How Long Does A Dental Implant Impression Take?
Dental impressions are a crucial step in the implant procedure. They create a precise model of your teeth and gums, which is used to make custom crowns or bridges that fit perfectly.
The process is quick but requires careful attention to detail for the best results. Many patients are concerned about the time it takes to complete this procedure. Let’s dig into more details.
Why are Impressions Important for Dental Implants?
Dental impressions are 3D models of patients’ oral anatomy. They are used in many dental procedures, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Dental impressions also help dentists plan the precise placement of implants using this quick, efficient, and accurate dental procedure.
Understanding the Dental Impression Process
There are two main ways to take dental impressions: traditional and digital. Let's look at both of them:
- Traditional Impressions: A putty-like material is placed in a tray and fitted over your teeth. It takes 3 to 5 minutes, and the tray is removed and sent to a lab. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
- Digital Impressions: This method uses a handheld scanner to photograph your teeth and gums. It’s faster and less messy than the traditional method and usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the location of the dental implant.
Factors That Can Influence Timing
The time it takes to get dental impressions for implants depends on the following factors:
1. Complexity of the Case
If a patient has several implants or has a complicated dental structure, the process may take longer. More details mean more time is needed to capture an accurate impression.
2. Patient Comfort
Some patients may feel discomfort or gag during traditional impressions. If this happens, the entire process can take more time than usual, ensuring full patient comfort.
3. Dentist’s Experience
A dentist with prior experience in taking dental impressions can usually work faster and more smoothly, reducing the overall time. Their experience helps avoid mistakes and reduces the need for retakes.
4. Technology Availability
Clinics with modern digital scanners can complete impressions more quickly. Unlike traditional methods to take dental impressions, advanced tools make the process faster, easier, and more accurate in one go.
Do You Need To Book A Separate Appointment for Dental Impressions?
Getting implants is a lengthy process. You might need multiple sittings over the span of months to complete this treatment. Once the implant has been placed and given time to heal, your dentist will typically schedule a separate visit to take impressions. So, it is best to stay in the loop with your dentist to align your schedule accordingly.
Overall Insight
Dental implant impressions typically take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the method used, the complexity of the case, the dentist’s experience, and the patient's comfort. Digital impressions are generally quicker and more comfortable, while traditional ones may take a bit longer.
Get Implant supplies high-quality custom impression trays to secure accurate and precise molds. Call us at (713) 296-0329 for more information.