If you’re considering having dental implants, it’s likely that you’ll want to know exactly what the process involves. Here, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide so that you know what to expect.
What happens before dental implant surgery?
Your dentist will do a full examination of your teeth, including an x-ray and a 3D scan. This will help them to assess whether your teeth, bone and gums are healthy enough to support a dental implant.
If your jawbone isn’t healthy enough to support a dental implant, you may be able to undergo bone grafting treatment. This may extend the length of your treatment by a few months.
What happens during dental implant surgery?
You will be given a local anaesthetic.
The dentist will use a small drill to create a hole in the bone socket where your missing tooth is.
The dental implant will be placed into the hole.
What happens after dental implant surgery?
Your dental implant will take roughly 3 to 4 months to heal completely. This happens via a process called ‘osseointegration’, which is when osteoblasts form around the dental implant, fixing into place in your mouth. During this time, you will have regular check-ups with your dentist to make sure that your implant is healing properly.
Once your dental implant is completely healed, your dentist will use either a crown, a bridge, or a denture to replace your missing teeth, depending on how many teeth need replacing. This will be designed to blend in with your natural teeth, restoring the function and appearance of your mouth.
If you have any further questions about the process of getting dental implants, your
dentist will be able to provide you with more information and advice.
