The dental implants process

There is no better alternative to your natural teeth, however through advancements in dental technology and surgical procedures, it’s meant that there are now strong and durable alternatives that won’t disrupt your lifestyle. A great example of this is dental implants. Thanks to the process of fusing the titanium screw to your jawbone through a minor surgical procedure, dental implants are irremovable unlike dentures. They are a permanent solution to replacing missing or broken teeth.

At Roseacre Dental, our experienced implant surgeon, Matthew Hall, has been successfully placing dental implants for many years. With his great skill and experience, we can guarantee that your mouth is in safe hands during every step of your journey to a new smile.The first step in your journey of dental implants, is the initial consultation. This appointment is incredibly important, as it’s here where you can express all of your hopes and concerns about the upcoming treatment. We encourage all of our patients to be as honest as possible in their consultation and ask as many questions as possible. During this appointment, your gums and teeth are examined. Our principal dentist will also take a 3D dental CT scan of your mouth and jaw to pinpoint exactly where the implants will be need to be placed. A vital part of the treatment is the health of your jawbone, as this is the base of the implant. It must be strong enough to support the implant. Also, a mould will be taken of your mouth. This is to ensure that your dental implants fit your mouth perfectly and are to your specifications.

Once we have confirmed that you are suitable to have dental implants, the next step in the treatment is the insertion surgery. As mentioned previously, this is a minor surgical procedure. It is completed under local anaesthetic, but if you’re a particularly nervous patient then the option of sedation can be discussed. Again, this is a great thing to bring up in your consultation if you feel it necessary.

The surgery itself consists of our implant surgeon directly inserting the titanium screw onto your jawbone, after making an incision in your gums. This titanium screw acts as the base for the dental implant, with the porcelain tooth replacement attached at a later point.

Following your insertion, the next step is the most important part of your treatment. This is the stage during which your jawbone must fuse to the implant. It’s this bonding between the two, that makes dental implants so strong and durable. This vital step can take anywhere between 6 weeks and 6 months, as it depends on the strength of the patient’s jawbone. As the implant is fusing to the jawbone, we can fit temporary dentures or crowns on the implant, as to eliminate any discomfort on your part.

Once the fusing is complete, we can place your porcelain dental implant onto the titanium screw. These porcelain caps have been shape and colour matched to your existing teeth and mouth shape, ensuring a natural and subtle look.

The final step is your long-term care and maintenance. Although tooth implants are an incredible replacement for broken or damaged natural teeth, they do still require an element of maintenance, just like you would with your own teeth. And the requirements are just the same as with your own teeth; brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Once your treatment is complete, it is essential that you attend all following check-ups and hygienist appointments.

If you’re interested in booking a consultation for dental implants at Roseacre Dental, Maidstone, then you can call us on 01622 730 548 or email us at info@roseacredental.co.uk.