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The conventional process can take from three to six months including the insertion of the dentures. After a successful assessment, the dental implants are placed, which are left for three months or more to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period patients can use their existing dentures until their replacement dentures are put in place.

Although there are various implant treatment methods a typical treatment plan for implant dentistry would include:

• Assessment and planning
• Implant placement
• Healing and integration period
• Denture replacement phase

Several factors are taken into consideration, such as the patients dental health, the amount of jawbone available and what type of restoration is to be placed. These factors will also determine the total number of visits patients will need to make to the clinic throughout the treatment period.

Dental Implants used to retain removable dentures offer various options allowing the dentures to be inserted and removed with the components that clip on and off the implants. Some patients prefer this choice as they want the option of removing and maintaining their dentures.

Dental implants can also be used to fixed dentures permanently into place. This type of denture can only be removed by a dental professional. Either way, patients can say goodbye to denture adhesives, sore spots and embarrassing moments.

Studies have shown that even as little as two dental implants in the lower jaw can significantly help with the many social and physical limitations experienced by complete denture wearers. The number of implants placed, the quality and design of the dentures will have a bearing on how well patients can chew but following a brief adaptation period they should be able to eat well with no little or no problems.