Dental Implants:Your Questions and Answered

If you are considering dental implant treatment as an option for replacing missing teeth, you would be wise to do some research and homework so you are aware what this dental treatment procedure entails.

Below are the answers to some of your questions about dental implants:

What Is A Dental Implant?

A metal (usually titanium) rod inserted into the bone in your jaw in order to secure the replacement artificial tooth in place.

Can Anyone Have A Dental Implant?

You need to have sufficient oral bone density to securely hold the implant in place. Often, your implant dentist will carry out an X ray to check your jawbone and your other mouth and tooth structure to get an accurate picture of your mouth and your teeth.

Do I Need A General Anaesthetic?

Not usually-dental implant surgery can be carried by an implant dentist using local anaesthetic in the dental surgery without having to go into hospital or be asleep for the treatment procedure. For very nervous dental patients, sedation is also an option.

What Happens During and After Implant Surgery?

The Implant dentist cuts into the gum into which a hole is drilled into the jawbone for the placement of the implant. Once the implant has been placed, the gum and mouth needs time to heal over, which can take several months. When the implant has stabilised and the mouth and gum has healed, the artificial tooth is positioned onto the implant either permanently or semi-permanently to allow for removal and cleaning.

What are the Likely Side-effects and Complications?

Side-effects are usually temporary and may include some pain, discomfort or swelling around the region where the implant has been placed, which is normal and to be expected.

Complications which may arise will be influenced by various factors such as your overall general and oral health and the type of procedure you may have undergone.

Complications can include infection, excessive bleeding or an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic. Your implant dentist may recommend antibiotics or an antiseptic mouthwash to minimise the risk of infection of your dental implant.

Dental implants in Derby are available at Oakwood Dental Centre and The Cosmetic White Smiles Clinic.