The key to successful dental implant treatment is the planning and we will provide you with a full treatment covering both dental and medical aspects of your treatment.
Any form of dental treatment can seem a little daunting. Our implant dentists have undergone years of advanced training to enable him to achieve fantastic results, even for the most complex cases. You are in very good hands.
We have also invested in the latest technology and equipment to ensure we deliver the highest quality outcomes. Our support staff are highly trained and experienced in order to provide the best possible standard of care during and after your treatment. If you have questions at any point either prior to or during treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Dental implant treatment will typically take several months to complete.The most important aspect of any medical care is to correctly formulate the diagnosis and the treatment plan which follows.
For example, when a tooth is lost, depending on how long after the tooth was extracted or lost in an accident, a considerable amount of the supporting bone will potentially have also been lost. In such a case it might be necessary to place a bone graft to develop enough bone in which to place a dental implant. However, if the removal of a tooth is carefully planned, it will be possible to consider placing a dental implant at somewhere between 3 to 8 weeks after the extraction. Once the implant is in place it takes six weeks or so for the implant to properly integrate into the bone and enable the crown or bridge, or occasionally a precision component to help retain the denture, onto the dental implant (which is firmly integrated to native jawbone).
At your first appointment we will scan the inside of your mouth using our digital scanner, this is a special, non-invasive type equipment and allows us to produce 3D images of your teeth, soft tissue, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan. From this scan we can assess the bone support for a dental implant as sometimes it is necessary to carry out a bone graft to ensure we have the appropriate foundation into which we can securely place the implant. We also have a Cone Beam scanner which is a form of x-ray machine. After an initial scan and a consultation with your dentist, it may be necessary to use this for additional investigation.
If you do require a bone graft, we will decide whether this can be done at the same time as the dental implant is placed or whether it will be done as a separate procedure to when the dental implant is placed. It takes between five and nine months for the bone graft to be ready to receive a dental implant.
If your treatment is relatively straightforward, we are likely to suggest going ahead and making the second appointment where the dental implant will be placed. You will be given a local anaesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the process.
The titanium post needs to be left for a short time for the bone and gum to heal around it before it can be used to support a new tooth on top of it. Once that happens, the titanium becomes one with the bone around it and this key stage is known as biological integration.
Biological Integration usually takes between eight and twelve weeks. When the implant has integrated with the bone, it provides a strong and stable platform for the new crown or bridge.
Once your implant integrates with the bone, we are then able to restore the implant. After taking scans of the position of the implants in relation to your other teeth and structures, the final ‘implant teeth’ can be individually designed, made and cemented or screwed into the implant. Once in place, they will look, feel and function as a natural tooth.
If yours is a routine case then treatment times can vary between 6 weeks and 6 months, from the time of placing the implant to fitting the crown.
Implants are an excellent option and investment in your health. With the right aftercare, they can last for a lifetime.
For such a long-term success, taking care of your implant is important. As with natural teeth, implants require the same regular check-ups and conscientious oral hygiene. Once you follow these guidelines, your implants can be maintained for decades.
