Your smile is of the first physical traits someone observes about you. So no one likes to have a tooth gap from missing or broken teeth show up when they smile.

Dental implants may be an ideal solution for you if you are looking for a way to replace that missing or damaged tooth to feel more confident. Dental implant surgery is one of the fastest-growing procedures in cosmetic dentistry these days. They are highly functional and can help you create an artificial tooth that looks 100% natural!

So it is no wonder that the demand for dental implants is increasing day by day. They are durable, safe, and can last a lifetime.

So how long does it take to get a dental implant? With the help of some cosmetic dentists from Stone Oaks Aesthetic who provide dental implants in San Antonio, we were able to find out the answer. So in this article, you will find out everything you need to before getting dental implants surgery for a beautiful smile.

How Long Do Dental ImplantsTake?

A dental implant is a small post that is surgically placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or teeth. They are used to anchor dentures, crowns, or bridges in absence of natural tooth roots.

Unlike other dentistry treatments like root canal or veneers that require just 1-3 weeks, dental implants can take up to 6 months. But the entire procedure is divided into 3 stages-

Stage 1: Implant Surgery

Before placing the dental implant, the dentist will make an incision in your gums to expose the jawbone. Then, the metal post will be surgically placed into the bone, and the site will be closed up with sutures.

Most surgeries are usually completed within 45 minutes to an hour. But depending on the circumstances, some dental implant procedures can take as long as two hours.

Stage 2: Osseointegration

Once the implant has been placed in the jawbone, you have to wait for 3-6 months before getting a dental crown. During this time, the implanted post will fuse naturally with the surrounding bone area in a process called osseointegration. In the meantime, your dentist will provide you with a temporary crown to help chew food.

Stage 3: Dental Crown.

Once the implant is firmly attached to the bone, the final task is to create a dental crown that replicates the natural tooth surface. This is usually completed in 30 minutes if your dentist has already taken a mould of your mouth. The crown is custom-made by the dental laboratory and then placed on top of the implant with help of abutment.

While 6 months seems like a long time for a procedure, you need not worry. As most of the time is taken by the osseointegration stage which happens naturally and does not require your dentist's involvement. If everything goes as planned, you will have to make just 2-3 visits to the dentist’s office for the entire procedure. That is the same amount as the regular root canal procedure takes.

Should You Get Dental Implants?

One of the biggest advantages of getting a dental implant is that it is a permanent solution. So if you dislike the idea of visiting your dentist’s office and over again, dental implants may seem the right fit for you.

They are a fantastic option to replace your missing or damaged teeth and get a beautiful, natural smile. And when you do a cost-benefit analysis, they are a worthy investment too.

Dental implants in San Antonio will cost you anywhere between $3000-$5000 on average. So if you need a good cosmetic dentist in San Antonio, do book a consultation at Stone Oaks Aesthetics. They offer high-quality care and even provide sedation dentistry options for patients who have dental anxiety. Call the clinic right away to get your dental implants done by a well-experienced cosmetic dentist.