Single Tooth Implants

What to expect before and during treatment?

Single tooth implants may take several phases to be completed. When you visit the dentist these are the following stages:

1. The dentist will examine your mouth thoroughly and discuss your medical and dental history as well as all the risks and benefits of the treatments. We will also discuss the length of treatment and the options that will best suit your individual requirements.
2. A 3D scan may be requested to assess the quality and quantity of bone available and this will be discussed with you and helps to finalise the ideal implant plan for you.
3. Once the plan has been discussed and agreed upon, you will be asked to book in for the first implant procedure.  If bone grafting is required or sedation is requested, this will be identified and arranged
4. On the day of implant placement, you will be provided with some pre-operative instructions like rinsing your mouth out with an antibacterial mouthwash and a dose of antibiotics
5. Your mouth will be numbed using a local anaesthesia
6. The dental implant will be gently placed under the gum line into the underlying bone as per the plan discussed with you previously
7. After placing the implant, your dentist may add an abutment (a healing post) to the top of the implant to act as a protective barrier and allow the gum to heal
8. The gums are sutured over the implant and the implant remains to integrate to the bone.  This process may take several months.  Your implant dentist will guide how long they feel it will take to heal based on what they see.
9. After healing, when you re-visit our team, we will make an incision in the gum and re-expose the top surface of the implant
10. An electronic measurement is taken to record how well the implant is attached to the bone before making the final supporting teeth
11. Digital 3D Impressions are then taken to prepare properly fit the final teeth in the laboratory
12.  The digitally made implant teeth will then be fitted and connected to the implants and you will be shown how to clean and maintain the area
13. You will be reviewed after a month to ensure that you are getting on well with the implants
14. Regular follow up is advised also to help with the longevity of the final implant and teeth

What to expect after single tooth implants?

Once the treatment is completed, you will be advised to maintain good oral hygiene. The following will also be advised:

1. You may experience short term bruising, swelling, and mild bleeding
2. Discomfort for the initial few days
3. Take prescribed medications regularly
4. Avoid smoking, and taking alcohol for at least a couple of weeks
5. Don’t eat hard or sharp food for the initial few days
6. Have a soft diet for 1 week
7. Avoid using colourful foods and beverages
8. Brush your teeth twice a day
9. Floss at least once a day
10. Visit your dentist regularly