The Dental Implant Procedure
The placement of a dental implant is often divided into two stages -
Stage 1 - Surgical phase
Stage 2 - Restorative phase
Although there is always a surgical and restorative phase, the time span between these stages may vary, depending on each individual case. In some cases, the implant can have a ‘tooth’ placed immediately, other times a healing period of often three months is necessary.
Surgical Phase
The implant surgery will be done in a comfortable and compassionate way at my practice under local anaesthetic using strict sterile operating techniques. To place an implant, small incisions are made into your gum to expose the underlying jaw bone. Using special techniques and instruments, the implant is then inserted into the underlying jaw bone. The surgical site is then closed around a healing abutment and the dental implant is allowed to heal “osseointegrate” (bony integration) for a period of three months.
If the tooth that you are missing and having replaced with a dental implant is in the aesthetic zone, immediately following the extraction of the tooth and insertion of the dental implant, you will be provided with an immediate denture. This denture is a temporary measure to enable optimal aesthetics in the three months waiting for the implant to complete osseointegration. That is, you will never be without your front tooth.
Restorative Phase
Three months following insertion of the dental implant, the degree of integration of the implant to the bone is tested with a simple ‘torque test’. This five minute procedure is completely painless and does not require any local anaesthetic.
Provided osseointegration has been successful, an additional 30 minute appointment will be scheduled to take an impression of the dental implant using an impression coping. This impression is then sent to a dental ceramist who will then construct the final crown. An appointment may need to be arranged between you and the ceramist so that the colour and contour of the final crown will be as natural that is possible.
It usually takes three weeks for the dental ceramist to construct the crown. At the final 30 minute appointment, the crown is tried in your mouth and provided that you are happy with the match to your existing teeth, the crown is then attached to the underlying implant. Again this procedure is often performed without local anaesthetic.
Maintaining optimal dental hygiene around your dental implant is a life time commitment and will ensure the chances that your implant will remain successful.
Frequently asked Questions
How long does it take for me to have a dental implant placed?
The actual placement of the dental implant is not a lengthy procedure – definitely shorter than having a crown preparation or root canal procedure performed. The surgical time may take anywhere from 30 minutes to place one implant in a highly accessible location – up to an hour for more difficult cases.
The complete implant procedure most commonly takes 4 months to complete but can take in excess of 12 months – especially if additional procedures such as bone grafting are required.
Does it Hurt?
This is a difficult one as pain is obviously subjective. As with any surgical procedure, there will be some discomfort. However, it is true to say that most patients are extremely surprised with how little discomfort they have in the hours following the procedure and the following day. Most people report that they return to work pain free the following day. Some of our patients have even had the surgical stage completed in the morning and returned to a full working day.
Most people will agree that they are surprised of how ‘uneventful’ the entire implant procedure is. Consensus is that the placement of the implant is far less an issue than the extraction of the natural tooth. As part of our standard practice, you will be adequately medicated with analgesics to ease any discomfort that may occur.
Am I suitable for dental implants?
The current prerequisite for dental implants is that you have to have ceased growing. In girls this can be as young as 15-16 years of age with boys often 17-18 years of age. There is no partivular age limit to the placement of dental implants. Good health is often the determining factor rather than age. Provided that there is adequate bone, along with healthy gums that are free of gum disease then dental implants may be right for you.
There are some chronic diseases that may complicate the placement of dental implants.
A complete and thorough dental and medical examination and history is imperative prior to the placement of dental implants
What if it doesn’t work?
There are some cases whether it be for systemic or local reasons that a dental implant may fail to integrate with the jaw bone. The implant will be removed, the site cleaned out and allowed to heal for three months. Often another attempt can be undertaken in the following months to achieve osseointegration.
How much do dental implants cost?
It is difficult to accurately quote the costs of dental implants without a customised treatment plan. Costs are dependent on several factors such as the number of implants needed to be placed, the number of teeth being replaced and whether grafting procedures are required or not. There are surgical variables and prosthetic variables to the total costs.
To obtain a specific fee estimate, a thorough and customised diagnostic examination is necessary. This can be provided after the initial examination.
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