Dental implants are the next best thing to a missing tooth, designed to fuse with your jawbone. Below are some details about the process behind getting dental implants.
Initial consultation – You will need to attend a consultation where the procedure will be explained to you in detail and you will be able to ask any questions you may have. Your dentist will need to assess your overall health and your suitability for dental implants. In some cases, patients’ jaws are not strong enough to support an implant and a procedure called bone grafting can be performed to build up bone in your jaw.
Following this, the first stage of surgery can happen where your dentist will make an incision to expose the gum and bone. Your dentist will drill a hole into the one and the dental implant can be placed and left to fuse with your jawbone, becoming a permanent part of you. You will be fitted with a temporary restoration for aesthetic purposes, whilst your implant is left to heal.
Following this, the abutment can be placed. An abutment is the connecting part bringing the implant and the restoration (crown or bridge) together. Your dentist will reopen the gum, exposing your implant. The abutment will then be attached to the dental implant and the gum tissue will be closed. After having your abutment placed, you will need to let this heal for a couple of weeks before your restoration can be fitted over the top. After your gums have healed, your dentist will need to take additional impressions to create your custom restoration. This will be the same colour as your existing teeth.
Benefits of dental implants
– Fuse with your jawbone becoming a permanent part of your body.
– Fixed solution that do not need to be removed.
– Can be cared for in the same way as a natural tooth (brushing and flossing normally).
– Allow you to chew, kiss and smile with confidence.
– Improve your self esteem and confidence – feel less self-conscious about smiling.
– Improve your dental health by replacing a missing tooth that could otherwise cause decay and gum disease amongst other issues.
If you would like more information about dental implants, please do not hesitate to contact us and we can arrange a consultation for you.