Implants

Have you lost a tooth or maybe it was never there, to begin with? If you are looking to replace a missing tooth than a dental implant may be a viable option for you.

Dental implants are titanium roots that are implanted into your jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they provide a solid foundation to have a crown placed on the implant.

The replacement teeth will be made to match your natural teeth which will give your implants the appearance that they are your teeth, it would be very hard for anyone to ever notice your dental implants. However, dental implants aren’t the right option for everyone.

The Procedure

Dental Implant treatment is carried out in 2 steps:

Step 1 – The Implant Placement
The titanium or alloy implant is surgically placed and left to fuse with the jawbone

Step 2 – The Implant Restoration. 
The artificial tooth, crown, or denture is fitted on top of the implant.

Implants generally last 10-20 years, depending on the location of the implant and patient compliance with oral hygiene and dental visits. Because molars receive more stress and wear and tear, these implants typically do not last as long as implants located at the front of your mouth.

Digital render of a tooth implant with a cross section. Tooth with metal crew end is being twisted into metal bracket lodged in jaw

What To Expect

Booking Your Appointment

At least 3 appointments are required: 

  • Consultation
  • Placement
  • Restoration

Additional appointments may be needed to complete the dental implant procedure and regular checkups are required to ensure proper health of the implant.

Before You Arrive

There is no special preparation needed for your initial consultation, however, Before the surgical procedure your dentist or oral surgeon will advise you of any requirements, including:

  • having someone accompany you to drive you to and from the appointment
  • Following any pre-sedation protocols, if this applies to you.

Length Of Appointment

A single implant procedure usually takes around 1.5 – 2 hours

During Your Appointment

Consultation – your dentist will examine to ensure that this procedure is suitable for you and answer any questions that you may have. You will also need a scan taken of your mouth.

Placement – At the next visit you will have the implant placed

Restoration – Once the implant has been allowed to fully integrate into the jaw bone, the implant restoration is completed.

After You Leave

Your dentist will outline post-surgery details for you that are specific to your surgery.