When a patient has dental implants placed, there is a brief healing period between implant surgery and permanent crown placement. This period, which usually lasts between four and six months, is crucial to the success of the implant. During this time, the osseointegration process takes place, which is when the titanium implant fuses with the jaw bone. The underlying criterion is that the titanium implant must be properly fused throughout the jaw before the permanent crown can be placed.
The patient must keep the temporary crown during this time. The patient receives the permanent crown after the procedure is finished. Most patients receive an implant for several months, with several appointments, surgeries, and diagnostic tests being a true part of the dental implant procedure. As we have already mentioned, placing the dental crown on the titanium implant in the jaw is the final step in the process.
The healing period depends on the patient. Some people heal quickly and will be ready to have their dental implants restored in just a few months. However, for some, it can take six months or longer. For people with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, that can inhibit rapid healing, the final placement of the crown may take a little longer.
The restoration process can only be completed after the bone is fused with the implant. At this point, if you have no problems, the placement of the crown can move forward and you can use your new implants as your natural teeth. Single-day implants have been created that can be attached to the person's jaw on the same day as their consultation. Bone grafting procedures, such as sinus lift and ridge augmentation, sometimes need to be performed before the implant is placed, so that a solid bone base remains for the implant.
After placing the implant inside the jaw, a temporary prosthesis will be placed until it heals sufficiently to perform the permanent restoration of the dental implant. The temporary prosthesis will be slightly smaller than the rest of the teeth, as the implant cannot yet support the weight of chewing. After this healing period is complete, a permanent artificial tooth can then be fixed on top of the implant.
