When it comes to restoration and missing teeth, oral implants have seemingly taken the dental world by storm.
Whether you have a single missing tooth or need an entirely new set of teeth, implants can be used to create not only a natural-looking smile but also offer superiority over dentures and bridges when it comes to bite strength and security.
Sadly, many people read horror stories online about poorly applied oral implants causing infections and assume that this is a sure thing when it comes to this procedure. Our team at Harley Street Dental knows the ins and outs of oral implants and are here to explain exactly how the process works.
Our dental implants in Harley Street have helped thousands of patients to restore both their bite strength and their smiles and so, we can advise you on whether or not you will benefit from this procedure. Our team knows all the tricks to help speed up the healing process and can answer any questions that you may have. Brilliant!
But what does having dental implants in Harley Street typically involve?
Consultation and assessment
Unfortunately, not everyone is suitable for dental implants in Harley Street and so, our team will need to conduct an initial consultation and assessment.
This will allow our team to assess the condition of your gums and overall health to determine suitability. We will need to take X-Rays of your jaw to examine the strength and condition of it before proceeding. This is also an ideal time to ask our team any questions that you may have about the process.
Fitting day!
Once you are in the chair, our team will numb the area where the implant is to be fitted.
Then, using a surgical incision, the gum will be peeled back and we can begin drilling into your jaw; this process can take up to 1 hour to complete depending on how many implants are being fitted.
Once placed, your gum will be sewn back together and voila! The fitting is complete! We will advise you on how to keep your newly fitted implants clean and in place while they fuse to the bone.
Prosthetics
During the next 3-6 months, our team at Harley Street will need to see you regularly to check on the fusing process.
Once we deem that the implants have fused with the bone, we can fit the prosthetic teeth. This process is relatively simple and involves our team screwing the crowns or dentures to the implants.
Aftercare and lifestyle
And there you have it! Your implants are fitted and your smile and bite strength are restored. Fantastic!
However, you will still need to come and see us for biannual check-ups, along with attending to good oral hygiene at home to prevent gum disease. Lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking alcohol can harm the longevity of oral implants, so if you want implants that last a lifetime, talk to our team about smoking cessation and tips on cutting back on alcohol consumption.