How Long Does it Take to Get Dental Implants in Mexico? Implant Process and Timeline

If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in Mexico, there are a few things you should know before heading off to your dentist. Keep reading for the timeline and overview of the dental implant process.

Before and after dental implants by a top dentist in Mexico

At this point, you already know that you are a good candidate for dental implants based on your initial consultation with your dentist. 

Well, congratulations! You are getting closer to having your perfect smile.

But now you have a lot of questions in mind, first and most important. ”How long does it take to get a dental implant procedure?”

Dental implants are often referred to as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. 

It is a complex procedure that requires detailed planning. The average time frame for the entire implant process is 4 – 6 months, or even longer, depending on your case.

In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about dental implants in less than five minutes. Let’s get started!

How Long Do Dental Implants Take from Start to Finish?

Any dental implant procedure requires at least 2 – 3 trips to finish the entire procedure. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Dental Implant Consultation

Estimated Time: 30 mins – 1 hour

On your first day, your Mexico dentist will perform an initial consultation. After viewing your CT scan results, the implant specialist will provide recommendations and discuss your treatment plan.  

TIP FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN MEXICO: Always request a written treatment plan from your dental implant dentist. This should include the estimated number of visits, how many implants are to be placed, the type of implant, cost, and payment options. This way, you can avoid getting ripped off by some clinics that oversell their services.

At Dayo Dental, we require our partner dentists to guarantee your dental implants for at least 5 years. It’s a lot easier to travel for a warranty issue in Mexico as opposed to traveling overseas. This leaves you with a low out-of-pocket cost and the peace of mind that your smile is in good hands.

Step 2: Impression for temporary dentures

Estimated Time: 10 mins

Once you have agreed with the recommendation of the dentist, the dentist will take an impression of your temporary crown or denture. You don’t have to worry about going back home without any teeth at all.

TIP FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN MEXICO: It’s not a good idea to settle your payment upfront. We know some dentists would require you to pay for everything in full before starting the procedure. What if something goes wrong and you decide to find another dentist to finish the job? Nothing is more costly and frustrating than dealing with botched dental work.

Here at Dayo Dental, once you start, we only require our clients to pay 50% to 60% of the total cost during your visit. The remaining balance will only be due once the entire procedure is completed (4 – 6 months after). 

Step 3: Tooth Extraction 

Estimated Time: 20 – 40 minutes

If you have a good bone structure, the implant dentist will perform the extractions and the installation of the implant post.

But if your tooth is removed due to severe decay or you have periodontal disease, then your dentist will treat the infection first. It takes around 1-2 weeks before the dentist can place the implant once the infection is totally healed.

Step 4: Bone Graft (As Needed)

dental bone grafting
3D Image of dental bone grafting in Mexico

Estimated Time: three to four months

If your dentist told you that you have enough bone structure to accept the implants, then you may skip this step.

A bone graft is needed if you’ve been missing a tooth for a while. When a tooth is missing for quite some time, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate. The bone graft helps your bone structure regrow so that your jaw bone will have enough bone to support your implants in place.

Step 5: Dental Implant Placement

Placement of implant abutments by a top dentist in Mexico
Placement of implant abutments by a top dentist in Mexico

Estimated Time: 45 mins to 1 hour per single tooth implant; half-day for full mouth implants

The mouth has 28 teeth (excluding wisdom teeth), 14 on each jaw.

Depending on your case, your dentist will install a minimum of 2 implants and a maximum of 8 implants per arch. Check this tooth numbering chart to identify your teeth numbers and names in a clockwise fashion as seen by your dentist.

The surgery can take place with local anesthesia or IV Sedation. 

Here’s a preview of how dental implants are placed:

  • Your dentist will create a small incision in your gums 
  • Then, your dentist will drill a pilot hole into the jawbone for the placement of the implants
  • Post-op x-ray is taken to ensure a successful placement
  • Your dentist will place the temporary dentures after the surgery

Step 6: Osseointegration (healing)

Estimated Time: 3-6 months

Osseointegration is the process by which the dental implant fuses with your jaw bone, making it a permanent part of your jaw. 

By this time, your dental implant will serve as your tooth root and create a stable foundation for your prosthesis.

Step 7: Placement of Abutment and Getting Impressions for Permanent Teeth

After the healing process, your dental implant dentist will begin making your permanent prosthesis.
After the healing process, your dental implant dentist will begin making your permanent prosthesis.

Estimated Time: 45 mins

After 4-6 months of healing, you will go back on the 2nd trip and the dentist will put in the abutment. It needs to heal for a week or two before the dentist can take an impression for the final prosthesis.

Ask your dentist about the type of crown that is best for you. Zirconia and porcelain and the top two materials used in implant dentistry. The average zirconia dental implants cost in Mexico is $730 per tooth while the implant with porcelain crown costs $430. 

The second visit is for the fitting of the permanent prosthesis. The dental implant process begins with your dentist re-exposing the implant and attaching a small connector called an abutment.

This will connect your titanium post with your permanent crown, denture, or a fixed bridge.

Step 8: Placement of Permanent Prosthesis

Placement of permanent prosthesis by a top dentist in Mexico
The final stage of the implant process. This image describes the placement of permanent prosthesis.

Estimated Time: one hour

Finally! After months of waiting, you’re ready to get the final piece of the puzzle.

Finally! After months of waiting, your dentist will place your permanent crown. The healing cap is removed, and the abutment is checked for fit. The pre-created dental crown is then attached to the abutment. And that’s it! You will finally have your brand new, beautiful smile.

With your new dental implants, you will be able to:

  • Chew as normal
  • Speak as normal
  • Look better and gain a boost of confidence
  • Restore the youthful appearance of your face

What are the Factors that Affect The Healing of Dental Implants?

Are you considering a dental implant procedure, but worried about the 6 or more months of recovery period?

Worry not, the good thing is, you won’t be laid up on the couch or be in bed for months recovering from a dental implant. 

The 6-month average is based on the time it takes for the implant root to be fully bonded with the jawbone. After this, the final permanent crown or restoration can be placed. 

The length of time it takes you to heal from your dental procedure may differ from other patients. We’ve listed some of the factors that may affect your recovery period: 

1. Smoking

If you’re a smoker, you need to quit smoking if you want to achieve your dream smile. In addition, your dentist will require you to stop smoking for at least 6 months before your dental implant procedure. 

Smoking is not only bad for your overall health but for your oral health as well. It affects your body’s natural healing process and irritates the implant site. It also causes your blood vessels to constrict, which can cause excessive bleeding during the procedure. 

2. Bone Mass

Not enough bone for dental implants
Dental x-ray of a patient with not enough bone for all on 4 dental implants

Before you start your dental implant procedure, the dentist will inspect the health of your jawbone. Your implant dentist may take several x-rays of where the implant will be inserted. If you don’t have enough bone structure, the dentist will have to do an extra bone graft or sinus lift to rebuild your jawbone.

TIP FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN MEXICO: Ask if you have enough bone volume in the front of your jaw to place the implants. Some dentists use All on 4 as a catch-all solution. But not all patients can be good candidates for this procedure. Therefore, asking this question is critical in determining the right course of action to take, or whether you should seek an alternate dentist.

All on 4 is one of the most complex dental surgical procedures to date. Read this article for 8 common mistakes to avoid with all on 4 dental implants and ensure a successful recovery. 

3. Oral Hygiene

Now that you have your dental implants, you should treat them the way you take care of your natural teeth. This means you need to brush, floss, and have regular check-ups every 6 months. 

You may think dental implants are artificial teeth that won’t be subjected to cavities. Yes, you might be right, but remember, the structures supporting your implants are at risk for infection if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. 

4. Diet

What you eat after dental implant surgery is vital for your recovery. After surgery, you will need to eat a soft food diet. Smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soups are great options for the first few days after the procedure. This will ensure that you don’t apply too much force to your healing implants.

5. Your Dentist

The experience and skill of the dental surgeon will also affect the healing time and the success of your implant. This is why it is important to do your research and look for a highly-trained and well-equipped implant dentist.

This can make the surgery less invasive and more comfortable. The more conservative the surgery is, the faster the healing time. 

Dental implants are costly, so make sure that you consult a dentist you trust.

TIP FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN MEXICO: It helps to consult at least two or three different dentists for differing opinions. Some dentists will try to upsell you treatments you don’t need. Some dentists will lowball you on the price but are actually unfit to do the job. Here at Dayo Dental, we will partner you with US-trained dentists with vast exposure to complex procedures such as implants and full mouth reconstruction.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

In this article, we’ve mentioned the length and process of how dental implants are placed. 

Don’t get disheartened by the amount of time you have to spend on having this procedure done.  

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. No other teeth replacement methods can compare to the stability, support, and longevity that implants can provide.

They are designed to be a permanent solution to tooth loss, and they can last between 20-30 years or even a lifetime. What is a 6 or 8-month duration of treatment compared to a lifetime result, right? 

However, their lifespan depends entirely on how well you take care of your overall health and your teeth:

1. Schedule routine visits with your dentist

Visit your dentist and have a dental check-up and professional cleaning every 6 months. He will have the opportunity to check the implant and surrounding areas. 

2. Healthy Lifestyle

Choose healthy habits that will contribute to greater well-being to enhance your oral health and prolong the life of your newly placed teeth. 

If you habitually grind your teeth, consider seeking dental treatment to ensure that you do not damage the crown. Your dentist may fabricate a night guard to prevent you from tooth grinding.

Smoking is another habit that puts your implants and general health at risk. You’ve invested so much time and money in your dental implants, don’t let this unhealthy habit cause your implants to fail.

3. Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

At-home oral care will make a huge difference in the health and longevity of your implants. Brushing will ensure that your crown and implant stay free of plaque-causing bacteria that could lead to gum disease. 

TIP FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN MEXICO: Note that the dental implant cost varies depending on where you live. If you research and explore outside your immediate area, you might save yourself thousands of dollars.

Getting Dental Implants in Mexico: Why It's Worth It

The lure of dental tourism can be quite appealing for a lot of reasons. 

  • The cost of dental implants in Mexico is significantly lower than in the United States and Canada. You can save anywhere from 50% to 70%.
  • The thought of combining an inexpensive vacation while obtaining dental work abroad can be appealing. As an example, the estimated cost of full mouth dental implants in Mexico is $26,300. In the US, the same implant brands used for full mouth dental implants would cost a staggering $53,000. 
  • The quality of dental care isn’t compromised despite the lower cost. In fact, many dentists in Mexico have had advanced training in the US and have years of experience.
  • The wait times are shorter. You can generally get an appointment within a week or two, which is a far cry from the months-long wait times in the US. 
  • Mexico is relatively close to the US, with most major cities being only a few hours away by plane. You can be in and out of the country within a week without taking too much time off from work.
 

If you are considering getting dental implants in Mexico, we urge you to do intensive research and choose a reputable clinic that offers a guarantee on their dental work.

Looking for the best dentist in Mexico for implants? Dayo Dental has pre-screened top-rated dentists in Mexico and can connect you with them for a FREE consultation. Speak with one of Dayo Dental’s professional advisors to learn about your options. Call us today at 877-987-3296.

About the Company

Dayo Dental

Dayo Dental is a US-based company helping American and Canadian customers find the most reputable and qualified dentists in Mexico. Through Dayo Dental Network of pre-vetted dental practitioners, clients can find the top dentists in their field offering top-notch dental services for, often times, a fraction of the cost of US/Canadian prices.

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