Dental implants form the groundwork to place prosthetic, natural-looking teeth for London and area residents who have lost a tooth, or in some cases, require an entire set of new teeth. As an alternative to dentures and bridges, dental implants, coupled with prosthetics, mimic the look and function of your natural teeth. Dental implants allow you to brush, eat, and smile with confidence. At All-On-Four Dental Center, we specialize in dental implants that provide our patients with the most advanced dental technology available that is proven to restore our patient’s dental health.

How long does dental implant treatment take?

Dental implant treatment usually requires two stages. The first stage is the implantation. This is followed by a 3-6 month healing time. In the second stage, the crown work is done. This usually requires 3 visits to the dentist.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of bio-material which is placed in the socket of the lost teeth to carry a tooth replacement. The material is generally pure, unalloyed titanium, which is completely accepted by the human body. During preliminary examinations the doctor checks the patient to decide if placement of dental implants can be carried out. This includes a dental examination (which teeth must be substituted, if the jaw is suitable for receiving the implants, taking of X-ray shots, etc.), and general medical examinations (laboratory tests).
 
The insertion of implants is carried out under losal anaesthesia. First the dentist prepares the given part of the jaw, then inserts the implant. The suture is removed 4-7 days later, and following this implants begin to heal under the gums.

What is the healing period after dental implant placement?

The healing period lasts for about 3 months. During this time bone cells grow into the micro-pores created on the surface of the implant. This process is called osseointegration, and ensures the implants fix in place and become able to support a normal biting load long-term without any damage.

Note: If you notice any change, attend a check-up examination as soon as possible.
 
Then the tooth replacement is fixed onto the implants. First the implants osseointegrated under the gum are uncovered, then abutment pieces are fitted into them to support or retain the replacement. Following this, the prosthesis is prepared in the dental laboratory in a short time in the usual way.
 
The complete implant reconstruction process may take from 2 to 6 months.



 What are the stages of dental implant treatment?

1. Stage

Consultation, dental X-ray, placing the implant into the jawbone (Your bone cells need to grow around the implant before the post can be attached to the implant), 2 visits to the dentist required

2. Stage

3-4-6 months later, Post is attached to the implant and the replacement teeth are prepared Time required: 2-3 visits to th edentist 

Is follow-up treatment necessary after dental implant treatment?

Contact between patient and dentist does not stop here, with placement of the new teeth. Among the most important criteria for long-run success in dental implantation are good mouth hygiene and regular medical check-ups. Patients wearing implant-based tooth replacement must regularly attend examinations once a year. Then the dentist verifies the state of the attachment of the bone and of the mucosa around the implant(s) and that of the tooth replacement, and makes the necessary corrections (e.g. removes plaque).

Is there a lifelong implant?

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime in serious dental practices. Although the lifetime guarantee usually applies to the implant product. Oral surgeons offer a 5-10 year guarantee after the implant has been placed. This does not mean that the implant will not last a lifetime. As I mentioned, in serious dentistry, they use premium quality implants and if it is placed in the right place, it will serve the patient for life with proper hygiene treatments.