Dental implants are growing in popularity with many people viewing them as a worthwhile investment. Here at Sheen Dental we’ve been placing dental implants in Richmond for a great many years and one of the main questions we get asked is how long the procedure takes from start to finish and whether a patient will have to spend time without any teeth, or not be able to eat for days.
After the initial consultation and a detailed assessment to put in place a treatment plan, the first step of the dental implant procedure is the placing of the implants themselves. This is carried out at the clinic by Dr Harmit Kalsi and his team usually within one visit and the implants remain uncovered beneath the gum for 3 to six months. During this period a biological process known as osseointegration takes place, whereby the titanium implants gradually fuse with the bone in the jaw. This period varies from one patient to another, but is a vital time since fusion is essential to ensure a study platform for the implants and prevent them from falling out. Throughout the healing period you’ll be given a temporary denture or bridge to wear, or your existing denture may be modified and you’ll be able to get on with your life as normal although you will have to change your diet for a couple of weeks to soft foods which require little chewing.
The second stage of the dental implant procedure takes place between 3 to 6 months after the implants have been placed, and following successful osseointegration. At this visit the top of the implants will be uncovered and a small metal post known as an abutment will be attached to the implants. We’ll modify your denture or temporary teeth so you can continue to wear them.
The third stage consists of creating your new teeth and fitting them. This will involve taking impressions of your mouth and trying in your teeth at key stages of their fabrication. These try-in sessions are vital to ensure that the bite is correct, and the teeth are the right shape and colour to blend in effortlessly with any remaining teeth and to fit your facial structures. From start to finish the whole dental implant procedure can take between 5-8 months, possibly longer if any bone grating is needed.
We do our best to help our patients our patients through this lengthy procedure and ensure they are as comfortable as possible with their teeth during this time. If you’re considering a dental implant in Richmond then why not book a free initial consultation to learn more about the process and what we can do for you. Call on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk.