Getting implants is one of the simplest, smoothest dental experiences you can have. Between modern pain management and your dedicated team of anxiety-friendly dentists, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about!
We’ve put together this blog to show you just how easy a dental implant procedure really is.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants are used to replace a missing tooth. They’re often recommended as a more functional alternative to dentures – implants are permanent fixtures that can’t be removed without the help of a professional. Because they are essentially permanent ‘false teeth’, they need no extra daily maintenance beyond your regular brushing for two minutes twice a day.
Dental implants are generally recommended if you have teeth missing and need to replace them for orthodontic or cosmetic reasons – but only if you also meet the following conditions:
- Your jawbone has reached full growth
- You have no other bone or healing issues
- You have healthy oral tissue
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET DENTAL IMPLANTS?
If you’ve been recommended dental implants by your dentist, you’ll revisit the clinic to have the operation done in several stages. This is to promote proper healing and fusing over a few months.
Your dental implant fitting will be performed in five easy steps:
- PREPARATION
You may have damaged teeth that need to be extracted first. If that’s the case, your dentist will use anaesthetic to remove the problem tooth and prepare the gum area for an implant. - TITANIUM SCREW PLACEMENT
Your dentist will use appropriate anaesthetic numb your mouth and jaw completely. This will allow them to place a titanium screw into the jawbone below the gum line, which will be used to hold the dental implant in place later on. The screw will be in your mouth for 2-3 months before the implant goes on – this will give sufficient time to allow your natural jawbone tissue to fuse with it. - ABUTMENT FITTING
Once your jaw tissue has fused with the titanium screw, the dentist will see you again to fit an ‘abutment’ on top of the screw. This abutment is essentially a ‘connecting’ fixture that the final dental implant will sit on top of. Your jaw tissue will be left to heal naturally for another two weeks following this quick procedure. - DENTAL IMPRESSIONS
You will revisit the dentist for a quick and easy tooth impression. Once the mold is ready, your custom tooth (also known as a crown) will be created. Implants are designed to fit the natural style and look of your teeth, right down to the shade of enamel! - CROWN ATTACHMENT
Finally, your dentist will fit your crown over your abutment – and you’ll have a brand new tooth!
After the screw placement and abutment fitting procedures, you may experience some minor bruising and localised pain – but nothing that an over-the-counter painkiller can’t fix. You’ll also be in for a few days of mashed potatoes, soup and ice cream!
I’M ANXIOUS AT THE DENTIST, HOW CAN YOU HELP?
TLC is an anxiety-friendly dentist – we know how difficult it can be for some of our patients to get back in the chair. Often, that fear can lead to worsening dental conditions in the long run – which is no fun for anybody.
We’ve designed our services specifically to help alleviate anxiety around dental work. We offer the full range of modern pain management solutions and we don’t start working on your smile until we’ve explained exactly what’s going to happen and why. Our dentists are trained to make sure you’re 100% a-okay as the first port of call – and that’s why we’re called TLC!
If you’re ready for your dental implants, reach out to TLC – we’re conveniently located in five areas across Perth and Mandurah! Phone your local clinic today:
