Implant Consultation
If you would like to find out whether an implant is possible, you will then have a comprehensive consultation with Mark, our implant surgeon. He will take a detailed dental and medical history, assess your mouth for suitability and then take a 3D x-ray called a CBCT.
You will see your own CBCT during this appointment where Mark will show you your own anatomy, where the implant will be placed, and whether there are any risks involved. Everything that is said in the appointment will be provided in a thorough and detailed letter format via email or post.
Mark feels that it is important for you to be able to look back on anything that was discussed during your consultation so you have the time to understand the process of your dental implant before you make your final decision.
Planning Appointment
If you want to proceed down the route of a dental implant, Mark will organise an appointment to take some digital impressions to begin the planning stages. This uses a small camera to take photos of your mouth in 3D instead of using conventional silicone moulds. If you are going to have a temporary replacement option while the implant heals, this will also be planned during this appointment.
Tooth Extraction
Your tooth needs to be very carefully and gently extracted. Mark will use a bone preserving technique aimed to reduce damage to the surrounding structures and improve your healing phase. This is carried out under local anaesthetic. Your temporary replacement option is often fitted at the same time.
Implant Placement
Your dental implant is placed during this appointment. It is again carried out under local anaesthetic and is relatively straightforward. Mark will go through all of your post operative information so that you can look after the site during the healing phase. Everything is written down so there’s no need to remember anything.
Crown Construction
After your initial healing phase of 4-6 months, Mark will bring you back for a series of 2-4 appointments to construct the final implant crown/bridge. The techniques used during these vary from case to case. In your implant consultation letter you will be told exactly how many appointments you need and what will happen during each of these.
Time to eat, smile and live!
Once your implant crown is fitted you are free to go out and enjoy your new tooth. There is rarely any component that needs time to set, so you can go straight out for lunch. You will be given all of the final information that you may need long term as well as a maintenance plan to help look after the health of your brand new implant and crown.
