The Dental Implant Process
A dental implant is an excellent treatment for many patients who have lost teeth due to illness, accident, or injuries during sports activities, for instance
For many patients, dental implants are becoming the treatment of choice. They can be used to replace a single tooth, support a fixed bridge, or secure removable partial or complete dentures to keep them in place.
Dentures, old or failing bridges, and areas of the mouth where you have had a tooth extraction are all suitable for dental implants.
Dental implants may be appropriate for you if you:
- Have one or more teeth that are missing
- Have enough bone in your jaw to hold the implants in place or can have a bone graft
- Have healthy gums and don’t have any medical conditions that may interfere with bone healing.
If you smoke, have gum disease, or have undergone radiation around your jaw, your eligibility may be reduced. Age is an important factor, anyone over the age of 18 can have dental implants.
Some people may not have enough bone in their jaw to support an implant naturally, so they may require additional treatment like a bone graft or a sinus lift before getting an implant. If this is necessary, your dentist will go over this treatment with you in detail and ensure that you are completely aware.
The Implant
An implant is a screw or cylindrical titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone to replace lost teeth. The bone bonds to the titanium implant, which would subsequently be used to support an implant crown, which is an artificial tooth.
The Procedure
The type of implant used and the health of your jawbone determine how dental implant surgery is carried out. Dental implant surgery is commonly practiced as a same-day surgery, or in several stages with recovery times in between. Because bone regeneration takes time, the process of getting your implant teeth may take a few months to be completed.
Consultation and planning stage
At this stage, a dentist who specialises in treating tissues that support the teeth, such as gums and bones (periodontist), and a dentist who is experienced in implant placement and fitting of artificial teeth (Implant dentist/prosthodontist), may all be involved in the planning process for dental implants.
They will visually evaluate the place in the mouth where a dental implant is being considered to be inserted. For this, they will look at dental imaging tests (X-rays, panoramic films, and/or CT scans). The quality and amount of jawbone are examined at this stage to determine if additional bone is required at the location.
The surgical procedures
Once it has been determined that Implant treatment is suitable, the patient will return for the surgical operation. During any surgical procedure sessions, the patient will normally be given a local anaesthetic to numb the surgical region, as well as any additional sedatives required for comfort and anxiety.
If required, any gum treatments and repairs to existing teeth and bone grafting will be undertaken before the implant surgery. Some bone grafting can be done simultaneously with the implant placement.
First stage
Surgical methods are used to create a channel in the bone and then insert the implant post made of titanium into the prepared area. The implant is covered with a “healing cap or screw,” the gum is stitched together, and the healing process starts.
The gum is allowed to heal so that the implant can form a strong bond with the jawbone.
New bone cells will form on and around the implant post, ensuring that it does not move and is strong enough to hold the restoration in place.
A temporary denture or bridge can be made to replace lost teeth for cosmetic reasons during this recovery period.
The length of time it takes to heal is mostly determined by the quality of the bone. Healing duration ranges from two to six months in most cases.
Second stage
In your second visit, the doctor will examine and determine if the implant post has successfully integrated into the jawbone.
Once this is confirmed, a screw will be used to connect a prosthetic component to the dental implant. This component is called an “abutment”. It is used as a base to secure later secure the crown (substitute tooth) to the implant post.
The crown will be custom-made to fit, so the dentist will take an imprint or digital scan of the abutment in the mouth and record the colour of your new tooth. This is all sent to the laboratory technician.
Third stage
Once the crown is delivered to the practice the dentist will attach the implant crown to the abutment.
On some occasions, implants can be placed immediately after the extraction of a tooth
After the procedure
You may suffer some of the common discomforts associated with any form of dental surgery, whether you have dental implant surgery in one stage or numerous phases, such as:
- Gums and face are swelling
- Bruising of the gums and skin
- Pain at the area of the implant
- Minor bleeding
Following dental implant surgery, you may require pain medication or antibiotics. Contact your oral surgeon if swelling, pain, or any other condition worsens in the days following surgery.
While the surgery area heals, you may need to consume soft foods after each step of surgery. Your surgeon will most likely employ self-dissolving sutures. Your doctor will remove your sutures if they aren’t self-dissolving.
How successful Dental Implants are?
Dental implants have a success record of up to 98 percent since they are extremely robust and designed to last a lifetime.
The success rate of dental implants varies based on the materials used, surgeon experience, implant placement location, and aftercare. Implants inserted by doctors with extensive experience and made of high-quality materials, on the other hand, should last a lifetime. Dental implants are one of the safest and most reliable dental treatments available.
Implants rarely fail, but inadequate home care or trauma to the face might cause problems with recovery. If you are diagnosed as a bruxist (grind your teeth at night) or do not visit the dentist/hygienist for regular maintenance then there is an increased risk of complications.
Contacting Longwood House Dental
If you would like to discuss having teeth implants with us call us now to book an appointment on 020 8551 0088 or through our form.
