Dental Implant Placement

 

Step 1 - Dental implant assessment

After discussing the possibility of dental implants and deciding that it is the right course of action for you, your dentist will perform a full mouth examination. This will include taking impressions whereby a soft putty-like material is inserted into the mouth on a tray to take an accurate mould of the teeth. From this the dentist is able to make plaster models from which a unique diagnosis can be prepared.

 

Dental implant CT scanning

Our implant centre can produce images from a computed tomography scanner, a type of medical imaging that forms a 3D image from data taken from various cross-sectional X-rays that are arranged in stacks. This advanced technology allows for a unique patient analysis to determine optimum dental implant positioning depending on personal bone depths and widths, which can be accurately measured to the nearest 0.1mm.

 

This in-depth analysis means that location of nerves in this region can be determined and avoided during dental implant placement. It also means that each individual dental implant can be selected according to the findings of the CT scanner, so width and length are adjusted accordingly. CT scanning brings areas of low bone density to attention so these can be treated slightly differently during placement; a particular device called an osteotome can be used to gently compress the bone in these areas before the dental implant is placed, to increase the success of integration. This only takes an additional couple of seconds.

 

A model is constucted from the impression.

 

Step 2 - Dental implant placement

A two-stage procedure is begun where a small incision is made in the gum so the site for the dental implant can be prepared in the bone beneath. This is usually done under local anaesthetic, though intravenous sedation can be requested. X-rays will be performed during this procedure to make sure the dental implant is situated in the optimum place. Once buried, the dental implant is covered over with the gum, which is then stitched down: you will be given a temporary prosthesis, which you are able to wear over the dental implants to retain your smile.

After the dental implants procedure and over the course of the next few weeks, the dental implant begins the osseointegration process without disruption from external pressures.

 

Step 3 - Healing and Abutment Placement

During the second phase the dental implant is exposed and checked before a small healing abutment is attached to the superior aspect, which the gum will heal around over the next few weeks. Your dentist is likely to take x-rays, along with more impressions from which the final prosthesis (crown, bridge, denture) can be made. This appointment usually falls around three months post-placement, which proves to be optimum waiting time before loading the dental implant. Here the bone can begin its second stage of osseointegration under the natural forces of mastication (chewing). This two-stage procedure gives brilliant-quality results and long-lasting dental implants.

 

Step 4 - Final restoration of the implants

The final phase of treatment is restoring the implant with a crown. This will require impressions and multiple visits to get the best result.