Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile?
Missing teeth can not only make you feel self-conscious, but they can also make it difficult for you to bite or chew food.
While dentures are a common solution for replacing missing teeth, dental implants have become an increasingly popular restorative treatment option for patients the world over – not just in London and the UK.
If you’re considering dental implant treatment, you must do your research and find out everything you need to know to determine if implant placement is right for you.
This includes asking a dentist who specialises in implant dentistry questions like “How do dental implants work?” and “Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants?”.
Read on to find out more about the dental implant procedure.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small, screw-like posts that serve as artificial tooth roots.
They are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth while supporting crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Implants are designed to look and function just like natural teeth, and with proper care and attention, they can last for many years.
They can help to improve your confidence and ability to eat while also avoiding issues caused by missing teeth, including tooth misalignment and a loss of bone density.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants offer a more natural tooth replacement than dentures as they are placed directly into the jawbone and are a fixed restoration.
Because they are made of titanium (a biocompatible metal), they won’t cause an adverse reaction when they integrate with human bone.
Once placed into the jawbone, they will gradually fuse to the bone surrounding them to hold them firmly in place.
False teeth or crowns that match the colour and shape of your existing teeth are then fitted on top of the implants – leaving you with a fixed solution for missing teeth and a gorgeous, natural-looking smile.
What does the dental implant process involve?
Dental implant surgery is typically performed in stages, with healing time between procedures.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose dental implants in London at The Oliver Cosmetic Dental Clinic:
1. Initial consultation
The first step is to book an implant consultation online so our expert implantologist can assess your suitability for the treatment.
During this appointment, we’ll assess your oral health, take detailed images, and discuss what you want to achieve during your treatment.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you have about how dental implants work and how we can restore your smile.
2. Treatment planning
Once we’ve determined dental implants are the right solution for replacing your missing teeth, our experienced implantologist will create a bespoke treatment plan for you.
This will outline the entire process, from the implant placement to the final restoration – as well as the timeline and costs involved – ensuring you’re fully informed before proceeding.
3. Implant placement
The dental implant procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic to ensure minimal discomfort.
As soon as your mouth is numb, our dentist will cut into your gum and drill a small hole for the implant to be inserted into your jawbone.
Over the next few months, your dental implant will undergo osseointegration and fuse with the bone to create a solid foundation for your replacement tooth.
Usually, your bone and gums will need some time to heal before the abutment is attached, meaning you might have a gap between your teeth, or we can fit temporary teeth.
4. Abutment placement
The osseointegration process can take between 4 and 8 months.
After your implant has integrated with your jawbone, an abutment (a small post attached to the top of the implant to support the false tooth) can be fitted.
This acts as an anchor for the replacement tooth, holding it securely in place.
5. Final restoration
Once your gums are healed, we will take impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth to create new artificial teeth or crowns.
Our dentist will match the shape, size, and colour of your crown to your remaining teeth, ensuring a natural, aesthetically pleasing look.
6. Aftercare and recovery
You can expect some discomfort after your procedure, but this usually subsides within a few days and can be alleviated through over-the-counter medication and painkillers.
Other common side effects include:
- Swelling of the face and gums
- Bruising of the skin and gums
- Slight pain or minor bleeding at the implant site
We will provide aftercare advice to help you look after your dental implants. This includes simple things like eating a soft diet in the early stages of your recovery period and using ice packs to help bring down the swelling post-surgery.
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
The exact duration of your dental implant treatment can vary depending on your bone density, the need for bone grafting, and the number of implants required.
From the initial consultation to the final crown placement, the entire dental implant process can take several months to complete.
Dental implant placement generally takes 1-2 hours per implant.
Your dentist will need to allow time for the healing and osseointegration process before they can fit the abutment and final restoration. This can take 3-6 months.
At The Oliver Cosmetic Dental Clinic, we’ll always outline the procedure and offer a clear breakdown so you can prepare for it.
Start your dental implant journey today
If you think dental implants could be perfect for you, we’d love to help you restore your smile.
We’re highly trained in placing high-quality dental implants London-wide, helping patients achieve beautiful smiles and restore speech and chewing function.
We’ll gladly discuss your requirements, talk you through the process of how dental implants work, and advise whether you’re a suitable candidate for them.
Either call us on 020 7770 6441 or send us a message via our online enquiry form to schedule a consultation with our friendly team.