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The procedure of having Dental implants

The full treatment starts with a visit to the chosen dentist and consultation. The doctor will review the possibilities of tooth replacement and the patient’s suitability for the application of the method. If the answer is positive, the patient will be introduced to the process of securing a dental implant in more detail.

When the consultation is done, the dentist will examine the patient’s oral cavity, assessing the health of teeth and gums. If there are signs of decay or other dental problems, it is necessary to treat these before continuing with the dental implants. In addition, the dentist should perform X-ray and computer scans to determine the structure of the jawbone and the health of the bone tissue. It is possible that the results of x-ray scan show insufficient density of the bone tissue, in which case there is nowhere to secure the implant and the dentist will have to apply alternative methods, such as mini implants or bone grafts. The scans should be performed before the dentist starts the invasive procedures, since there may be certain things in the jawbone that have to be avoided.

The procedure normally starts by the dentist making a small incision in the gum of the missing tooth to facilitate the drilling of a hole in the bone tissue where the implant is going to be secured. After a hole is made, a titanium replacement root is screwed or tapped into the drilling. Later on, the incision in the gum is put in stitches around the implant using local anaesthetics. In most cases, full sedation is not necessary, but it can be applied if the patient is very nervous or if the procedure is likely to last for a long time. Most commonly used dental implants are the ones that are screwed into the hole in the bone. This procedure is called the Root Form Implant or the Endoseal Implant.

After the dental implant is secured into the bone tissue, the healing process begins. The dentist leaves the implant for a certain period of time, usually from six weeks to six months, to entirely merge with the jawbone, which is further reinforced by special tiny parts on the surface of the implant that attach to the developing bone tissue. Healing is a crucial part of the treatment and should not be rushed, since it enables the implant to settle and position itself. Moreover, the growing of the bone secures the implant in place.

Since it may take quite a long time for the implant to fuse with the bone, for aesthetic purposes the patient is usually provided with a temporary tooth replacement, such as a crown or denture, which can be worn during the healing process. However, the temporary tooth replacement must not impede the natural process of healing, since any pressure on the implant can result in slowing down or distorting the healing. When the swelling around the dental implant has passed, the dentist can lift the gum and attach a temporary denture or crown to the implant. The patient will have to use the temporary replacement until the gum tissue and bone have fully healed and a permanent construction can be secured onto the artificial root.

As technology develops with time, dental surgery is also likely to develop less invasive methods of tooth loss treatment. It is thought dentists will be capable of connecting the root replacement and the denture or crown before placing it into the patient’s bone. Moreover, the implant would be able to be attached directly to the bone tissue without making an incision in the gum, which would result in less irritation to the gum tissue and significantly reduce the damage to the healthy areas of the mouth and the bone.

How long will it take?
The duration of the full treatment varies depending on individual circumstances, namely how long it takes for the bone to heal. The full treatment starting from the first procedure when the artificial dental root is inserted into the bone tissue and finishing with securing the actual denture, crown or bridge will typically take around six weeks to six months. As to the procedure of securing a dental implant, it normally takes from half an hour to four hours and depends on the amount of work required and how complex the procedure is.

How long do dental implants last?
If the patient maintains a high level of dental hygiene and does not experience any traumas that could damage the replacement root, it is very likely that the implant will serve the patient for life.

Are dental implants painful?
After the initial procedure of fitting a dental implant, it is completely normal for the patient to experience a certain degree of pain, which can easily be soothed by taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. The pain should cease shortly after the procedure. Moreover, the patient can expect to experience swelling of tissue around the location of the implant, which is also considered to be a normal side effect of the procedure. However, the dentist should be informed immediately if the patient notices unusual symptoms in the healing of dental implants.

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