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How Do Dental Implants Work?

Published on 05/10/2015

Dental implants have increased in popularity over the past few years and have now become one of the leading solutions to replace teeth that have become unsalvageable and need to be removed. They are tried and tested dental treatments, with high success rates. However, the longevity of any dental implant will depend on how well it is cared for and regular maintenance is required.

Prior to embarking on any implant treatment, you should ensure that the dentist has completed the necessary additional training needed to place implants. This is a specialist treatment and as such cannot be carried out by all dentists.

Treatment

Before starting a dental implant treatment you will need to attend the surgery for a consultation appointment. At this appointment the dentist will

complete a full assessment of your mouth, teeth and gums, they will also take x‑rays to determine the bone levels present in your jaw. If there is not enough bone present or the bone is not healthy enough it may be necessary to complete bone grafts before implants can be attempted.

The first stage of treatment involves placing a titanium screw into the jaw, this will act as an anchor for any restoration; this may be a crown, bridge or denture. For this, the dentist will use a local anaesthetic so you will be awake throughout the procedure and aware of what is going on. If you are very nervous the dentist is able to prescribe a mild sedative to help keep you calm during the treatment. The procedure itself should not be painful and is often easier than extracting the tooth in the first place. You may however feel some discomfort in the week following the procedure, this is due to the bone growing around the screw anchoring it to your jaw. Your dentist will advise you on the best painkillers to take. The implant site will then be left for three-four months to allow the bone to grow, securing the screw to your jaw and providing a secure base for the restorations. It may not be necessary for you to have an implant for each missing tooth, your dentist will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment to ensure good retention for your restorations.

Once completed any restorations will match closely the natural colour of your teeth, so no one will know that they are not your real teeth.

Your dentist will provide you will a full treatment plan prior to treatment detailing exactly what is to be done and the associated costs. If this needs to change during the course of treatment you should discuss all the possible options and be given all the information to make an informed choice of how you would like to proceed.

Aftercare

Aftercare is very important to ensure the longevity of your implant and it is advisable that you attend the dentist for regular maintenance appointments. This allows any problems to be detected early and treated quickly. The dentist may advise you to see the hygienist for regular appointments to ensure plaque and calculus do not build up around your implant. They will also be able to advise on the best oral hygiene aids to ensure the area remains clean and healthy.

If plaque and calculus are allowed to build up around the implant site there is the potential for gum disease to develop and if left untreated this can lead to the failure of the implant.

Here at Leigh Dental Centre, we are able to offer 0% finance to help you spread the cost of your dental treatment, ensuring you can have the treatment you want at a cost you can afford.

If you are interested in discussing dental implants further and would like to see if you are suitable call Leigh Dental Centre today on 01702 472929 to book a consultation appointment.

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