What to Expect

Your 45-minute implant assessment is a crucial first step in determining if you're a suitable candidate for dental implants. During this comprehensive appointment, Greg will gather a medical, dental, and social history to understand your overall health, past dental experiences, and lifestyle factors that could influence the success of implant therapy. You'll discuss any medications you're taking, existing health conditions, and habits like smoking or diet.  A clinical examination including 2D x-rays will also be performed of your mouth, teeth, and gums to assess the health of the surrounding tissues and to get an idea of the amount of bone available for implant placement.

The appointment includes several diagnostic procedures including taking  dental photographs to document the current state of your teeth and gums and having a 3D intra-oral scan. This advanced technology creates a highly accurate digital model of your mouth, providing the clinician with a detailed, three-dimensional view of your teeth, gums, and bite for future implant planning.  All of this information is used to create a personalized treatment plan and to explain the implant process in detail, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. You'll leave the appointment with a clear understanding of the next steps and what to expect on your journey to a new smile. 

A CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scan is a special type of X-ray that creates a three-dimensional image of your mouth, jaw, teeth, and surrounding structures. Unlike a traditional dental X-ray, which gives a flat, two-dimensional picture, a CBCT scan provides a detailed, 3D view from every angle. The scan itself is quick and painless; you simply sit still for a few moments while the scanner rotates around your head. This technology uses a very low dose of radiation, making it a safe and effective way to gather the detailed information your dentist needs.

For dental implant treatment, a CBCT scan is essential for several reasons. It allows your dentist to accurately measure the amount and quality of bone available in your jaw to support an implant. The scan also helps identify the precise location of important anatomical structures, such as nerves and sinuses, so they can be carefully avoided during the implant procedure. With this detailed 3D map, your dentist can plan the exact position, angle, and depth of the implant, ensuring a safe, predictable, and successful outcome

After your initial assessment and CBCT scan, a detailed treatment plan will be developed specifically for you. Greg will carefully analyse all the information gathered to create a precise roadmap for your dental implant journey. This plan will outline the step-by-step process, including the number of implants needed, the timing of each procedure, and the type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that will be placed on top of the implants. You will receive a written report summarizing this plan, along with a breakdown of the costs involved. 

The treatment plan is designed not only for your benefit but also to ensure you are fully informed and confident in your decision. The report will be accompanied by a consent form that details the surgical procedures and the associated risks. While dental implant surgery is very safe, it’s important to be aware of potential, albeit rare, complications. You will have the opportunity to go through this documentation in your own time, and will be able to ask as many questions as you need. This is your chance to clarify anything that's unclear and ensure you're completely comfortable with the proposed treatment before moving forward.

Undergoing a dental implant placement procedure can be a daunting prospect, not least because the surgical suite you enter will look a little different from your regular dental check-up. This is because undergoing dental surgery involves creating a highly controlled and "aseptic" environment to help reduce the risks of infection. To achieve this, the entire room is meticulously prepared. You'll notice sterile drapes covering work surfaces and equipment, while plastic sheathing protects suction tubes, wires, and light handles. The goal is to prevent any contact with non-sterile surfaces.

The preparation extends to you, the patient, and the dental team as well; the dentist and their assistant will be wearing surgical gowns and sterile gloves, to ensure no contaminants are introduced to the surgical field. When you lie back in the dental chair, a sterile drape will be placed across you which will be kept there throughout the whole procedure. This comprehensive approach to sterilization is critical to the success of the implant procedure, minimizing the chances of post-operative complications and ensuring a safe and effective outcome for your new smile.

Before your dental implant procedure begins, you may be given a one-off dose of antibiotics to take. This is a precautionary measure to minimize the risk of infection. You'll also be asked to use an antibacterial mouthwash for 60 seconds, which helps to reduce the bacteria in your mouth before the surgery starts. Following this, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site completely. This ensures that you won't feel any pain during the procedure.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgery will begin. Typically, a single implant placement takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete. However, the duration can vary. If you need additional procedures, such as bone grafting to build up the jawbone, or if you're having multiple implants placed, the appointment will naturally be longer. Throughout the process, you'll feel us working inside your mouth—you might notice sensations like pushing, pulling, and vibrations—but there will be no discomfort or pain. Your comfort is a priority, so please don't hesitate to ask for a break to rest your jaw or simply take a moment to relax at any point during the procedure.

Dental implant aftercare is crucial for the long-term success of the procedure. Immediately following surgery, you can expect some common side effects very similar to after having a tooth removed. Minor swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding is not uncommon. Keeping you head raised and sleeping with an extra pillow the first night can help reduce these side effects. For pain management, over-the-counter painkillers are almost always sufficient,

Dietary adjustments are a key part of aftercare. For the first few days, stick to soft, cool foods and liquids. Avoid anything hot, hard, or crunchy that could irritate the surgical site. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, but be gentle. You'll be advised to use a special mouthwash and to avoid brushing the implant site directly for a few days. Finally, avoid strenuous exercise for the first week and, if you are a smoker, it is highly recommended to stop or at least avoid smoking during the healing phase, as it can significantly hinder the process.

During the whole period of healing following your implant surgery, should you have any concerns at all you will always be able to contact Greg via email or be seen in person by Greg without charge.