How to Perform Dental Implant Surgery Successfully

Dental implants are meant to last for many years when you take care of them. They look and feel like natural teeth, help you to eat and speak comfortably, and prevent bone loss in the jaw. When you are considering this surgery, talk to your dentist to know about full dental implants cost and check whether it suits your affordability. This will enable you to take the right decision for your case.

What are different kinds of dental implants?

Are you considering implants surgery? If yes, then the right choice will depend on the number of teeth to replace, your dental health and estimated budget. The dentist will suggest the best dental implants for your teeth by considering these options:

Smile in a day

This is a same-day treatment where your temporary teeth and implants are fitted in a single visit. You will be able to leave the clinic with a complete smile while your implants heal, and they later return for the permanent teeth.

Single and multiple dental implants

A single implant will be able to replace one missing tooth with the help of a crown. With multiple implants, you can replace several teeth and each with its own crown. A dental crown is an artificial tooth-shaped cap that fits over the implant. It has been designed to look and function like natural tooth which matches the shape, size ad colour of other teeth.

Implant-supported bridges

This may be used when there is a gap of several missing teeth. Two or more implants may support a row of false teeth. So, you will not require an implant for every single tooth and healthy teeth will not be affected.

Implant retained dentures

A denture is a removable set of false teeth on acrylic place. The implant-retained dentures will clip onto the implants for additional stability. They feel secure than the traditional dentures and can be removed at the time of cleaning.

Who can undergo implants procedure?

Most adults can perform this method but you should have good health condition and sufficient bone tissue and healthy gums for it. This lessens the chances of getting infection after the surgery and gives the right choice of implant to join with the jawbone and heal successfully. Your dentist will tell if you are the right person for this treatment. Also, you can ask about implant prices in UK to find out whether it will fit your budget.

What happens during an implant treatment

The procedure for implant generally requires several months and involves a few stages. The exact time and cost depend on many things such as – the number of implants you require and whether you need additional treatments.

Step 1: Schedule a session for consultation purpose

Begin with a session from your dentist. They will assess various options, check if you are suitable to undergo the surgery and conduct a thorough dental examination. They will ask your medical record and lifestyle factors such as smoking. They will also perform dental X-ray, moulds or 3D scan of your mouth. Your dentist has to confirm whether you have sufficient jawbone for supporting an implant.

In the case you do not, the dentist may suggest you perform another method known as sinus lift or bone graft before you can perform implant procedure.

Your dentist provides customised treatment plan when you decide to move ahead. This comprises of the treatment time, additional methods you require and a complete breakdown of the entire cost. You will have to give the consent before starting with the treatment process.

Step 2: Placement of the implant

The implant surgery can be performed at the local practice or you may be referred to a specialist, if needed. The time it will take depends on the number of implants you have but one implant may take near about 30 minutes.

Your dentist injects a local anaesthetic into the gums for numbing the area so that you may not feel pain. They will make a cut in the gum, drill small hole into the jawbone and place metal implant into the bone. They close the hole in the gum with some stiches.

Sometimes, your dentist attaches a small metal connection known as an abutment, to the top of your implant. This will act as a foundation for new teeth to sit on the top of it.

Your dentist will attach your new tooth or teeth on the same day. You will usually have to wait a few months for your bone and gums to heal first. Your dentist gives a temporary tooth replacement for hiding the gap in your mouth while it heals completely.

Step 3: Implant needs to heal properly

After placing the implant, your jaw requires sufficient time to heal completely. The bone and implant fuses together in a process known as osseointegration in the next few months. This builds strong and stable foundation for your new tooth like natural tooth root.

Step 4: Fit your new teeth

After the implant and bone have fused together, the dentist will attach a small metal attachment known as an abutment to the top of your implant if they have not already. They might have to reopen your gum a little for this though they use local anaesthetic for numbing the area.

Your dentist takes moulds or a digital scan of your mouth to capture exact contours of the teeth. They will be sending them to a laboratory where your teeth are customised to match with natural smile.

Once the new teeth are ready, your dentist will see you again to attach the false teeth to your abutment. Your final tooth might be attached directly to the abutment by using a small screw or bonded with dental cement based on your situation. They might fit a single crown, many crowns, implant-supported bridge, or removable dentures that clip onto your implants, according to your needs.

Make sure you ask about cost of dental implants in London before undergoing the treatment.

What are some complications with tooth implants?

Teeth implants are usually successful though there is a small chance of complications, like other kinds of surgeries. You will probably develop problems from implant surgery if you have diabetes, gum disease, smoke often or do not clean mouth properly. Some possible complications are the following:

• Swelling, infection or bleeding at the implant area

• Tingling or numbness sensation on your lip, chin or tongue if nerve is damaged or bruised during the treatment.

• Failure of implant when bone and implant fail to fuse together after the surgery. When this takes place, the dentist removes implant and you may try again later.

Thus, visit your dentist at Thousand Smiles when you have decided to perform dental implants surgery successfully.