This is a very common question for those with missing adult teeth: how are dental implants fitted? It’s so common, in fact, that we’re going to answer your questions by exploring the treatment process below. As dental implant dentists in Solihull, there isn’t a better team to give you all of the knowledge you need on this minor procedure.
What are dental implants made from?
Before we embark on the treatment process, we first want to tell you what a dental implant is made of. Your dental implant is made of two parts: the implant itself which is a titanium root, and a porcelain crown or the part that actually looks like a tooth. We use titanium screws for artificial roots because the metal invites the jawbone to heal around it and fuse with it, and we use porcelain crowns because the material is durable but also incredibly natural looking, and it can be tinted to match your existing tooth colour. We use the best materials and tools for the job to ensure the best results for our patients.
With that explained, let’s get into the dental implant treatment process.
Step one: dental implants consultation
Your first appointment on your journey to replacing missing teeth will always be an in-depth consultation. Here, we’ll assess your suitability for the procedure by taking dental impression moulds, x-rays, scans, and find out more about your health and your lifestyle. If the scans reveal that you don’t have enough bone density in the jawbone, we can work with you to build this strength back up over a period of months so you can receive a dental implant, albeit a little later than otherwise. All being well at this initial consultation, we can start to plan your procedure dates.
(If you want to know why the jawbone density is so important, take a look at our health benefits of dental implants blog post)
Step two: the placement of the root
Your dental implants are usually placed in two separate appointments, the first of which is placing the root. The titanium screw is placed in your jawbone under local anaesthetic, and ‘caps’ are placed on the ends of them to stop the gums completely healing over them. This procedure shouldn’t hurt; just feel a little peculiar. We then allow the jawbone to fuse with the root over a period of time stretching anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on how quickly you heal.
Step three: placing the crown
Once we’re sure the root has healed, we can then place the crown. We’ll remove the caps and place the porcelain crowns on the roots. Because of the material used, these tooth replacements are incredibly natural and blend into your natural smile. This brings us to the end of the placement journey, and all we ask after this appointment is that you return to us for a check-up every few months to ensure that your mouth is still in the best condition.
Placing dental implants in Solihull is perfectly safe and your experience only ever of the highest quality when you visit an experienced dentist like our team at Dental Practice Manor Square. Contact Us or call us directly on 0121 709 3821 to book your initial consultation, and we’ll help you restore your smile to its full glory.