The impact of tooth loss is often bigger than people first imagine – affecting your eating function, oral health, appearance, and confidence. We’ve seen thousands of patients in this situation, but there is a fantastic solution: dental implants.
Implants are a modern and life-changing treatment, restoring your smile and giving you the chance to eat normally and naturally. As a procedure, implant placement is tried, trusted, and completely straightforward, but we know that some patients still feel nervous if they’re not sure what to expect.
Here, we’ll talk you through the process, step by step.
Initial consultation
Every patient is different, so while the implant procedure itself is predictable, we’ll always take a bespoke approach to your treatment. For this reason, we’ll begin with an initial consultation to talk through your unique situation and treatment options. For instance, you may need just one dental implant, or you may benefit from multiple. If you’re having issues with dentures that move, or have large gaps in your mouth, we might suggest All On 4 treatment, which allows a complete set of permanent teeth to be fixed using just four implants.
During your one-hour consultation, our principal dentist, Dr Jonathan Cochrane, will carry out an in-depth assessment, judging how much bone tissue is available, before explaining your options. At this point, he’ll also brief you on recommended follow-up care and any ongoing steps you can take to make your treatment more successful (such as stopping smoking). This is a relaxed appointment designed to give you all the information you need before deciding on treatment.
Implant placement
Replacing your missing tooth is achieved over several stages. The first of these is creating a solid foundation within your jawbone. Under local anaesthetic, we’ll carefully place a small titanium implant (or several, if needed) into your jawbone. This will go on to act as a secure artificial root for your new tooth.
The procedure is designed to be smooth and stress-free, and if you’re feeling apprehensive, we can also offer conscious sedation as an option for all treatments. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable this feels, and recovery is usually quicker than expected.
Healing
With your implant or implants in place, we’ll pause for a period of healing, to allow the bone to fuse firmly around them. This process is known as osseointegration, and usually takes between two and three months. Waiting allows your body to create a naturally firm foundation for your final tooth, but if you’re hoping for an immediate uplift in your appearance, we can fit temporary restorations during this time.
While you’re healing, you can carry on with your normal routine; we’ll offer advice on how to look after the area and be on hand to answer any questions you might have.
Final crown
When the implant has fully integrated, your final tooth or teeth can be fitted into place. This won’t involve any more surgical procedures, so we’ll meet for appointments to design and place your custom-made crown, bridge or denture, completing your new smile.
The finished result functions just like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence. Unlike other options such as regular bridges and dentures, implants are a permanent tooth-loss measure. With good care and regular check-ups, they can last just as long as your other teeth.
Frequently asked questions about dental implants
How do dental implants work?
Implants are designed to mimic your natural teeth. They consist of a titanium screw, which can be placed into the jawbone as a replacement tooth root. Following this, surrounding bone will fuse onto the implant, providing a solid foundation for an artificial tooth, such as a crown.
How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, implants can last a lifetime, if looked after well. With proper care, they can be a lifetime solution compared to bridges or dentures.
Are dental implants painful?
Implant surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic (and sedation if needed), so you won’t feel discomfort during treatment. Any soreness afterwards can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and tends to ease within a few days.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The full treatment can take between three and nine months, from start to finish. This includes healing time after the implant is placed, before the crown (replacement tooth) is attached. The exact time frame depends on your individual healing and treatment plan.
Am I suitable for dental implants?
Implants are a go-to option for most adults with good general and oral health. Key factors include healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density, so we’ll carry out a thorough assessment before confirming your suitability. There are very few patients we can’t help, so even if yours is a complex situation, we can almost always find an answer.
Speak to our team
With the benefits of modern dentistry, tooth loss is an entirely solvable problem – with an effective, straightforward solution. If you’d like to find out more about dental implants, just get in touch or book an implant consultation.