A Step By Step Guide From Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre
Dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, providing a long term solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. At Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre in Tavistock, Devon, we are proud to offer our patients the very best in implant dentistry, backed by advanced technology and a team of experienced specialists. In this post, we’ll walk you through the entire process of getting a dental implant, from the initial consultation to the fitting of the final crown.
Our aim is to ensure that you understand each step of the journey and feel confident in the care you will receive at Spring Hill.
1. The Initial Consultation
The first step in your dental implant journey is the initial consultation. At Spring Hill Dental, we take the time to fully assess your oral health and discuss your goals and expectations. This is a critical part of the process, as not everyone is an immediate candidate for dental implants. During the consultation, our specialist will review your medical history, examine your mouth, and take X-rays or 3D scans (CBCT scans) to assess the condition of your jawbone.
We use the latest imaging technology to evaluate bone density and ensure there’s enough healthy bone to support the implant. If you have suffered bone loss due to prolonged tooth absence, you may need a bone graft before the implant can be placed. Rest assured, our experienced team will guide you through every step to determine the best course of action for your unique situation.
2. Treatment Planning
Once we’ve established that dental implants are suitable for you, we move on to the treatment planning stage. This is where the customisation begins. Our specialists will use the data from your scans to create a detailed, personalized treatment plan. The implant must be placed in the optimal position for both functionality and aesthetics, and our advanced technology helps us map out the exact location where the implant should be inserted.
The treatment plan will also include timelines, costs, and the type of materials we will use for your crown. At Spring Hill, we often recommend porcelain crowns due to their durability and their ability to match the color and texture of natural teeth. However, other materials such as zirconia may be suggested based on your specific needs.
3. Preparatory Procedures (If Needed)
In some cases, additional procedures are required before the dental implant can be placed. The most common is bone grafting, which is necessary if there is insufficient bone density in the jaw to support the implant. Bone grafting helps to rebuild and strengthen the bone, providing a solid foundation for the implant.
If a bone graft is needed, the healing process can take a few months, but this step is essential for ensuring the long term success of the implant. Our team will ensure you are comfortable throughout this process and monitor your progress to make sure your jaw is ready for the next stage.
4. The Implant Surgery
Once your jawbone is deemed healthy enough to support the implant, the next step is the surgical insertion of the titanium post. This is a straightforward procedure that is typically carried out under local anesthesia. At Spring Hill, we use the highest quality titanium implants, as they are biocompatible, meaning they will not be rejected by your body and will bond naturally with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
During the surgery, the implant is carefully placed into the jawbone at the predetermined site. Because of the precision planning done during the treatment phase, the procedure is efficient and minimally invasive. Once the implant is inserted, the gum is closed over it, and healing begins.
5. Healing and Osseointegration
The healing process is crucial to the success of your dental implant. Over the next three to six months, osseointegration will take place, where the titanium post fuses with the surrounding bone to form a solid anchor for your new tooth. During this time, it’s important to follow the care instructions provided by our team to ensure optimal healing.
At Spring Hill, we offer close follow up during the osseointegration phase, ensuring that everything is progressing as it should. You may be fitted with a temporary crown or bridge during this time, so you’re not left with a gap in your smile while you heal.
6. Placing the Abutment
Once osseointegration is complete, the next step is to attach the abutment. This is a small connector that is placed on top of the implant and will hold the final crown in place. The procedure to fit the abutment is relatively simple and typically requires only local anesthesia. In some cases, the abutment can be placed at the same time as the implant, but in most cases, it’s done after the implant has fully healed.
7. Designing and Customising the Crown
Now comes the exciting part: creating your new tooth! The crown is the visible part of the implant and is designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. At Spring Hill, we take great care in customizing the crown to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color. Porcelain is often the material of choice for its durability and aesthetic appeal, but other options like zirconia may be considered based on your needs.
We use digital impressions to ensure the crown fits perfectly. This step eliminates the need for traditional impression trays and provides a more comfortable and accurate experience. Once the crown has been designed, it is custom made by a dental laboratory.
8. Fitting the Final Crown
The final step in the dental implant process is fitting the crown. Once your custom crown is ready, we will attach it to the abutment. This is a quick and straightforward procedure, and once it’s in place, your dental implant journey is complete. The crown will be securely attached to the implant, providing a stable and permanent solution that looks and feels like a natural tooth.
At Spring Hill, we take extra care to ensure the final crown fits perfectly and is comfortable. We’ll check your bite to ensure everything aligns correctly and that there’s no discomfort when chewing or speaking.
9. Aftercare and Maintenance
Dental implants are designed to last for many years, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. After the implant has been fitted, we will provide you with guidance on how to maintain your new tooth. This includes good oral hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental check-ups at Spring Hill to monitor the health of your implant and surrounding teeth.
Our team is always here to support you after your implant treatment, ensuring that you continue to enjoy the benefits of your new tooth for many years to come.
Why Choose Spring Hill Dental for Your Implants?
At Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care, using the latest technology and materials to deliver exceptional results. Our experienced team of specialists in oral surgery and restorative dentistry ensures that every step of your implant journey is handled with precision and care. Whether you’re replacing one tooth or several, we are here to make the process as smooth and successful as possible.
If you’re considering dental implants, contact us today to schedule your consultation. Let us help you restore your smile with confidence.