Quick overview of our dental implant procedure
Please see the steps below in our dental implant treatment plan. This however depends on which type of dental implant you are having and what kind of tooth replacement option.
- Your dental implant journey starts with your consultation which is an initial examination and assessment with small x-rays.
- Impressions and photographs may also be taken for planning.
- The next step is to go for a CT scan.
- After this we can then send you a detailed treatment plan.
- We may call you back in for a further appointment (free of charge) to discuss further.
- If you decide to go ahead with your dental implants, a planning appointment is arranged where detailed records are taken and impressions for a surgical stent.
- The surgical procedure is discussed in detail and consent forms are read, explained and signed.
- You would then arrange an appointment to see our hygienist to ensure a clean mouth.
- Then it’s onto the surgical phrase on your treatment (more information below) – we can even give you temporary teeth so you don’t feel embarrassed about your mouth.
- After 3-4 months of healing the implants will be uncovered and impressions taken and crowns, bridges or a denture made to replace the patients missing teeth (more information below)
The treatment period lasts approximately nine months. Once treatment begins, if due to unforeseen circumstances the treatment plan were to change, this change will be discussed with you and the fees adjusted accordingly before treatment continues.
The surgical phase of your dental implants procedure
The surgical phase of your treatment will be carried out under local anaesthetic. The gum tissue will be opened to expose the underlying bone, into which a hole will be prepared, which will then intimately house the dental implant. The reflected gum tissue will then be stitched over and around the embedded implant. Healing will be allowed to proceed for a minimum period of six months. If clinical conditions turn out to be unfavourable for the placement of implants, a professional judgement on the management of the situation will be made, and you will be advised accordingly. The procedure may also involve supplemental bone grafts (natural and artificial) to build up the ridge of the jaw and thereby assist in placement and securing the implants.
After the appropriate healing time, the implants will be exposed, possibly with a second minor surgical procedure, and their integration to your bone will be tested. If this has been successful, the restorative phase will start. However, in the unlikely event of any implant failing to integrate fully, more healing time will be given, or arrangements will be made for its removal, and replacement with another implant at reduced cost. This second implant will have as good a chance to integrate as any other. Occasionally, supplemental minor surgical procedures might be carried out, in addition to the above, to improve soft tissue adaptation around the Implant.
For the surgical phase you will be prescribed medication (antibiotics, painkillers) as needed to help make the procedure as comfortable for you as possible, and you will be seen again one week later for a routine review appointment and removal of sutures.
Patient before and after dental implant surgery information
One week prior to surgery
- Discontinue Aspirin
- Curasept rinsing three times a day
- No smoking or patches
Night before surgery
- No aspirin
- No alcohol
Morning of surgery
- Thorough tooth brushing and Curasept
After surgery - Day 1
- Ice packs ASAP, 15min. intervals, for two hours
- Medication (antibiotics and painkillers)
- No rinsing 24hrs, No smoking
- Cool foods and fluids
Day 2 - 7
- Medication
- If swollen, apply heat to the outside
- Rinse with hot salty water three times a day for one week
- Continue with Curasept three times a day for one week
- Gentle brushing and flossing
The restorative phrase of your dental implants
The restorative phase will commence after full tissue maturation. With the aid of impressions, the position of the implants will be recorded, and a crown/bridge will be constructed which in turn will be supported by and attached to the implants.
Looking after your dental implants
Once the procedures are complete, a routine follow-up appointment will be made where any adjustments can be looked. Following this, regular dental check-ups and home care is essential for the long-term survival of these restorations. Implants and the supported restorations must be kept very clean at home, and regular hygiene and dental visits are a must.
You can find out more about the benefits of dental implants as well as the risks and complications on our site. You can also view some tooth replacement before and after photos of patients that we have treated. If you want to ask us any questions about dental implants please contact us.