The start of a new year is the perfect time to evaluate your smile and make some decisions about improving your oral health. If you have a missing tooth, or teeth that have been causing you embarrassment or denting your confidence recently, then now may be the perfect time to address the problem. There are many ways in which we can help improve the appearance of your smile, but one of the best ways in the case of missing teeth is by using dental implants. If you want to transform your smile this year, read on to find out how a dental implant specialist can help you.
Dental implants might sound like a complex surgical procedure, but the reality is that they are a popular treatment that can make a world of difference to a smile that is incomplete. If you don’t want the temporary inconvenience of dentures, implants offer a long lasting and natural looking solution to replacing your missing teeth. Let’s look at what our dental implant specialist can do for you.
The dental implant process
All dental implant procedures start with an initial consultation. This is a time for you to meet with our implant specialist and for them to assess your suitability for treatment. Just because you have a missing tooth or teeth doesn’t mean that implants are the right solution for you.
During the initial consultation appointment, our dental implant specialist will consider several criteria to determine your suitability for treatment. These include:
- Oral Health - we’ll conduct a thorough examination of your oral health to check for any pre-existing conditions like gum disease or decay that may affect the success of the implant procedure.
- Bone Density - we will review your bone density through X-rays and CT scans as adequate bone density is essential to support the implant.
- Medical History - your overall health and medical history will be discussed at the initial appointment as certain systemic diseases like diabetes, or lifestyle habits such as smoking, can affect healing and the success of the implant.
- Oral Hygiene Habits - good oral hygiene is a crucial factor so we’ll need to determine your commitment to maintaining good oral health post-procedure to ensure the longevity of your implants.
- Expectations - we will discuss your expectations and desired outcomes to ensure they align with what can realistically be achieved with dental implants.
By reviewing these criteria and carrying out the initial bone scans we can establish whether you are a good candidate for dental implants as this will ensure the highest chances of success for the procedure.
The treatment itself involves replacing a missing or damaged tooth with an artificial one that functions and looks like a real tooth. Once we have approved your suitability for treatment, the first step is to surgically place the implant, a titanium post, into the jawbone under the gum line. This acts as a tooth root and is left to heal and integrate with the bone, a process known as osseointegration, which can take several weeks to months. Once healed, an abutment, a small connector post, is attached to the implant, which will hold the new tooth. Finally, a custom-made crown matching your natural teeth is attached to the abutment. The result is a strong, sturdy, and natural-looking replacement that allows you to eat, smile, and speak just as you would with a natural tooth.
Follow-up appointments after implants have been successfully placed are essential for monitoring the healing process and ensuring the long-term success of the implants. We will generally recommend a follow up appointment six weeks after the implants have been placed, as this is when the soft-tissue healing is expected to be complete. After the implants have healed, you will need to return to our practice to have the abutments (connecting pieces) placed on the implants.
Regular check-ups are also important for monitoring infections, evaluating healing, reviewing oral hygiene, and assessing bone levels. After the initial implants, you will typically be scheduled for a follow-up visit to our dental implant specialist within three to four months. This aftercare protocol plays a crucial role in preventing complications and failures, especially within the first year of placement.
Book Now With a Dental Implant Specialist in London
If you’re ready to say goodbye to gaps and hello to eating normally and smiling with confidence, your search for a dental implant specialist in London can stop right here. Our highly experienced dental team has the expertise to advise, treat and prevent complications with missing teeth. Our welcoming dental spa is situated in St George Wharf, just 2 minutes walk from Vauxhall Station in London.
You can contact us on 020 7091 0677 or by sending us a message.
We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and showing you how we can transform your smile!
