If you are worried about the details of a dental implants procedure, want to know more about what to expect after dental implant surgery or just want to know how implants are done, you are in the right place.
At Keys Dental, we provide comprehensive implant surgery whilst ensuring our patients are taken care of–and not just dentally but emotionally too.
But what are dental implants? Let’s start from the top.
What is dental implant surgery?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing natural teeth.
They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth which are designed to match and replace your natural teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
1. Improved appearance
Dental implants are made to look and feel like your own teeth, helping to restore your natural and visually pleasing smile.
2. Greater comfort
As the dental implants become permanent parts of your mouth, you can eliminate the discomfort often associated with removable dentures and other dental solutions.
3. Improved speech
Professionally designed and clinically placed implants don’t impact your speech, unlike poor fitting dentures.
4. Easier eating
Dental implants don’t just look like your own teeth, they function like them too, allowing you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain.
5. Improved oral health
Unlike some other dental solutions, the dental implants procedure does not require reducing other teeth. This leaves more of your own teeth intact, improving long-term oral health.
6. More durability
With proper care, implants can last many years or, not uncommonly, a lifetime.
7. More convenience
Implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures and other less integrated dental solutions.
Dental Implant Procedure Step By Step
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
The first step is the consultation. This is a comprehensive oral examination by one of our trained dentists. They will review your dental and medical history, outlining what they think the best options are for you.
2. Pre-Procedural Planning
Next comes the pre-procedural planning. These assessments include a review of the jawbone’s condition, taking of impressions, and a CBCT scan to provide a highly detailed view of teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone structure. This process is crucial for ensuring the absolute precise placement of dental implants.
3. Detailed Treatment Plan
With the assessments done and information gathered, we can create a tailored treatment plan to suit your needs. This plan will include potential timelines and outline the anticipated number of appointments required. Every patient’s needs are different, so the treatment plan will outline the type of implant and the various individual considerations you may need to take into account.
4. Surgical Procedure
Dental implant surgery is a multi-step process that begins with the administration of anaesthesia to numb the area. Then the oral surgeon makes an incision into the gum tissue to expose the underlying jawbone and creates a precise hole into which the implant will be placed. The titanium implant, which looks like a small screw, is carefully inserted and secured. It is then left to heal and integrate with the bone over several months in a process called osseointegration. Finally, the prosthetic tooth is attached.
5. Post-surgery Healing
If you are wondering what to expect after dental implant surgery, we’re here to help. While the timeline for healing can vary depending on individual factors, the core healing process (osseointegration) typically ranges from 3 to 6 months. During this time the bone cells attach to the implant surface. The process is not painful but can cause a little bit of discomfort.
6. Placing the Abutment and Crown
Once you have healed, it is time to place the abutment and crown, which connects the implant to the crown.
The crown, which is the visible part of the dental implant, is custom designed to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth. To achieve this, the crown is carefully crafted to match the shape, size, and colour of the surrounding teeth. The colour-matching process involves careful consideration of various factors, including shade, translucency, and surface texture to ensure it truly complements the surrounding teeth.
Crowns are typically made of porcelain or zirconia, materials which not only provide a natural appearance but also offer durability and strength.
How long does a dental implant procedure take?
The overall dental implant process typically takes between 3 to 6 months to complete from start to finish, though it can extend up to a year in some cases.
The actual surgery during which the implant is placed in the jawbone takes 1-2 hours for a single implant. This healing and osseointegration is the longest phase, typically lasting 3-6 months. The final attaching of the abutment may add another 2-3 weeks to the process.
What to expect after dental implant surgery?
While symptoms and experiences after dental implant surgery vary, you can expect some or all of the following:
- Discomfort
- Swelling, bruising, pain, and minor bleeding from your gums
- Difficult eating sticky or hard foods (both of which should be avoided)
Long Term Aftercare with Teeth Implants Procedures
While our team will provide you with all the information you need to ensure the best results, effective healing and prevention of complications post-surgery there are things you can do to ensure the long-term durability of your new dental implants.
1. Brushing and Flossing
Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the implants and surrounding gum tissue.
2. Use Mouthwash
Incorporate an antimicrobial mouthwash into your oral routine to help eliminate bacteria around the implants.
3. Regular Dental Visits
Make sure to schedule regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings. These visits allow your dentist to monitor the health of your implants and identify potential issues before they become a problem.
4. Be Careful of What You Eat
Avoid hard foods such as ice and hard sweets, especially during the healing period post-surgery. A soft food diet is recommended for the initial weeks to protect the implants.
5. Avoid Smoking
Smoking can significantly affect the success and longevity of dental implants by impairing healing and increasing the risk of complications.
Keys Dental – patient-focused, quality obsessed dental implant provider
The Keys Dental team are experts in not just teeth implants procedure but in ensuring our care is patient-focused and results-oriented.
Whether you want to know more information about what dental implant surgery is and what it entails, what you can expect or how you can go about organising your initial consultation, give our clinic a call today.
