Are you concerned about your dental implant? We understand that you might be scared about this procedure, but that might be because you aren’t aware of the process. With this blog, we will take you through the dental implant process, step-by-step, so that you know what to expect when you arrive at your appointment.
- 1. Removing Your Tooth
The first step is to remove the damaged tooth, to make way for the dental implant. To remove your damaged tooth, we will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area to cause you minimal discomfort. Your tooth might be broken into smaller pieces, depending on the tooth; however, we will talk you through this.
- 2. Preparation
At this stage, we will need to graft your socket in preparation for your implant. This process involves removing any granulation material with a surgical curette. The preparation stage also involves your socket being filled with grafting material, up to the Crest bone.
- 3. Healing
After the first two steps, it will take three to six months for the extraction site to heal. During the healing process, the graft in your socket serves as an extracellular scaffold. This means that your bone cells will replace the grafting material with bone, which creates the perfect foundation for your dental implant.
- 4. Abutment
Once the extraction site has healed, you will return for an abutment. An abutment is a connecting piece that joins your prosthesis to the implant. After this, you will have to undergo more healing; however, that leads onto the final procedure.
- 5. The Dental Implant
Finally, after the area around the abutment has healed, which includes the gum, you will have the dental implant fitted. The dental implant is installed by a professional, who will talk you through the process and make sure you feel minimal discomfort.
- 6. Follow-up
You may require a follow-up appointment a few months later to make sure the dental implant has properly healed and has fused with your jawbone correctly.
Summary
Dental implants allow you to regain confidence in your smile once again. Although there are several benefits to having a dental implant, allowing you to laugh and smile without discomfort might be the one you miss the most. Our caring and understanding team will talk you through the process, to make sure you are comfortable with the procedure.