quality of life, now is the time to take action. A well-placed, high-quality dental implant can restore your smile and ability to eat comfortably and speak.
At Towne Centre Family Dental and the Implant & Smile Makeover Studio in Hillsborough, NJ, Dr. Internoscia and our experienced team provide expert care in a comfortable setting. Contact us today to schedule your tooth implant consultation and take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
