How Long Does Restorative Dental Treatment Take?

Did you know that 9 in 10 adults have tooth decay at some point in their life? Recent studies also show that at least 178 million adults are missing one or more teeth. With both of these situations, restorative dentistry can come to the rescue. 

At Whole Body Dental in Bellevue, Washington, we use a holistic dentistry approach focusing on your whole-person wellness. Whether it’s a minor issue or a major tooth replacement you need, we use the safest and gentlest restorative dentistry techniques possible. 

Because our patients often ask about restorative dentistry timelines, we’re devoting today’s blog to that topic. We hope this information helps you know what to expect so you can plan ahead.

Composite restorations: Fast and easy

If you have a cavity or minor tooth damage, white fillings are often the quickest solution. These procedures typically require just one visit. 

First, our dentists remove the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth and then fill the space with composite resin.

This process usually takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the severity of the damage. Because we use tooth-colored materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, you can leave our office with a beautiful, restored smile in just one appointment.

Crowns and bridges: Multiple appointments for precise results

For more significant damage, such as a severely decayed or broken tooth, we may recommend a zirconia crown or a dental bridge. Both options are highly durable and natural-looking. 

Usually, crowns and bridges require two visits (an hour or two each) to our office. During your first appointment, we prepare the tooth by removing the damaged portion and taking impressions to create a custom restoration. 

At your second appointment, usually a week or two later,  we fit and bond the crown or bridge in place. 

Dental implants: A new smile in as little as one appointment

If you’ve lost one, several, or even all of your teeth, dental implants are an effective way to restore your smile in a natural-looking way. 

There are a few options for dental implants at Whole Body Dental. Traditional dental implants require three appointments. At the first visit, our dentists place the dental implants (biocompatible metal posts) in your jawbone. 

After a few months of healing, we make impressions of your mouth. This allows our dental lab to create highly realistic-looking teeth replacements. Once your custom crowns are ready, you come back for the final appointment, at which our dentists attach the crowns to the implants. The process for traditional dental implants takes around a year in total. 

But, we also offer a quicker option with the All-on-4® treatment. After your initial consultation, All-on-4 may allow you to replace an entire arch of teeth (upper or lower) in only one appointment. 

For All-on-4, our dentists place four dental implants at key points in your mouth and then attach a custom-made denture to permanently replace the full arch of teeth. All-on-4 are also known as implant-retained dentures for this reason. 

While you may experience some healing time after All-on-4 placement,  the immediate improvement to your smile and oral function is truly remarkable. If you’re looking for a quick, long-term solution to tooth loss, these unique implants are an excellent choice.

Your smile, your timeline

Every smile is different, and the time required for restorative dental treatment depends on your specific needs. At Whole Body Dental, we make it our mission to provide high-quality, holistic care that fits into your life. 

Whether you need a simple filling or a full smile transformation, we guide you through the process, ensuring comfort and safety every step of the way.

Ready to restore your smile? Contact us online or call our Bellevue office at 425-842-0435 to schedule your consultation today.