Hi, I’m Dr Angus, the principal dentist of Dove Dental here at Waurn Ponds in Geelong.
One of our lovely patients, Ella from Newtown, visited our clinic last week. She came in for her regular check-up when she asked me, “Hey, Dr Angus, I’m looking at getting dental implants for my older sister for two of her missing teeth, but she’s pretty scared. How do dental implants work?”
After I explained the process to her, she said, “That’s great, it doesn’t sound that traumatic, let’s book my sister in!”
It’s always common for people with a missing tooth or a few missing teeth to ask how it works, so I decided to make a quick video sharing with you what I shared with Ella.
So, what can you expect during the dental implant procedure?
Step 1: The consultation
The first step is a consultation, during which we will evaluate your dental health and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. It will typically involve a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, as well as X-rays or other imaging tests to assess the condition of your jawbone.
Step 2: Placing the implant
Assuming you’re a good candidate for dental implants, we will then use 3D digital planning and technology for the actual implant surgery. This typically involves using local anesthetic, making a small opening in your gum tissue, and then using a pre-fabricated guide to start preparing a space in your jawbone where the implant will be placed. Once the implant is in position, we will close the opening and allow the implant to fuse with the bone over the next 3-6 months.
Sometimes, we can put a temporary crown so you can still smile and eat. Although you will need to be careful since this is just a temporary crown.
Step 3: Attaching the replacement tooth
Once the implant has fused with the bone, you’ll return for the second part of the procedure, which involves attaching a replacement tooth to the top of the implant. This involves the use of our 3D digital scanner to help fabricate a custom-made dental crown or bridge to place on top.
To sum it up, the dental implant procedure is a multi-step process that typically takes 3-12 months from start to finish. While it may sound intimidating, many patients find the procedure to be relatively comfortable and well worth the time and effort required for a functional new smile.
I hope you found this video helpful! With the proper care and attention, dental implants can be a good solution for anyone who wants to restore their smile.
If you have a missing tooth, or a few missing teeth, and are looking for a long-term replacement solution, we would love to look after you. Here at Dove Dental, we offer flexible payment plans, so you can restore your smile faster!
Give us a call at (03) 8104 9404, complete the form on our website, or send us a DM on social media, and we’ll help you organise a consultation. See you in the next video.
