New Jersey Cosmetic Dentist | Dr. G. Gary Green

Dental implants are the preferred prosthodontic treatment for missing teeth. Their benefits are so great that we recommend implants to everyone who is a good candidate. Aside from their high initial cost, they have very few drawbacks. One of these drawbacks is the lengthy healing process involved. The healing process can take anywhere from three to nine months, depending on a number of patient-specific factors. So, why does this healing process take so long?

Osseointegration

The implant itself is a titanium screw that is drilled into your jawbone. This screw needs to anchor, or attach to the surrounding bone tissue in order for the implant to be successful. This anchoring process is called “osseointegration” and accounts for most of the waiting involved over the duration of the implant process. If the osseointegration process could be eliminated, then the entire dental implant process might only take a few weeks. This is not the case, unfortunately.

Successful osseointegration is essential. If this does not occur, then the implant will fail and other options such as bridges or dentures will have to be used. There is no way of predicting how long this process will take. Much of it has to do with how much healthy jawbone structure is present when the implant is installed.

If you live in the Caldwell, New Jersey area and are interested in getting dental implants, we can help. Dr. Green is a certified prosthodontist and can perform the entire implant procedure from beginning to end. Please contact Dr. Green today to arrange a consultation.