Treatment

DENTAL IMPLANTS

What you need to know

Dental implants consist of an artificial tooth root which 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 and just like natural teeth, they will last for as long as you care for them.

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.

IMPLANT FAQs

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, in some situations it’s possible for temporary teeth to be attached to the implant at the time of fitting.

Even though it’s an artificial tooth, it’s important to look after your tooth implant just like you would your normal teeth.
Daily maintenance should include brushing, flossing and using mouthwash and don’t forget to attend regular appointments with your dentist and hygienist.

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