Answered by: Dr. David R. Edenbaum

Marlton, NJ

Website: http://www.stateoftheartsmiles.net

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Hi Timothy,

When implant dentistry was in its infancy, the waiting time between implant placement and stage II surgery, or exposure of the previously 'buried' implant was approximately one year.

The majority of our data came from the Brånemark system of implants. These implants were grade I titanium and the surface was machined. By machined, we mean that the surface of the implant was milled by a machine and was relatively smooth.

Today's implants have many different surface treatments. There are titanium grit blasted implants, laser etched implants and implants roughened by spraying molten titanium on the implant surface. Each system has its own surface. The purpose of roughening the surface is to increase surface area and to encourage bone ingrowth for faster integration and greater bone to implant contact.

With today's surfaces waiting time has decreased, and in some cases an implant may be loaded immediately with a temporary crown.

As a general rule, the lower jaw is more dense and allows for more rapid integration, while the bone of the upper jaw is more porous and requires a more prolonged period of integration.

Each location in the mouth is different, and some of the factors that can increase integration time are the need for extensive bone grafting or bone grafting within the sinus.

It is of course best to discuss this with your surgeon, but the short answer is generally 'no.' Today you need not wait 6 – 12 months for integration.