Waiting time for dental implants
This is a recurring question that patients ask at our dental clinic in Barcelona which we will try to answer in this article. The five main factors that influence how long it takes dental implants to heal are:
1) The quality of the bone surrounding the dental implant
It takes less time in hard bones, whereas soft bones, like the jawbone, take longer to heal.
2) The amount of bone where the dental implant is placed
While the bone may be hard there might not be much of it, and the healing time will be longer in these cases, even longer if the bone is regenerated at the same time that the dental implant is placed.
3) Patient health
Patients with health problems or slow metabolism should wait longer before attaching the crowns or prosthesis to the dental implants.
4) First dental implant anchor
This is the first anchor placed for the implant and the healing time can be reduced if it attaches well to the bone at the time of placement.
5) If dental implants will be attached or separate once the prosthesis is placed
Implants that are going to work together are more resistant and this factor can reduce healing time.
Examples of dental implant healing times
- Dental implants in the lower jaw:
This area provides a solid foundation with strong, adequate bone. Healing times for healthy patients should range from 2 to 3 months.
- Dental implants in the region of the maxillary sinus with simultaneous graft:
A wait of eight months or more is suggested, depending on each case.
- Long dental implants attached to strong, adequate bone in non-smoking patients with no risk factors:
The “immediate load” technique can be used or teeth can be immediately placed with no load (that is, without putting any pressure on the tooth through chewing).
