Dental Implant Procedure

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a popular procedure that replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth. They are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, providing a long-term solution for people with missing teeth. The procedure involves surgically placing a metal post into the jawbone, an anchor for the replacement tooth or dental crown. Dental implants are a reliable and effective way to restore one's smile.

Dental Implant Process

The dental implant process typically involves several stages and requires multiple appointments with your dental implant specialist. The process can be summarized as follows:

• Consultation: The journey to dental implants begins with a consultation with a dental professional. During this initial appointment, the dentist will assess your oral health, take x-rays and impressions, and discuss your treatment options. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, address any concerns, and ensure that dental implants are the right choice for you.

• Treatment Planning: A personalized treatment plan will be created for you based on the information gathered during the consultation. This plan will outline the number of implants needed, the type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture), and the timeline for the procedure.

• Implant Placement: The next step is the surgical placement of the dental implant. This is typically done under local anaesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue and insert the implant into the jawbone. Over time, the implant will fuse with the bone through osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

• Healing Period: After implant placement, a healing period is necessary to allow the implant to integrate fully with the jawbone. Depending on the case, this period can range from a few weeks to several months. During this time, a temporary tooth restoration may be placed to maintain aesthetics and function.

• Final Restoration: The final restoration can be placed once the implant successfully integrates with the jawbone. Depending on the treatment plan, this could be a dental crown, bridge, or denture. The restoration is carefully crafted to match your natural teeth' colour, size, and shape, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking smile.