Between work, family, and just finding a few hours to relax and have fun, your time is more precious than ever these days. So if you’re thinking about getting dental implants to replace your missing teeth, you’re probably thinking about how they’ll impact your schedule. Namely, how long does dental implant surgery take?
On average, it takes about an hour to place a dental implant, but other factors contribute to the overall length of the procedure, the most important of which you’ll find below.
The Number of Implants
You probably thought of this yourself before you even scrolled down. Needless to say, implant placement will be much shorter if it involves a single post as opposed to two or more. The number you need will be based on a decision between you and your dentist. Usually, all of someone’s implants can be placed in a single appointment, so you should have a general idea of how long things will take.
Sedation
While dental implant placement surgery is widely seen as a comfortable procedure (because of local anesthetic and the fact that the jawbone doesn’t contain many nerve endings), some patients experience a lot of anxiety when receiving any kind of dental care. Thankfully, sedation can help remove any lingering nerves and worries.
That said, if a patient chooses to use sedation, some time may be needed on the day of their procedure to wait for it to kick in. Everyone responds differently to the medication, and your dentist certainly doesn’t want to start the procedure until they are certain you’re nice and relaxed!
The Type(s) of Implants
There isn’t just one kind of dental implant post. In fact, there are many your dentist might use, each with a different shape and size. The ones they decide on will be determined by your particular case and goals. The dimensions of the implant, where it will be placed in the jawbone, and the condition of the bone itself can end up making the procedure longer or shorter.
For example, a longer or wider implant requires your dentist to make a bigger hole for it in the jawbone, and it generally takes longer to place an implant toward the front of the mouth because there is less bone, making the process more complicated.
Of course, the best way to find out how long your particular dental implant placement will take is to simply attend a consultation with an implant dentist. They’ll be able to answer this question and many more in detail so you know what to expect and can begin your journey toward your new smile with peace of mind.
About the Author
Dr. Keith Lisonbee went to the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine for his Doctor of Dental Medicine. He holds membership with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. At Patriot Dental in Pensacola, he’s able to place and restore dental implants in-office for the convenience of our patients.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisonbee, click here or call (850) 477-1120.