How is an implant fitted?
At Lyme Bay Dental & Implant Clinic we take advantage of new technology and our extensive dental expertise to give you the highest standards of care, with skills in delivering advanced implant placement, especially useful for more complex implant cases.
We have introduced two new procedures recently for this very reason:
CT Scanning for Diagnosis – We can arrange for CT scans to be performed during the diagnostic treatment planning stage this gives a clear 3D picture of the jaw anatomy in a patient which is invaluable where more than one implant is being placed or where bone levels are unclear from initial x-rays.
Guided Surgery – This form of ‘virtual dentistry’ enables dentists to diagnose and plan treatment schedules that start with the initial consultation stage right through to the actual procedure. Following a CT scan it is possible for the image to be converted to a highly realistic 3D representation of the patient’s jaw which can be explored from all angles. The dentist can also place ‘virtual’ implants which enables them to check the positioning and make adjustments if necessary.
Assessment:
Every treatment begins with an assessment from your local Lyme Bay Dental & Implant Clinic dentist who will be performing your implant treatment. They will discuss all the options with you, make an assessment of the best solution for you, and ensure you understand every step of your treatment. You will have an x-ray and, in some cases, a CT scan to help visualise your jaw, ensure your gums are healthy and that there is enough jaw bone to place the implant.
The treatment:
This is when the implant is placed into your jaw. It’s a straightforward process which can be completed under local anesthetic. If you are particularly nervous or have a dental phobia, your dentist will make sure you feel absolutely comfortable with the treatment and can provide sedation if needed.
The implants will need three to six months to heal and integrate with your jaw bone to provide a solid support for the crown, bridge or denture.
Depending on your treatment and your dentist’s diagnosis, a temporary crown can be fitted at the same time as your initial appointment. These will stay in place until the final restoration appointment.
It may be necessary to have a separate appointment between six weeks and six months after your initial treatment, to allow the implant to fully integrate. This ensures that your jaw has completely healed before the crown, bridge or denture is permanently fitted.
Restoration:
Once your jaw has healed, your dentist will then take an impression of your mouth. This enables a dental technician to build your bespoke crown, bridge or denture, which will be colour matched to blend seamlessly with your other teeth.
Same day teeth is a modern procedure which enables you to have your dental implants placed and walk out of the clinic with your final brand new teeth in just one day.
Your smile is now complete.
How do I look after my implant?
As with natural teeth, good oral hygiene is important for preventing gum disease and prolonging the life of your implants. You do not need to remove the teeth fitted to your implants but clean them as you would your natural teeth. A high standard of daily oral care, along with regular check-ups with your local Lyme Bay Dental & Implant Clinic dentist and hygienist, will help to ensure your mouth stays healthy and your implants last as long as possible.
Contact Lyme Bay Dental & Implant Clinic today to find out more about dental implants and how they could work for you.