52 Queen Anne Street
London W1G 8HL
Private Dentist London
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Fitting a new implant is carried out in several stages
Our assessment starts with a
normal inspection
Careful planning is vital
Any surgical treatment starts with a detailed clinical assessment and plan. This is equally true for implant surgery.
A dental implant into the jawbone needs to take account of the bone's shape and size and to be placed precisely in relation to anatomical structures that must be avoided.
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These anatomical structures include other teeth, nerves, two canals through the bone that permit the transit of nerves and vessels, and the position of the sinus cavity.
We also assess the probable loading on the implant from normal chewing, including eating nuts and toast! Then the actual implant to be used has to be decided; design, length, diameter and screw thread.
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We take great care to develop a treatment plan for your specific needs
Once our clinical assessment is complete we will discuss our findings and recommendations with you. The treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs.
We will explain clearly what we are recommending and why in terms that you, as a 'non-clinician', can fully understand. We always include an explanation of the appropriate anaesthesia and aftercare.
We use state-of-the-art tools and equipment
The correct design and fitting of implants requires skilled precision dentistry. As part of our assessment, and to guide subsequent surgery, we will use conventional 2D X-rays and, if clinically required, 3D X-ray scans using a sophisticated technique called CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) or CT scans (Computed Tomography).
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2D X-ray of an implant
Implant fitting stages
In a few cases it can be possible to place the implant at the same time as the failed tooth is removed. However for several clinical reasons our preference is to fit an implant in stages, spread over perhaps six appointments over a few months.
If the clinical assessment shows that bone is too thin or shallow to support an implant then there will need to be a bone graft to provide a firm anchor for the implant. If needed, a bone graft will always be carried out by a Partner who has undertaken the additional training for this procedure. Once this bone graft has healed the implant can be fitted into a secure foundation.
The first step of the implant procedure is to fit the screw-threaded implant rod into the bone. This usually involves lifting a small 'flap' of gum to give access to the bone, the drilling of a precisely sized and precisely positioned and angled hole and then the fitting of the implant The incision in the gum is then closed. Needless to say this part of the process is done with the appropriate anaesthesia and has no more discomfort than routine dental procedures. Some soreness after the procedure can be controlled by normal painkillers for a few days.
The gum then needs to heal and the new implant to integrate with the bone; typically taking a few weeks. During this time a temporary tooth can be placed to fill the gap. Subsequent appointments are then arranged to fit the new tooth onto the implant to complete the permanent replacement tooth.
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Please do contact Guy Robertson to discuss whether an implant would be
the correct aesthetic and clinical option for you.