How long do implant and bridge treatment take?

In this video Dr. Dt. Kıvanç Türkoğlu and Dr. Dt. Gürcan Çetin talk about the stages of implant and bridge treatment and what makes the timeline vary. This article summarises the video and explains the factors that shape the treatment schedule.

What the video covers

• How the length of the surgical stage depends on the number of implants and the scope of treatment.
• How fixed temporary teeth can be prepared when all teeth are removed and implants placed, and how this moves the process to the prosthetic side.
• Why a few months are usually needed for the implants to bond with the bone, and how this varies between people.
• How try-ins with temporary teeth come before the final bridge, which is made once aesthetic and chewing adjustments are complete.
• How digital scanning is used in planning and try-ins.

Why does the timeline vary?

Implant treatment is not finished in a single appointment. It consists of assessment, surgery, healing and the prosthetic stage. The length of each stage depends on the bone, the number of implants, whether extra bone work is needed and the type of prosthesis.

If a tooth needs removal, the implant may be placed in the same session or the socket may be left to heal first. If bone needs to be added, its healing is also added to the schedule. Your own timeline is therefore discussed after the examination and the CT scan. Someone else's treatment time may not be a good guide for yours.

The surgical stage

Placing one or a few implants is usually completed in one session, with a check-up shortly after. When all teeth are removed and many implants are placed, the session is longer and closer follow-up may be needed in the first days.

When dissolving stitches are used, a stitch-removal visit may not be needed. This depends on how the wound heals.

Temporary teeth

When conditions allow, screw-retained temporary teeth can be fitted shortly after implant placement. This requires the implants to sit firmly in the bone. If stability is not enough, the implants heal without load and a removable temporary denture is used in the meantime.

Temporary teeth are not only for appearance. The length of the teeth, lip support and the effect on speech are tested with them before the final bridge. Temporary teeth should not be strained with hard or sticky food during this period.

Healing with the bone

Implants usually need a few months to bond with the bone. Bone density, the jaw involved and general health affect this time. Avoiding hard food and attending check-ups protect healing.

Healing is confirmed by examination and, when needed, an X-ray. The final prosthetic stage follows.

The final bridge and try-ins

The final bridge usually goes through several try-ins. An impression or intraoral scan is taken, a draft is tried in the mouth, and colour, shape and how the teeth meet are checked. The final bridge is made once adjustments are complete.

The number of try-ins is not the same for everyone. Sometimes one is enough, sometimes more adjustments are needed. Allowing time for a comfortable fit is healthier for long-term use than shortening this stage. The wider context is in the All-on-4 and All-on-6 and dental implant surgery sections.

Frequently asked

How many days should I stay for check-ups after implant surgery?

This depends on the number of implants and the scope of treatment. Your clinician sets a follow-up schedule for you.

Can the healing time be shortened?

Bonding with the bone is a biological process that varies between people. Temporary teeth can sometimes be fitted early, but the final bridge waits until healing is complete.

Why does the final bridge need several appointments?

Try-ins confirm that the bridge suits you for appearance, speech and chewing. The final bridge is made once adjustments are complete.

Related section and videos

• Section on the expertise page: All-on-4 and All-on-6 (fixed teeth on implants)
• Can fixed temporary teeth be fitted in the same session as implants?
• What is All-on-X treatment?
• How is the number of implants decided?
• What is a dental implant and what are the stages of treatment?

This information is for general guidance and does not replace an examination. Rapidly spreading facial swelling or difficulty swallowing or breathing is an emergency. Go to a hospital emergency department.