How do Dental Implants work?

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are surgically placed metal posts that act as artificial tooth roots. These implants are typically made from titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with your jawbone, providing a stable foundation for artificial teeth. This fusion process, known as osseointegration, ensures that your new teeth will not slip or cause bone damage, unlike traditional dentures or bridgework.

Why choose dental implants?

Dental implants offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that may not fit well or when a lack of natural tooth roots prevents the use of other dental replacements. The benefits of dental implants include:

• Natural Appearance and Function: Implants look and function like your natural teeth.
• Durability: With proper care, implants can last many years.
• Bone Health: Implants stimulate and preserve the jawbone, preventing bone loss.
• Comfort and Convenience: Unlike dentures, implants are fixed and do not require removal for cleaning.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

• Dental implants may be right for you if you:
• Don’t smoke tobacco
• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are willing to commit several months to the process

Detailed dental implant process

1. Initial Consultation and Planning

Comprehensive Dental Exam:

• During your first visit, we conduct a thorough dental examination, including dental X-rays and 3D images of your teeth and jawbone. This helps us evaluate the structure and condition of your mouth and plan the implant placement precisely.

Medical History Review:

• We review your medical history in detail to identify any health conditions or medications that could affect the implant procedure. It’s crucial to inform us about any heart conditions, orthopaedic implants, or other health issues that may require pre-surgery antibiotics to prevent infection.

Customized Treatment Plan:

• Based on the examination and medical history, we develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan outlines the number of teeth you need replaced, the condition of your jawbone, and any preparatory procedures like bone grafting.

2. Surgical Procedures

Tooth Removal:

• If any damaged teeth need to be removed, this is the first step. The removal is done with minimal discomfort and prepares the site for implant placement.

Jawbone Preparation (Grafting):

• If your jawbone is too thin or soft to support an implant, you may require bone grafting. This procedure strengthens the bone, providing a stable foundation for the implant. Bone grafting can use natural bone from another part of your body or synthetic materials. Healing from bone grafting can take several months, but minor grafting might be done simultaneously with implant placement.

Implant Placement:

• Once your jawbone is ready, the titanium implant post is surgically placed into the bone. The post is positioned deep enough to serve as a sturdy root for the artificial tooth. A temporary, partial denture can be placed over the site for aesthetic purposes during healing.

Osseointegration:

• After the implant is placed, osseointegration begins. This is the process where the jawbone grows around the implant, securing it firmly in place. This phase can take several months but is essential for the stability of the implant.

3. Abutment Placement

Placing the Abutment:

• Once osseointegration is complete, a minor surgical procedure is performed to place the abutment, which is the connector that holds the crown. This procedure involves reopening the gum to expose the implant, attaching the abutment, and then closing the gum tissue around it. The abutment may also be placed during the initial implant surgery in some cases.

Healing:

• After the abutment is placed, your gums will need about two weeks to heal before the final artificial tooth can be attached.

4. Artificial Tooth Placement

Impressions:

• After your gums have healed, we take detailed impressions of your mouth. These impressions are used to create the crown, ensuring it matches the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth.

Crown Attachment:

• The final step is attaching the crown to the abutment. Depending on your preference and dental needs, you can choose between a removable or fixed crown:
  • Removable Crown: This type is similar to a conventional denture and can be removed for cleaning.
  • Fixed Crown: This type is permanently screwed or cemented onto the abutment and functions like a natural tooth. Most fixed crowns are attached individually, but in some cases, multiple teeth can be supported by a single implant if they are bridged together.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Post-Surgery Care:

• Post-surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, pain, and minor bleeding. These symptoms are normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medications and antibiotics.

Dietary Adjustments:

• During the healing period, it’s essential to eat soft foods to avoid putting pressure on the implant site. This promotes better healing and reduces discomfort.

Oral Hygiene:

• Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for the success of your implants. Brush and floss regularly, and use specially designed brushes to clean around the implants.

Regular Dental Checkups:

• Schedule regular checkups with your dentist to monitor the health of your implants and ensure they are functioning correctly.

Avoiding Damaging Habits:

• To prolong the life of your implants, avoid chewing hard items, such as ice and hard candy, which can damage both your natural teeth and implants. Also, avoid smoking and excessive consumption of staining substances like coffee and red wine.

Why Choose Wimpole Street Dental Clinic?

At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality dental care. Our experienced team of specialists uses state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. We offer flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, and provide interest-free financing options to make your dental care convenient and affordable.