What is Involved in the Dental Implant Procedure?

Losing a tooth for the first time as a child often means a visit from the tooth fairy and a little treat left under your pillow – however, losing a tooth as an adult can have a negative impact on both the aesthetics of your smile and your natural confidence, not to mention your ability to eat, drink, and even talk normally.

For many, losing a tooth is a traumatic event – which is why our dental implants in Essex have become one of the most popular services that our team of experts and consultants offer. But what does the procedure involve, and what do you need to know about the dental implant treatment plan before saying yes and booking your procedure?

A dental implant uses an artificial tooth root made from a super strong titanium screw, upon which a false tooth is screwed and held in place so that it lasts for years and doesn’t have to be removed in the same way as a full set of false teeth is removed and cleaned regularly.

The placement of the screw is the most important part of this procedure, as it needs to be set into the jaw in such a position that the bone can grow and fuse around it to hold it in place. Once this is done, the tooth can be screwed in place.

The treatment procedure for a dental implant can take a few months, once you have factored in the need for consultations and pre-surgery checks, the implantation of the screw, and fitting of the tooth. Because of this, a dental implant is not an overnight fix for a missing tooth but rather a long term decision which requires consideration.

If you decide to go ahead, the process for fitting a dental implant looks something like this:

• An initial consultation will allow the dentist to understand your needs, let you identify any sensitive or problem areas, and discuss your ideal result.
• During the surgery itself, local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area and a small incision will be made to help the dental surgeon access your jawbone. A hole will then be drilled, into which the screw will be set.
• This will be left to heal for between 3 and 6 months, during which time your dentist may be able to discuss a temporary solution to cover the gap if the missing tooth is in a particularly prominent position.
• After this time, and when the screw has become established within the surrounding jawbone as a more stable false root, the replacement tooth will be measured and fitted using a metal ‘abutment’ which connects the screw to the tooth.
• Finally, when everything is healed, your dentist will invite you back to Bluebell Dentistry & Aesthetics to check the integrity and stability of the tooth and to celebrate your brand new and revitalised smile with you.

Find out more about dental implants and whether they are the right treatment option for you, by getting in touch with us directly.