Dental Implants can be of different types and can vary in their healing times depending on the type of procedure performed. Immediate dental implants are placed after tooth extraction directly into the extraction socket often with an immediate restoration. Delayed implants are placed in a healed site usually after 3-6 months after extraction of the tooth.
Dental implants are ready to restore once the implant has biologically integrated with the surrounding bone, a process know as ‘osseointegration’ which can vary for different implant types. A simple delayed implant is usually ready to restore from as little as 6-8 weeks after placement if no or little bone grafting was performed. Implants placed with more advanced bone grafting usually require longer healing times of 3-6 months.
In some cases where there is little bone remaining for implants more extensive horizontal and/or vertical bone grafting is required to build up the site first. These cases may require up to 12 months of healing before implants can be placed.
Modern implant surfaces are designed for maximum biological integration usually with a micro mechanical surface. Some implants can also have a chemically activated surface which can also speed the integration times. In addition to osseointegration, dental implants also require soft tissue healing which can sometimes take longer especially if the procedure was invasive.
Full arch implants where 4, 6 or even more implants are placed often require large incisions and gum flaps which can take up to 3-6 months to heal. These procedures often create swelling and bruising which can take at least 2 weeks before some improvement. Pre-operative antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs post operatively can help reduce pain and swelling. Each implant case is unique and an experienced practitioner will help guide you through the process so that the procedure is efficient and successful.