Ben and Gary Show - Episode 50

How Long Do Implants Take?

Don't Start With Implants, Start With A Plan

We got this question from a man in his late sixties with good dental hygiene habits but infrequent dental visits due to living in a remote location. He thinks he needs four implants.

He also has some crowding. He wants to know how long it will take to restore his teeth.

Dr. Dan Pinto, our new restorative specialist joins us to answer this question. Without having seen him as a patient, we are going to address the probable steps and considerations in building this man's restoration.

Diagnosis and treatment plan

We always want to start with a complete picture of where a patient is right now. We take x-rays and for bigger cases build a study model to compare with x-rays. We consider medical history.

From there, we work out a restorative treatment plan. The plan may include addressing any gum health issues. We don't dive in and do implants or any other procedure blind. 

Patient goals

We always want to understand the patient's goals. Perhaps teeth crowding is not bothersome. If teeth are missing, it is possible that the bite is off (malocclusion). In this case, some orthodontics may be advisable. 

Orthodontics

If teeth are to be realigned, it must not be rushed in adults. Moving them too fast could result in additional tooth loss. Orthodontics could take nine to eighteen months. Clear aligners may be used such that the braces are not visible.

Implants, once placed are fixed and immovable. We definitely want to have the teeth positioned with enough space for the implants. And, we don't want the implants to be an obstacle to creating space. Orthodontics, if needed, should be done first.

Please, no do it yourself scams.

 Implants

The next steps depend on whether teeth are missing or damaged teeth must be extracted. Extractions need time to heal.

Bone graphs may be needed to provide a strong foundation for the new implants. Thes also need time to heal.

Finally, it is time to place the implants. These also must heal before the final restoration can be placed.

So how long to get four implants?

As long as two years or more. Biology must be respected for the long term dental health of the patient.