Dental implant surgery generally requires at least two separate steps, performed over a period of approximately six to eight months. If insufficient bone exists for successful implant placement, a separate bone grafting or bone tissue transfer surgery may be required first, adding several months to the entire process. The long waiting periods between surgeries are necessary for several reasons. First, if bone grafting is needed, the transferred tissue must become fully incorporated into the jawbone and mature into functional tissue. Even after the new tissue begins to incorporate into the host site, it must be carefully evaluated over many weeks to observe any compatibility problems. Secondly, the first of the typical two-step surgeries that anchors the tooth root substitute into the jaw-bone below the gum tissue generally requires a healing and bonding period of 12 weeks to six months. During this time, the implant posts must become incorporated into the bone so that the future artificial tooth has a solid, enduring base with which to withstand the tremendous mechanical pressure involved in normal chewing activity. The waiting period in between surgical procedures also allows for custom manufacturing of the artificial teeth to be used over the implant tops. Success of the entire implant procedure depends greatly on the proper sequence, timing, and completion of all these events.
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