How Do Dental Implants Work?
So, how do dental implants work? Dental implants are replacement ‘teeth’ that fill the gaps left by missing or irreparably damaged teeth. Whether it be one, or several or a complete mouthful of new teeth, dental implants can reinvigorate your smile. Implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution that can boost your confidence and allow you to enjoy all your favourite foods if you’re self-conscious about your smile.
The Dental Implant Process: Step By Step
To give you a better idea of what to expect, let’s explore the dental implant process, step by step:
Step 1 – Assessment
We’ll begin with a free initial consultation. If you’d like to go ahead, we’ll then examine your teeth and gums, and take scans. We’ll discuss the findings with you before creating your bespoke treatment plan.
Step 2 – Placements
Following your approval of the plan, you’ll undergo surgery under local anaesthetic to have the implant, or several implants, placed in your jaw. This is typically a straightforward and relatively pain-free experience.
Step 3 – Integration
The implant will then be allowed to bond with the surrounding bone beneath your gum. This is the time-consuming part, taking anywhere between 2-3 months on average for the integration to succeed.
Step 4 – Restoration
Once the implant has integrated with your jawbone, an adjoining post (known as an abutment) is screwed into the implant. Upon which your porcelain crown or bridge will then be cemented or screwed securely in place.
How Long Is A Dental Implant Procedure?
The placement of a single implant usually takes around 1-2 hours. You may require multiple procedures, depending on the number of implants that need to be placed. Temporary crowns or prototype bridges can be fitted that same day to conceal the gap in your smile while your gums heal and the implant integrates with your jaw. The entire process can take 3-9 months before your smile is fully restored to its former glory.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Your implants should last a lifetime, depending on how well you care for them. Regular brushing, flossing, and appointments with your dentist and hygienist will keep your dental implants in perfect working order for decades. Bear in mind, though, that the average lifespan of a porcelain dental crown ranges from five to 15 years. Bridges last a similar period, although some fixed bridges have been known to keep going for up to 30 years.
What Type Of Dental Implants Are There?
The main types of dental implants are individual implants with porcelain crowns or dental bridges. However, a popular option that we offer at Ollie & Darsh is All-On-4® dental implants. Perfect if you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, All-On-4® allows bridges to be securely supported by just four dental implants. That means faster treatment and healing times, greater choice over your final prosthetic (fixed or removable), and less need for bone grafting.
Why Choose Ollie & Darsh For Dental Implants?
Dental implants aren’t necessarily a quick fix, but they are a long-term solution for restoring your smile if missing teeth have dented your self-confidence. Ollie & Darsh is the award-winning dentist practice you can trust for dental implants in Liverpool. Our highly experienced multi-disciplinary team goes the extra mile for your smile, ensuring every last detail of your treatment runs like clockwork.
With some of the industry’s most experienced practitioners, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and 0% interest dental plans to spread the cost of your dental implants, Ollie & Darsh gives you more reasons to smile. If you’d like more information about dental implants or to book an appointment, please contact us at 0151 236 6578.