The process of fitting dental implants
When it comes to having teeth restored there is no better solution for the majority of dental patients than to have oral implants fitted
Implants are relatively new in the field of cosmetic dentistry and can offer patients a suitable solution when dealing with missing teeth. They fit into the jawbone and then allow patients to have prosthetic teeth fitted easily and without inconvenience.
At Doctor Bobby Chhoker’s surgery, we have fitted many dental implants and can attest to how much of a change they can make in patients’ lives. We also provide aftercare, to ensure that any implants you have fitted will last as long as possible.
So what exactly is involved in having dental implants fitted? Read on to find out.
Assessment
Firstly, it’s worth noting that not everybody is suitable for dental implants. For them to fuse successfully, you need to have a healthy amount of jawbone that they can be attached to. This may be an issue if you have lost your teeth many years ago or if you have suffered from excessive gum disease in the past. We will assess this using an X-ray and will be able to determine very quickly if you are a suitable candidate.
Fitting
The fitting of oral implants sounds more complicated than it is. In short, we will numb the area with a local anaesthetic and will make some precise incisions into your gum line, peeling it back to reveal the jaw if there isn’t a vacant socket. We will drill a hole into the bone, and we will fit the implant in place. Once this is secured, we will sew the gum back together and the fusing process can begin. The entire fitting will take one to two hours per implant.
Aftercare
Once you are at home, you will need to keep the implant site clean, and you should avoid putting pressure on your gums using a toothbrush. So, we suggest keeping the site clean using salt water to remove debris.
You will likely experience some discomfort, but this should be easily managed using over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol. If you notice excessive discomfort following the fitting of an oral implant, then please contact our team as soon as possible to have this examined as you may have an infection.
Prosthetic fitting
Three to six months after the original fitting, we will assess if the implant has fused to the bone. If it has, we will begin fitting the prosthetic tooth or teeth, which will in essence be a set of composite teeth that will be screwed onto the implant. If after twelve months we do not see evidence that the implant is fusing, we will have to consider the procedure a failure and will discuss other options with you.
Aftercare with the prosthetic
If this all goes well, you will be fitted with your new prosthetic teeth attached to your implants. Care for them as you do your regular, natural teeth, such as brushing them twice a day, flossing between them and aiming to keep up with those biannual meetings with our team. If you notice any signs of gum disease, please contact us, as this can be the easiest way for implants to become lost.
DISCLAIMER
All treatments carry risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.