Tooth loss is more than just a cosmetic concern. It can significantly impact your oral health, self-confidence, and overall quality of life. When you lose teeth, your oral health issues don’t stop there, so restoring your smile is essential.
Dental implants are the ultimate solution to this problem, offering a permanent and natural-looking alternative to traditional tooth replacement methods. Instead of just replacing the visible portion of your teeth, implants anchor into your jaw, giving your bite a natural level of support.
This type of comprehensive restoration requires considerable planning, and the procedure is a long-term investment in your smile. Knowing what’s involved in the process is important if you’re considering dental implants.
In this guide, we’ll explore what you can expect from start to finish of your dental implant journey.
Dental implant technology has evolved considerably over the years. Although several ancient civilisations attempted to replace teeth using crude implants, it’s only in the last few decades that we’ve seen the safe, full tooth replacements available today.
What began as an experimental procedure in the mid-20th century has become a sophisticated, predictable, and highly successful treatment option.
Today’s dental implants result from extensive research, technological advancements, and a deep understanding of the science of smiles.
A dental implant replaces missing tooth roots. Made from titanium, these small, screw-like posts are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth.
Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, implants closely mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth.
We use titanium because it’s biocompatible. Over time, your jaw will fuse with the implant. Titanium’s durable, non-corrosive nature makes it both long-lasting and completely safe.
Traditional dental implant placement requires a multi-stage process prioritising thorough healing and integration. This approach involves several phases:
The journey begins with an extensive consultation that goes beyond a simple dental examination. We’ll assess your gums and jaw using advanced imaging techniques such as 3D CT scans and digital X-rays. These tools allow for precise bone structure, density, and oral health evaluation.
When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported it can deteriorate. If bone resorption has reduced the strength and density of your jaw too much, it won’t be able to support an implant.
During your initial assessment, we’ll also explore your general health to ensure no concerns could impact your post-procedure recovery.
You may require preparatory treatments to ensure implant success. If you lack the bone density to support implants, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift first.
This process involves introducing bone material—either synthetic, donated, or harvested from your own body—to build a firm foundation for the implant.
The implant surgery is performed under local anaesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain. The titanium post is carefully inserted into your jawbone and positioned with surgical precision for maximum stability and long-term success.
This is a critical phase that typically spans three to six months. During this period, the titanium implant undergoes osseointegration—a natural process where the implant fuses with the surrounding bone tissue.
During this recovery phase, we’ll provide you with temporary replacement teeth and detailed care instructions.
Once osseointegration is complete, a custom-crafted dental crown is attached to the implant. Designed to match the colour, shape, and size of surrounding teeth, the final restoration provides a natural and seamless appearance.
Unlike conventional implants, the same-day implant procedure takes just one day. In addition to reducing your overall treatment time, the same-day teeth process can be used to replace up to an entire arch of teeth at the same time.
Instead of placing a single crown onto one implant, we can place several replacement teeth across four to six implants, strategically spread across your entire jaw. Typically we’ll position any rear implants at an angle to provide greater stability.
As with traditional implants, we’ll make lifelike teeth to match the natural aesthetics of your smile.
Bone density, overall oral health, and the specific location of the implants are all factors we need to assess to determine whether same-day implants are right for you.
As with other types of dental implants, we’ll perform a thorough assessment using the latest dental technology to ensure your jaw is healthy enough.
We’ll also discuss your general health to ensure there are no underlying conditions that might make you unsuitable for this treatment.
The same-day implant procedure follows a similar initial assessment process to traditional single implants. However, the surgical technique differs slightly. Specialised implants are used to support temporary teeth immediately so you can leave with a new smile the same day.
Once we’ve placed your implants, we’ll start working on your final restoration. When your custom-made replacement teeth are ready, we’ll check on your new implants and place them.
While same-day implants offer remarkable convenience, they also come with specific considerations. The temporary tooth serves aesthetic and functional purposes, with the final restoration typically placed after a healing period.
Dental implants are a major investment in your long-term oral health. While the initial expense may seem substantial, dental implants offer exceptional long-term value. With proper care, they can last decades—potentially an entire lifetime—making them a cost-effective solution compared to traditional replacement methods.
Talk to us about the finance options available to help spread the cost of your treatment.
To ensure full success following your implant surgery, you must follow the proper aftercare instructions we provide. This includes:
Caring for your oral health continuously will mean your implants are more likely to provide stability for the rest of your life.
Restoring your smile with dental implants provides several benefits.
Because implants stay firmly in position and complete your smile, you won’t need to worry about revealing your smile or even laughing, speaking, and singing around others.
We use natural-looking porcelain that mimics the colour and texture of your remaining teeth. Every tooth we place is crafted to the perfect size and shape to balance your smile.
Implants bed down into your jaw, giving your bite a firm foundation. With your implants in position, you can bite and chew your favourite meals with complete confidence.
Once in position, your new teeth will last many years. Although the crowns may need replacing, the implants could last for life.
Dental implants are far more than a simple tooth replacement. They are a comprehensive solution for restoring the function and appearance of your smile while helping build confidence.
Every smile tells a story, and dental implants can help you write the next chapter of yours with confidence and comfort.
Contact us today to schedule your dental implant consultation.
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