The Stages of the Dental Implant Procedure
There are several stages involved in the dental implant procedure. These include pre-operative preparation, the surgical procedure, and post-operative care and recovery.
Pre-operative preparation
Appointment 1
During your first appointment, Dr Charlie Kahwagi will conduct an overall oral health assessment to ensure your suitability for dental implant treatment. During this initial consultation, Dr Kahwagi will develop an individual plan of action and discuss any specific concerns with you.
The surgical procedure
Appointment 2
At the beginning of your second appointment, Dr Kahwagi will do a thorough clean and scale of the affected area. Following this, Dr Kahwagi will then apply local anaesthesia or light sedation to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. During this appointment, the implant will be placed beneath the surface of the gum and into the jawbone. Once inserted into the jawbone, your implant will be given time to fuse with the bone in a process known as ‘osseointegration’.
Appointment 3
After approximately three months, and once the implant has fused to the bone, an abutment will be attached to the implant to provide an anchor for the prosthetic (replacement) tooth.
Appointment 4
Your prosthetic tooth will be placed on top of the abutment to complete your restoration.
Post-operative care and recovery
It may take between three to six months before the implant is fully healed, although if the condition of the surrounding bone is good, then the healing time may be reduced. Regular dental check-ups are highly recommended to ensure the longevity of your new implant.
You should take care of your new implant as if it is one of your existing teeth. Brushing and flossing twice a day, and regular dental check-ups are essential.
If you are considering dental implants and would like more information about how you can benefit from this treatment, contact Dr Charlie Kahwagi today!
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