DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURES
A dental implant is a fine titanium rod or screw that is placed precisely into the jaw bone during a surgical procedure to become a permanent replacement for a missing tooth root.
Different types of implants are available. Most implants are made from materials such as titanium that are capable of forming a strong natural integration with the surrounding bone tissue.
In most cases, the dental implant procedure involves three separate treatment stages:
- Insertion of the implant to the bone
- Insertion of the abutment (or connector) on the implant
- Attachment of the artificial tooth (crown) to the abutment or connector
The overall implant process can take considerable time, from three to six months or more from surgical placement of the implant to the fitting of the crown. This depends on factors such as your general and dental health, the amount of bone, rate of healing, degree of integration between the implant and the bone, and the extent of any other dental problems.
In some cases, our dentist may insert the implant and affix both the abutment and an artificial tooth during a single operation. However, not every patient is suitable for, and not all dentists offer, this single-stage procedure. The insertion of the implant can be performed at our clinic, at a day-surgery centre, or in hospital. Our dentist will advise which is the most appropriate for you. Depending on the complexity, the procedure can take from 30 minutes to several hours.