This is usually done at our clinic, with a local anaesthetic. After surgery, there is a healing period of up to three months. During this time, the implants fuse to the bone by a process known as osseous integration’.
Sometimes, there is a minor surgical exposure at the top of the implant, whereby we will attach the abutment to the implant. The function of the abutment is to become the support for either one tooth or a set of teeth. This is a short procedure that usually requires local anaesthesia.
The last phase is the restorative phase. We will take impressions and then make the teeth that will attach to the implants. Once completed, the natural beauty of your mouth will be restored with good strong teeth.
Are implants suitable for everyone?
Implants are suitable for most people. However, there are a few instances where it may not be advisable to have an implant.
If you smoke or drink heavily, grind your teeth in your sleep, suffer from an auto-immune disease, diabetes, or take steroids or any medication that affects your immune system such as radiation pills, you may not be a suitable candidate for a dental implant. See: Dental Implants Procedure.
These can seriously affect the likely success of an implant for various reasons. Some prevent the area around the implant from healing or fusing with the jawbone properly, which, in turn, can affect stability; whilst others may lead to the body’s immune system rejecting the implant, causing implant failure.
Patients suffering from gum disease are also not ideal candidates for implants, since their condition can result in infections and bone loss, all of which can cause complications during and after the implant procedure. Find out how long they take.
In many instances, however, there are ways to get around certain problems. Talk to your dentist to find out more.
How natural will my replacement teeth look?
Replacement teeth can be constructed from a range of different substances, including porcelain, amalgam and even gold, and so can vary quite a bit in terms of their appearance and cost. However, the good ones look and feel just like real teeth, making them blend-in seamlessly with the rest of your dentition. Click here to see reviews/experiences of dental implants.
From a cosmetic perspective, then, implants offer high quality results and, in many cases, are difficult to distinguish from natural teeth, provided gums remain healthy and do not recede, and that care is taken to avoid staining.