Choosing dental implants is an important step towards replacing missing teeth. Knowing what happens at each stage of treatment can make the process feel much more straightforward and help you understand what to expect from your first consultation through to your final restoration.
Your first consultation
Your dental implant journey begins with a detailed consultation. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums and overall oral health and discuss what you would like to achieve.
Depending on your circumstances, digital scans and X-rays may also be required to assess the available bone and help plan your treatment.
- Your teeth and gums will be carefully examined.
- Digital scans or X-rays may be taken where appropriate.
- Your dentist will discuss suitable implant options and your treatment plan.
Preparing for dental implant treatment
Before implant placement, your dentist will make sure your mouth is healthy enough to proceed. Any necessary dental or hygiene treatment may need to be completed beforehand.
What happens on the day?
The dental implant is carefully positioned into the jawbone to provide a foundation for the replacement tooth. The procedure is usually carried out using local anaesthetic.
After placement, you will receive instructions explaining how to care for the area while it heals.
- Keep the area clean according to your dentist’s instructions.
- Follow any aftercare advice provided by the dental team.
- Attend all scheduled review appointments.
- Contact the practice if you have concerns during recovery.
Every implant journey is different, which is why careful assessment and personalised treatment planning are so important.
Dr Rachel Moore, Principal Dentist
Your healing and review appointments
After implant placement, time is normally allowed for the implant to integrate with the surrounding bone before the final restoration is fitted.
During this period, your dentist will monitor your healing and check that everything is progressing as planned. The exact treatment timeline varies depending on the individual case.
Caring for your dental implants
Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining the health of your implant and the surrounding gums. Brush carefully twice a day, clean between your teeth as advised and continue attending regular dental and hygiene appointments.
With appropriate care and professional maintenance, dental implants can provide a long-term option for replacing missing teeth. book a free consultation.