If you’re missing a tooth, you’re likely looking for the best replacement option.
Dental implants are the best solution on the market to replace missing teeth because they look and feel like natural teeth.
It’s normal for patients who are interested in getting dental implants to have many questions about the surgery and the postoperative period.
One of the most frequent questions is the waiting time between implant surgery and placement of the definitive crown.
For this, the gum must have healed properly, and the technique used in the procedure plays a role in healing time.
Traditional surgery
Not everyone arrives at the clinic in the same situation. Some patients are already missing a tooth, while others first need a tooth extraction.
When an extraction is needed, it’s necessary to wait 3 to 4 months for the socket to mature.
After this time, the alveolar bone will have healed properly, and the periodontist can proceed to place the titanium implant.
At this stage, the only visible part is a small metal “cap” level with the gum, which can be hidden with a temporary crown.
Thanks to the temporary crown, patients don’t have to worry about their smile esthetics and can eat normally, though with certain precautions.
Once the implant has been placed, you’ll need to wait another 3 to 4 months until the implant has fully fused to the bone.
When the patient returns to the clinic, the periodontist checks healing and takes an impression to fabricate the definitive crown.
Immediate implants
The steps involved in immediate implants don’t differ from traditional surgery the only difference lies in healing times.
This technique shortens waiting periods because, in the same day, the specialist extracts the tooth and places the implant.
With immediate implants, the patient undergoes only one surgery, so the area needs to heal just once.
Dr. Daniel Fernández’s clinic has numerous successful cases using this system.
Once osseointegration is complete (3 to 4 months later), the patient can return to the clinic to have the final crown or prosthesis placed.
To be a candidate for this technique, patients must meet certain criteria to ensure success:
- Have sufficient bone volume to guarantee proper implant stability.
- Not require periodontal treatment (i.e., have healthy gums).
- No active periapical infections.
Guided surgery
Guided surgery is a complementary procedure to either of the techniques above.
With this method, the specialist can place the implant with greater precision and efficiency, achieving predictable results.
In many cases, the gum-healing time is significantly reduced, improving the postoperative experience.
Guided surgery is performed after computer-based planning, which creates a virtual model of the patient’s dentition.
The resulting model is an exact copy of the patient’s mouth and serves as a guide to place the implant in the most precise position possible.
Considerations about treatment timelines
Although the healing times described above are the most common, they can vary according to individual needs.
For example, if a patient also requires a bone graft or periodontal treatment, that procedure must be done before placing the dental implant.
If you need dental implants but aren’t sure which technique you’re a candidate for, don’t hesitate to contact us to book an appointment or request more information about costs and payment options.
The purpose of this article is to give a general idea of dental-implant healing timelines. As explained, the overall process can vary if prior procedures such as an extraction or a bone graft are needed. This text does not replace a diagnosis; only a clinical evaluation can establish a complete treatment plan with precise timing.
Learn the timeline and implant treatment plan that’s right for you. Book an evaluation. Contact us via WhatsApp, phone call, or through our contact form.
