The Dental Implant Procedure – What Does It Entail?

Explaining this increasingly popular treatment as an alternative for dentures.

Older patients of the Clocktower Dental, Implant & Facial Centre will have seen some changes over the years. Whereas once upon a time, dental practices carried out relatively straightforward procedures such as fillings and extractions, a quick look at our website will show that these have expanded dramatically, even including non dental procedures such as our range of facial aesthetics treatments.

Perhaps one of the biggest changes though has been in the area of replacing missing teeth. While dentures have long been a ‘standard’ for doing this, our Epsom dentist now finds that the popularity of dental implants is growing every year.

This is hardly surprising as there is little doubt that implants offer a superior option. The fact that they replace the tooth root as well as the crown ensures that they remain stable and strong and provide a replacement that is as close to a natural tooth as is currently possible. There is still some ‘mystery’ among some patients though about what happens during a dental implant procedure and that is something that we are going to take a look at in today’s blog.

Initial consultation

Having decided that implants might be an option when they lose a tooth or number of teeth, the first step for the patient is to arrange an initial consultation with one of our implant dentists. This is important, not only to discuss options so that an informed decision can be made, but also to assess suitability. Using 3D scans and x-rays, we will determine whether there is sufficient bone available into which the implant can be placed. Where there is not, an intermediate step may be needed if the patient still wishes to have implants placed.

Pre implant preparation

Most people will be able to skip this step but some, such as those with compromised bone in the jaw or with teeth that need prior extraction, may need surgery before the procedure can take place. In addition to any extractions that might be needed, it is at this time when procedures such as a bone graft or sinus lift can be carried out to enable an implant to be placed. You will need to allow a little time between this procedure and the actual placement to allow for the bone graft etc to fully integrate.

Placing the dental implant

Before the implant dentist can start the surgery, you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area and to make the procedure more comfortable. Some patients may also wish to consider sedation for this procedure depending on the level of anxiety they are feeling about it. This will be discussed during the initial consultation.

From x-rays and scans, the gum will be cut to expose the jawbone and a small hole will be precisely drilled into the most appropriate spot to ensure that no nerves are damaged and that the implant will be correctly positioned. Drilling into bone might sound a little scary to some patients but should cause no more discomfort than you might expect from most other invasive dentistry. The implant will then be securely placed into this hole and any stitches that might be needed to allow it to heal will be applied.

Osseointegration

This period is extremely important and, while the dentist is responsible for the procedure itself, the patient is also required to be diligent for approximately three months while the area of the surgery heals. During this time, the implant will gradually fuse together with the bone into which it has been placed in a process called ‘osseointegration’. It is this that provides the strength and security that teeth implants are known for. Full instructions will be given but patients will need to be careful about what they eat and how they maintain cleanliness around the area during this time. We will, of course, be available to monitor its progress and to answer any questions you might have if you have any concerns.

Completion

Once we are satisfied that the implant has securely bonded to the bone, the final steps can take place. This involves securing an abutment to the implant onto which a previously produced crown will be attached. The treatment is then complete and you will have a replacement tooth that will not move around in your mouth and will allow you to eat whatever you want.

Naturally, you will need to take good care of the implant with brushing, flossing and hygienist visits, but this is no more than you should be doing with your natural teeth. With good care then, your new implant can last you for twenty years and very often, many more.

If you would like to find out if you are a suitable tooth implant candidate, why not arrange your initial consultation at our local Epsom clinic by calling the Clocktower Dental, Implant & Facial Centre today on 01372 720136.