How long does dental implant treatment take?

Dental implant treatment typically takes 3 to 6 months, with the exact duration varying from person to person.

First, the dentist will perform a comprehensive oral examination, including X-rays and CT scans, to assess oral health and determine the optimal placement for the dental implant.

Under local anesthesia, the dentist implants a titanium-made implant into the jawbone. This procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the number of implants being placed.

After implant placement, a healing period of 3 to 6 months is required to allow the implant to fully integrate with the surrounding bone tissue, forming a stable supporting structure. This process is called osseointegration. During the postoperative recovery phase, implants in the upper jaw typically require about three months to heal, while those in the lower jaw require approximately two months. This period is critical for the integration of the implant with the jawbone. Following this, there is a second surgical phase and an impression-taking stage. Another 30 to 40 days of healing is needed after the second surgery before impressions can be taken. After the impressions are made, it generally takes about two to three weeks to fabricate the permanent dental crown.

For some patients, especially those with good oral health, this process may be shorter.