Timescales

This is a general summary of timescales involved in implant dentistry.

1. Before any implants are placed it is important for your dentist to assess the health of your teeth and gums. If there are any signs of gum disease or decay these must be treated first. During this stage it may be necessary to carry out repairs or treatment to remaining teeth. The Dentist will then diagnose and put a treatment plan together which will include an estimated timescale and related costs.
2. Once the plan is agreed you will then have your Dental Implant placement. After the placement you will have a healing period. Stitches are normally removed 7-10 days after the implant placement. The healing period can last anything from 6 weeks to 6 months.
3. Visits will be required after the placement during the next few weeks to adjust temporary teeth or dentures and to monitor healing.
4. Once the implants have healed for the required amount of time, they are uncovered and made ready to connect the teeth. This timescale may vary to suit the local bone conditions and quality of healing.
5. This stage can be used to assess the implants, control early loading and gives the gums time to mature around each implant before the final teeth are fitted. This stage is not always necessary however, in some cases the teeth fitted are not the final ones but replicas.
6. Final teeth are commonly fitted between 3 and 9 months after the implants were placed.
7. Regular hygiene appointments and examinations are then required to maintain the health of the mouth, teeth and implants!

Treatment involving implants are unique to the individual and are customised to suit. This is a basic outline of what to expect but may vary according to the Dentists own preferences.