Dental Implants: What to expect
If you are considering dental implant treatment, it can be hard to understand what your procedure might include and what your treatment timeline might look like.
This is thanks to the large range of dental implant treatment options available across the country – all of which can be very different.
We’ve talked to the experts and put together this article, which will tell you all you need to know about dental implant treatment.
Why isn’t all dental implant treatment the same?
It isn’t possible to give one explanation of all dental implant treatments because they can differ so widely.
As such, if we tried, it would only be relevant for one or two types of implants and wouldn’t match the treatment timeline for others – which could very easily lead to future confusion.
If you want to know for sure that your dental implants in Birmingham will be carried out as you expect, it’s best to ask your implant specialist to talk you through the process at your consultations. That way, you will know for sure what to expect.
Dental implants – what will happen?
While what will happen for you personally will depend on the dental implant treatment you need, you can expect the process to be split into two phases – before and during treatment.
These are explored in more detail below.
Before treatment
In every case, before your dental implant treatment can begin, you will attend one or more appointments to determine:
- Your eligibility for dental implants
- Which dental implant type is right for you
- If you need any extra treatments before your implants are fitted
Dental implant eligibility and types
In your earliest appointments, your mouth will be examined by a dental professional to find out if you are eligible for implants.
This can include taking CBCT scans or x-rays, which are essential for examining the inner, hidden structures of the mouth – including the bone levels of the jaw.
Your dentist will then let you know which type of dental implant is the best solution for your needs or if another non-implant-based solution would work best for you.
If you need preparatory treatments
If your examination and scans show that you have low bone levels but are otherwise a good candidate for dental implants, you will likely need to undergo extra treatments, such as bone grafts or sinus lifts.
Likewise, if you have good bone levels but have gum (periodontal) disease, you will also need to treat this before implants can be fitted.
These treatments are considered essential and will mean adding another step and associated healing period before your implants and crowns can be fitted.
During treatment
What you can expect during treatment will depend on whether you are suitable for immediate placement or need to wait for the completion of extra treatments and healing periods leading to delayed implant placement.
If you need bone grafts or sinus lifts, you should expect delayed placement for your dental implants.
Immediate placement
If you have good bone levels and a simple prognosis, your dental professional should be able to remove the tooth (if necessary) and immediately place a dental implant, so a temporary crown can be fixed.
This will fill in any gaps quickly and easily.
Types of dental implants that include immediate placement are often referred to as same-day smiles or smile-in-a-day treatments – as they can be completed within a single day.
Delayed placement
However, not everyone is eligible for immediate placement, especially if they need extra treatment for gum disease or to increase bone strength or volume.
If this is the case, your typical treatment timeline could look a little something like this:
- Tooth removal procedure and the 3-month healing period
- Assessment of bone volume, bone graft treatment (if needed), and dental implant placement – which is followed by another 3-month healing period
- Abutment and crown fitting
Find a dental implant provider you trust
Whether you are looking for dental implants in London or your local area, it is essential you find a provider who will take the time to fully talk you through the process and answer all of your questions.
Not only does this help you understand the timeline of your treatment but it also helps put you at ease ahead of your procedure – helping the whole process to be more pleasant.
