Dental Implants: The Procedure

Implant treatment normally involves several stages that take place over three to nine months. Although there are various different implant treatment methods, a typical process includes:

• Assessment and treatment planning
  During the initial consultation, your dentist will discuss any possible alternatives to dental implants and assess the feasibility of implant treatment. X-rays will be taken, models of the teeth prepared and a written treatment plan provided detailing the sequence of treatment and associated costs.

• Implant placement
  Implant placement is a relatively simple, minor surgical procedure that can be performed under sterile conditions in a dental surgery. The treatment is carried out under local anaesthesia, with sedation if required.

• Integration period
  Implants can take from six weeks to six months to fuse with the bone. During this integration period, temporary dentures or bridgework can be worn as appropriate.

• The restorative phase
  Once integrated, the implants can be restored with a variety of new teeth options ranging from a single crown to a small or large bridge and a removable overdenture. A dental technician will work closely with the dentist to construct these natural-looking, definitive restorations.

• Maintenance
  Following completion of implant treatment, it is important to regularly and thoroughly clean the new teeth (restorations) as instructed by the dentist or hygienist and to attend frequent dental appointments.

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