How Do Dental Implants Work?

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.

It’s also important that you understand what lies ahead in your treatment journey so you can be fully prepared for each stage in the treatment journey and the aftercare. Efficient aftercare is one of the best ways to ensure that your dental implants heal quickly and correctly. It can also help to stave off the risk of implant rejection.

Dental implants are placed over multiple procedures and can take months to complete. This is because healing time is needed between each appointment. In this guide, we’re breaking down the implant treatment journey into separate steps so that you can understand what to expect at each stage. This can help you to better plan ahead.

Dental implant consultations

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. An alternative to bone grafting would be to use All-On‑4 dental implants, which use longer and angled implants which can be better suited for those with lower bone density in the jaw.

If you decide to go ahead with either treatment, you will work with a treatment coordinator to plan your treatment journey. Remember that initial estimates on treatment times may change, as you might take more time to heal between appointments. This is why it’s essential to take a flexible approach and be ready for factors to change.

Placing the dental implant

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. You may experience some bruising and swelling following treatment, so you’ll need to take it easy for a few days.

Your dentist will advise you on the best painkillers to take. The implant site will then be left for three to 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. If you are looking for a full arch restoration, then you may only need between four and six implants to support a full denture.

Placing the abutment

Once the implant has healed, the next step is to place an abutment on top of the implant. This is another short procedure where your dentist will expose the top of the implant and attach the abutment. The gums will heal around the abutment and provide a natural-looking finish. You may have some discomfort in your gums and you will need to be careful when brushing your teeth while you heal.

Placing your final restoration

The final stage in the treatment plan is to place your crown, bridge or denture. 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. This is a simple treatment that should be free from any pain or discomfort. It may take you a bit of time to get used to speaking, smiling and eating with your new dental restoration.

How long does treatment take?

Your dentist will provide you with 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.

In general, dental implants will take around four to six months to complete. If you are looking for a faster solution, you may be eligible for All-On‑4 dental implants. This treatment allows us to place a load-bearing implant in one day by using longer and angled implants.

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.

Your 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.

Ready to start your dental implant journey?

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.