The Patient Journey

At Purley Dental Care, we understand that getting dental implants is a significant decision. We are committed to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring you feel confident and well-informed throughout your dental implant journey. This detailed guide outlines the stages involved in receiving dental implants at our practice, helping you understand what to expect from start to finish.

Initial Consultation for Dental Implants

Your dental implant journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced implant specialists. During this appointment, we’ll discuss your dental history, current concerns, and treatment goals.

  • Comprehensive Oral Examination: We conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, and jawbone, to assess your suitability for dental implants.
  • Diagnostic Imaging: Digital X-rays and 3D scans are taken to evaluate your bone density and the precise positioning of the implants.

Personalised Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, we develop a customised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals, detailing the implant process, costs, and timeline.

Treatment Planning & Discussion

After your initial consultation, we review all the diagnostic information to finalise your dental implant treatment plan. This stage ensures that you fully understand the process and are comfortable with the proposed procedure.

  • Review of Implant Options: We discuss the types of implants available, including options such as All-on-4 or All-on-6, depending on your individual needs.
  • Cost & Time Estimates: You’ll receive a detailed breakdown of the treatment costs and the anticipated timeline for each stage of the implant process.
  • Informed Consent: Before proceeding, we ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision and address any questions or concerns.

Dental Implant Placement Surgery

The next stage is the dental implant placement surgery, where the implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone. Our team ensures you’re comfortable and fully prepared for the procedure.

  • Anaesthesia & Sedation: We administer local anaesthesia or sedation to ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
  • Precise Implant Placement: Using advanced technology, our skilled surgeons place the implants into your jawbone with precision, ensuring optimal positioning for stability and longevity.
  • Post-Surgery Care: After the implants are placed, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical site to promote healing.

Healing & Osseointegration

Following the dental implant placement, your jawbone needs time to heal and integrate with the implants—a crucial process known as osseointegration.

  • Healing Period: Over the next few months, the implants gradually fuse with your jawbone, forming a strong and stable foundation for your new teeth.
  • Temporary Prosthetics: If necessary, we provide temporary teeth to maintain your appearance and function while the implants heal.
  • Monitoring Progress: We schedule follow-up visits to monitor the healing process and ensure the implants are integrating successfully.

Abutment Placement & Final Restoration

Once the implants have fully integrated with your jawbone, the next step is to attach the abutments and fit your final prosthetic teeth.

  • Abutment Placement: Small connectors called abutments are attached to the implants, which will hold your new teeth securely in place.
  • Custom Prosthetic Design: We take impressions to create custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures that match your natural teeth in appearance and function.
  • Final Fitting: The prosthetic teeth are then securely attached to the abutments, and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit and comfortable bite.

Post-Treatment Care & Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants. We provide all the information you need to keep your new smile healthy.

  • Oral Hygiene Practices: We guide you on how to care for your implants daily, including brushing, flossing, and using interdental brushes.
  • Regular Check-Ups: Routine visits to Purley Dental Care help us monitor the health of your implants and address any concerns early on.
  • Professional Cleanings: Regular professional cleanings maintain the health of your gums and the longevity of your implants.

Long-Term Support

At Purley Dental Care, we’re committed to your long-term oral health. We continue to support you with any future dental needs, ensuring your implants remain functional and your smile stays bright.

  • Ongoing Care: Our team is always available to provide advice, adjustments, or additional treatments as needed.
  • Future Planning: We work with you to plan any necessary future maintenance or treatments to keep your implants and overall oral health in top condition.
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The dental implant process is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic, ensuring you do not feel pain during the surgery. After the procedure, there may be some soreness or swelling, but this is typically treatable with over-the-counter painkillers and proper post-operative care.

FAQs

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace lost tooth roots. Following their integration with the bone, the implants offer a strong base upon which crowns, bridges, or dentures can be placed, effectively restoring the appearance and function of natural teeth.

Most adults with good general health and adequate jawbone density are suitable candidates for dental implants. However, factors like smoking, certain medical conditions, or insufficient bone density may affect eligibility. A thorough assessment during your consultation will determine if dental implants are right for you.

The duration required for dental implants varies based on each case. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. This includes the initial consultation, implant placement surgery, healing and osseointegration, and finally, the placement of the prosthetic teeth.

The dental implant process is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic, ensuring you do not feel pain during the surgery. After the procedure, there may be some soreness or swelling, but this is typically treatable with over-the-counter painkillers and proper post-operative care.

Osseointegration is the process by which the dental implant fuses with the jawbone. This integration is crucial as it creates a stable and permanent foundation for the prosthetic teeth, allowing them to function like natural teeth.

Dental implants and natural teeth require similar care. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using interdental brushes to clean around the implants, and attending regular dental check-ups and cleanings to maintain oral health and implant longevity.

While dental implants have a high success rate, potential risks include infection, implant failure, nerve damage, or sinus issues (for upper jaw implants). These risks are minimised with careful planning and by following post-operative care instructions.

Dental implants can last many years, often a lifetime with proper care. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are essential to maintaining the longevity of your implants.

Yes, dental implants can be used to support full or partial dentures. Implant-supported dentures offer greater stability and comfort than traditional dentures, preventing slippage and improving function.

If you experience any discomfort, loosening of the implant, or other issues, it’s important to contact Purley Dental Care immediately. Early intervention can address potential problems and ensure the long-term success of your implants.

Purley Dental Care

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