How Long Does It Take for Dental Implants to Heal?

Dental implants in Mauldin are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth for good reasons. They are an effective way to restore the appearance of your smile and provide a strong foundation that stimulates your jawbone. 

Since you will require surgery to get an implant, you must wait for a while until you can use them to their full potential. 

So, how long does it take for dental implants to heal?

It's hard to say precisely. The healing process can vary depending on several factors, such as your overall health and the specifics of the implant procedure. In general, however, it can take between six and nine months for dental implants to heal fully.

Here's a quick look at the healing process for dental implants. 

Dental Implants Healing Process 

The healing process for dental implants can be divided into three main stages:

• Osseointegration

The first and most important stage of the healing process is known as osseointegration. It's a crucial step because if the metal post successfully fuses with the surrounding jawbone, it will provide a strong foundation for your implant. 

The osseointegration process typically begins within a few weeks of the implant surgery and can take about six months to complete. 

• Soft Tissue Healing

While the implant is busy fusing with your jawbone, your soft tissues are also hard at work trying to heal after the surgery. This process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the location of the implant, your oral health, and how well you care for the implant surgery site. As the soft tissue heals, new layers will start to grow around the implant. 

While your body knows what to do to heal, you can also help it. For instance, you must maintain good oral hygiene during this stage of the healing process to prevent and avoid any infections. This includes brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding hard or sticky foods that could damage the implant. 

• The Final Restoration

Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone and the surrounding soft tissue has healed, the dentist can now attach the abutment and dental crown to complete the treatment. This process typically takes between one and two weeks. That's because you usually have to wait about two weeks for the lab to manufacture a custom-made crown that will fit and blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. 

Are Dental Implants Right for Me? 

Getting dental implants requires quite a bit of patience. The osseointegration process alone can last for months. And, if you have other dental issues, such as gum disease, the treatment timeline can become even longer. 

If you want to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, stop by Indigo Dental for an initial consultation with a dentist in Mauldin. Together, we will find the best oral restoration solution for your needs. 

Get in touch with us now to book your appointment.