Everything you should Know about Dental Implants Procedure

A dental implant procedure involves inserting artificial tooth roots and fitting a dental restoration such as crown or bridges after the implants bond with the jawbone. You can get a dental implant in London if you have one or more missing teeth because they look and function like your teeth.  

What is a dental implant procedure?

Getting a dental implant is an outpatient procedure which means you can go home after the surgery. Dental implants are biocompatible and usually made with titanium, so they fuse with the jawbone and function like the tooth root. The artificial tooth root allows the dentist to fit replacement teeth, and it helps the replaced teeth remain stable.

The dental implants procedure requires several appointments, including consultation, implant placement appointment and another appointment to fit the replacement teeth.

Contraindications

Growing children may not be suitable for a dental implant until their jaw development is complete. Those with chronic diseases like leukaemia may not also be suitable for dental implants because these conditions can interfere with the healing process.

People who smoke may not also get dental implants because smoking slows down the healing process. Ensure you inform your dentist about your lifestyle habits and medical history to determine if you can get a dental implant or not.

Benefits of dental implants

A dental implant can replace several missing teeth lost to tooth decay, infection, injury or gum disease. If you have several missing teeth, your dentist will discuss several teeth replacement options with you, including implants, bridges and dentures.

Before settling for a dental implant, the dentist will check if you have sufficient bone and space in your jaw to replace the missing tooth. If you lost your teeth a while back, you may have lost the bone and may need a bone graft procedure before getting a dental implant.  

How to prepare for dental implant surgery

Your dentist will carry out teeth and gum examination during your initial consultation. You will also have x-rays and discuss your treatment plan. When you agree on an implant surgery plan and the dentist finds you suitable for implants, they will schedule an appointment for your implant surgery.

If you have to get IV sedation for the surgery, you will need to have someone take you home after the procedure.

Dental surgery location

Dental implant surgery is usually done at a dental office by a team of dentists trained in restorative dentistry and oral surgery.

Food and drink

Suppose you are getting local anaesthesia for the procedure; in that case, you can have a light meal a few hours before your surgery. However, if you get an IV sedation, your dentist will advise you not to eat after midnight on the day before your surgery to ensure your stomach is empty.

Medication

The dentist may prescribe antibiotics that you will take a few days before the procedure to prevent an early implant failure. Your dentist may also recommend using a special antibacterial mouthwash to rinse your mouth.

Pre-operation lifestyle changes

Smoking significantly affects the success of dental implant surgery, so you should inform your dentist if you smoke.

During the procedure

A dental implant procedure involves different appointments scheduled several months apart. During the first phase of the procedure, which is the surgical placement of the implant, the dentist would administer an IV sedation or local anaesthesia to numb the area.

Your dentist will make a small cut in your gums to place the dental implant into your jawbone in the area where your tooth is missing. After the placement, the dentist will close the gum over the implant. You can go home after the surgery and return after a couple of months.

The waiting period gives your jawbone time to grow around the dental implant, enabling it to remain in place. This process is known as osseointegration.

When your implant is secure, the dentist will place a connecting piece called the abutment over the implant post. The abutment helps to hold the replacement tooth to the dental implant. When your gums heal, your dentist will take your teeth impressions to create a custom-made replacement tooth.  

Recovery

If you had the procedure under IV sedation, you might feel groggy for some hours, so ensure you have a friend or relative to drive you home after the surgery. You may experience swelling, pain, minor bleeding and bruising after the surgery.

Your dentist may advise you to take warm soups and soft and cold foods during the healing period. Taking over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain after dental implant surgery.  

Long-term care

Your dental implant requires the same care and dental hygiene as your natural teeth. Ensure you floss, brush your teeth at least two times daily, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and appointments.

Your dental implant can’t get decayed but can be affected by periodontal disease, so ensure you have a healthy dental hygiene routine.

If you want to get dental implant offers in London, book your appointment at Wimpole Dental Office.

Adam Stephens