How is an implant fitted?
Assessment: Every treatment begins with an assessment from your local St Martins Dental & Implant Clinic dentist who will be performing your implant treatment. They will discuss all the options with you, make an assessment of the best solution for you, and ensure you understand every step of your treatment. You will have an x-ray and, in some cases, a CT scan to help visualise your jaw, ensure your gums are healthy and that there is enough jaw bone to place the implant.
The treatment: This is when the implant is placed into your jaw. It’s a straightforward process which can be completed under local anaesthetic. If you are particularly nervous or have a dental phobia, your dentist will make sure you feel absolutely comfortable with the treatment, and can provide sedation if needed.
The implants will need three to six months to heal and integrate with your jaw bone to provide a solid support for the crown or bridge.
Once your jaw has healed, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. This enables a dental technician to build your bespoke crown or bridge, which will be colour matched to blend seamlessly with your other teeth.
Restoration:It may be necessary to have a separate appointment between six weeks and six months after your initial treatment, to allow the implant to fully integrate. This ensures that your jaw has completely healed before the crown or bridge is permanently fitted.
Your smile is now complete.
How do I look after my implant?
As with natural teeth, good oral hygiene is important for preventing gum disease and prolonging the life of your implants. You do not need to remove the teeth fitted to your implants, but clean them as you would your natural teeth. A high standard of daily care, along with regular check-ups with your local St Martins Dental & Implant Clinic dentist and hygienist, will help to ensure your mouth stays healthy and your implants last as long as possible.
Contact St Martins Dental & Implant Clinic today to find out more about dental implants and how they could work for you.