When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there’s no solution that’s quite as effective as dental implants.

With that being said, however, the comfort and stability come with a lengthy recovery process.

But how long do dental implants take to heal?

Let’s take a look.

How Long Do Dental Implants Take To Heal?

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gums.

Once they’re in place, the dentist can mount replacement teeth onto them.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants fuse with the jaw, providing stability and support for artificial teeth.

Dentures or bridges that are attached won’t slip or shift – which is important when speaking and eating.

Dental implants help false teeth sit comfortably, and feel more natural, in the mouth.

Who Gets Dental Implants?

Some people experience discomfort (and could even gag) from using ordinary dentures and bridges. Other factors such as poor ridges, and pain make other dental technologies impossible for certain people.

What Do You Need To Get Dental Implants?

In order to be eligible for dental implants, you need to have healthy gums, and a sturdy jawbone structure. 

You also have to be able to keep those things in good shape.

That means making sure you have good brushing habits, and that you visit the dentist regularly.

How Do Dentists Do The Implants?

Once they’ve evaluated that you’re a suitable candidate, they’ll schedule you for the operation.

It consists of making an incision in the gum, and then drilling into the jawbone.

From there, they’ll insert the implant, and close you back up.

And that’s when the real healing process begins.

So, How Long Do Dental Implants Take To Heal?

The implant rod that’s inserted is usually made of titanium. It has a unique ability to fuse with bone after a while, becoming as strong as a natural tooth root (which is pretty strong).

The incision itself takes around 1-2 weeks to heal (depending on the person). But the fusing of rod to bone (a process known as “osseointegration”) can take 4-6 months.

In some cases, it can take as long as 8 months.

Post Surgery

For 3-9 months after the surgery, you’ll have to visit the dentist regularly to get check-ups, and monitor the progress.

At this point, it’s also important to be mindful of what you eat.

Dentists will usually recommend sticking to soft foods, and cleaning the implant site regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

After that, the dentist will give you specific instructions on what else to do to ensure your implants heal quickly.

Once The Implants Heal

At this point, it’s time for the dentist to put that implant to use.

The dentist will make an incision in the gum to get to the rod that’s fused to the bone.

From there, they’ll place an abutment (which is used to fix the teeth in place).

Once that’s done (and healed), they’ll put the permanent crown on.

A few weeks after that, you’ll be able to continue life as you would have before – with new teeth, and a stronger jaw!

Conclusion

All in all, the whole process can take up to a year. Given the lengthy time it takes to heal, some people don’t find the idea of dental implants appealing.

For other people, though, it’s a chance to have crowns and other dental replacements that sit comfortably in the mouth, and improve their standard of living.

At the end of the day, it boils down to personal preference.

But whatever your preference – always remember to brush!