The Dental Implant Process Explained

During an initial evaluation, I will know relatively quickly whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. Typically, if you are in good general health and have no chronic medical conditions that affect the healing process, you should be eligible.

In all cases, a thorough assessment and rehabilitation plan will be carried out before surgery. In other cases, diagnostic computerised mock-ups are also produced along with computerised surgical guides detailing the exact position and depth of the implant.

Then, using precision tools, the implant is placed into the jaw through the gum and anchored down into the bone. In some instances, a restoration tooth or prosthesis can be fitted straight away, and often, depending upon where the implant is in the mouth, I will fit a temporary replacement for functionality and aesthetics during the healing phase.

In the early days of implant placement, particularly before bone fusion (osseointegration), smoking can be problematic for dental implants. Not only can it affect the healing time, but bacteria contained in tobacco smoke can cause issues for newly placed implants. For this reason, I advise all patients to quit smoking before treatment, or at least until the implant has fully stabilised in the jaw.

Because long-term tooth loss causes the jawbone tissue to waste away (atrophy), some patients may not have sufficient bone to anchor the implant. For this reason, bone tissue will need to be rebuilt to give the implant the best chance of success. This is something that I regularly perform for my patients and will be included in your personalised treatment plan.

Implants are a long-term treatment option for missing teeth, and once in position, they have been proven to last for several decades or more. There may be a requirement to replace the restoration crown, bridge or denture at more frequent intervals depending upon wear and tear, but with proper care and attention, the implants themselves can last for many years.

After dental implant surgery, I will guide you on how to look after your implants. Self-care is the most important aspect of maintaining an implant-based restoration, including regular and thorough brushing and flossing. Regular hygiene visits and ongoing dental monitoring are also advised.