The dental implants process

Although nothing can beat what nature gave us, dental implants in Stourbridge are the next best thing. They both look and feel like natural teeth, meaning your quality of life will only improve. There is no need to change your diet and they are actually good for your bone health. The process of drilling them into your jawbone makes them incredibly strong and durable. There is no awkward removal like with dentures. Also, dental implants are extremely versatile. You can have one, to replace a single tooth. Or if multiple teeth are needing to be replaced, our tooth implant expert, Mario Veltri, is highly experienced at implanting both single and multiple dental implants.
The dental implant process in total takes around 12 months. In this blog post, we’ll outline the treatment you’ll receive so you know what to expect.

1. Initial Consultation

Your first step in dental implant treatment at Lion Dental Centre, Stourbridge is an in-depth consultation, carried out by our implant expert. During this consultation, you will be assessed on if the dental implants are suitable for you. This is done by looking at your medical history and the current health of your jawbone. Your mouth and teeth will be fully examined and both x-rays and impressions will be taken. Most adults who are in generally good health are suitable for the process and your treatment plan will be formulated to fit your specific needs.

2. Implant Placement

Once the consultation and following checks have confirmed that you’re suitable for dental implants, your mould is sent off, so the dental implants can be constructed for your exact mouth specifications. Following this, the next step is the insertion of the implant. The actual placement of the implant is a relatively simple, minor surgical procedure. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, but if you’re a particularly nervous patient then the option of sedation can be discussed. The surgery consists of our dental surgeon directly inserting a titanium screw into your jawbone, following an incision in your gums. It’s the placement of the jawbone which makes dental implants so strong and durable.
The titanium screw is the base of the implant, which the porcelain tooth replacement sits on at a later point in your treatment.

3. Fusing

After the insertion of the implant, we need to allow time for it to fuse with your jawbone. This part of the process is known as integration and is a vital part of the treatment as it impacts the strength of your implant. Integration can take between 6 weeks and 6 months, depending on the strength of your jawbone. During this stage, temporary dentures or crowns can be fitted onto the implant to eliminate any discomfort or change to your lifestyle. Once our dental surgeon is confident that the implants have successfully and completely fused to the jawbone, your permanent porcelain replacements can be placed. These permanent replacements have been shaped and colour matched to your existing teeth and mouth shape, to ensure the finished look is as natural-looking as possible. This means that only those who you choose to tell you’ve had the treatment will be aware of it.

4. Long-term care

The final step in the treatment is down to you, the patient. As with natural teeth, long-term care and maintenance are vital to ensure the health of your dental implant. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are essential. Once your treatment is complete, it is very important that you attend all the following check-ups and hygienist appointments.

If you’re interested in booking a consultation for dental implants in Stourbridge, then don’t hesitate to give us a call at 01384 376336, or email us at info@liondentalcentre.co.uk.