It begins with a preliminary examination to decide whether implant treatment is a good solution in your case. We will explain what a dental implant is and you then have a diagnostic examination where scans and x-rays are taken to calculate the volume and quality of bone available. We also determine your general health and the condition of any existing natural teeth. It is essential that any dental problem, other than the one we are concerned with, be cleared up before implant treatment can begin.
At our practice we are able to provide both the surgical and restorative treatment.
Implant installation
This is when one or more titanium screws (implants) are painlessly inserted into the jawbone. The operation can be carried out under local anaesthetic, with or without sedation. You can also choose to have a general anaesthetic in hospital. Surgery time is dependent on how many dental implants are being inserted and whether any bone grafting is required. A small amount of pain and swelling is normal in the first week after surgery. After a week the stitches are removed and the gum returns to normal within a day or two.
Healing period
The dental implants begin to literally fuse with the jawbone. You will not be aware that this is happening. Healing takes about three months in the lower jaw and six months in the upper jaw, as they each have a different type of bone.
Abutment installation
The gum above the implant is opened so that an abutment or post can be fitted into the implant itself. This post projects through the gum and makes a link between the implant and your new teeth (prosthesis). This procedure requires a local anaesthetic and again, is quite painless. Allow a period of about a week for healing and the surgical part of the procedure is complete.
The prosthetic treatment
This is the final stage. We work as a team, with our technicians, to construct your new teeth. This prosthetic treatment might be anything from a single tooth replacement to a full restoration. It might even be an implant retained denture.
We begin by taking an impression of your jaws and implants. This impression is then made into a three dimensional model which is used to construct your new teeth. As work proceeds you will be able to try out what will eventually be your new teeth. These are fabricated from gold with either acrylic or ceramic material. Adjustments take place until everyone is completely satisfied with the result. Finally your new finished prosthesis is inserted and the work is complete.
Looking after your new teeth
By far the most important thing needed for a satisfactory, long term outcome is careful adherence to dental hygiene and regular visits. It is now more important than ever to see that you clean them properly. This is vital around the area of the abutment(s). You will be given instructions on how to care for your dental implants, but it will require motivation and commitment on your part.
A single dental implant being inserted into the jawbone.
The gum above the implant is opened so that an abutment or post can be fitted into the implant.
The abutment projects through the gum and makes a link between the implant and your new tooth.
If you were in the position of having dental reconstruction because you didn’t look after your teeth then this is a second chance.
To arrange an appointment with Dr. Norton click here.
Dental hygiene and regular visits are now more important than ever.