The implant is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. They’re a great option for those who have lost a tooth due to gum disease, decay, injury or another reason.
Implants are a safe and popular treatment. They act just like natural teeth and will last as long as they are maintained and cared for correctly.
Before any work is carried out, your dentist will carry out a thorough examination to determine whether or not dental implants are suitable for you. If there isn’t enough bone in the jaw or it isn’t healthy enough, it may not be possible to carry out the procedure without grafting bone into the area first.
To find out more, download our patient’s guide to dental implant treatment here.
Book Treatment Back to Treatments
Just like most dental work, chances are that you will experience some discomfort in the week after your procedure. Placing a tooth implant is actually easier than removing a tooth however and is usually done with a local anaesthetic so it’s unlikely that you will feel any pain while the work is being carried out.
Sedatives are usually only used in complex cases but if you’re particularly nervous, this is something you can discuss with your dentist.
Dental implants are usually fitted in two stages. First, it’s placed into the jaw, and once this has healed (usually three to four months), the replacement tooth is attached to the implant.
If you are particularly conscious about the gap in your mouth, it is possible for a temporary tooth (usually in the form of a denture) to fill the gap.
Even though it’s an artificial tooth, it’s important to look after your implant just like your normal teeth.
Daily maintenance should include brushing, flossing and interdental brushes.
Regular maintenance appointments with your dentist and hygienist are vital for the long-term health of the implant.
