In this article our principal dentist George Margaritis talks about the dental implant journey.
I am always inspired by the stories from our everyday patients. The other day a lovely elderly gentleman, at the end of his implant consultation described the whole procedure as a ‘little journey’, so… I thought that an ‘Implant Journey’ article would be a good read for those patients in Southampton to find out more about dental implant treatments.
The Basics
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial ‘tooth root’ typically made from titanium, although there are also Zirconia (ceramic) dental implants on the market. The implant is placed in the jawbone, and is used in the same way as the root of a tooth. A single crown can then be placed on the dental implant, like the ones we put on teeth, or we can use a dental bridge to replace more than one tooth. If the gap is rather large, more implants (roots) will be required to support a fixed prosthesis and sometimes all the teeth in one jaw can be replaced upon several implants using 4-6 dental implants spanning the entire jaw.
On natural teeth, we sometimes place overdentures, which are removable dentures that get some support from the roots of teeth, often on teeth that are almost level with the gums. We can do something very similar with dental implants for people that have full dentures which are lacking in stability as they do not have enough support from the gums.
The ‘Implant Journey’
Remote Consultation
This may be the initial contact for most patients and can be done over the telephone or video-call. This gives the patient the opportunity to meet members of the dental team, to ask any questions they have, and for the team to discuss the needs of the patient as well as introducing information about the dental implant treatment process and procedure. This is performed either by our dentists or a trained member of staff. Due to the nature of the appointment, it is often possible to schedule the call outside of normal working hours, and there is no consultation fee. This will give you an idea if dental implants are the right treatment for you, and deal with any concerns you may have before your first visit to the practice.
Initial Clinical Consultation and Examination
During your first implant consultation with us here at Bridgeways Dental we will spend time to firstly understand your expectations, desires and what is it that you really wish to achieve. We consider this to be the major part of everything we do. We will review your medical history form which you have filled in upon your arrival to the practice, and then proceed with a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, soft and hard tissues.
At that point we will discuss if indeed dental implants are a suitable treatment for you at that time, if other solutions are more appropriate or if treatment needs to be delayed, to better prepare you for future implant treatment. We will give you plenty of opportunity to discuss your concerns and will answer your questions, after a short description of the treatment procedure and steps.
Data Collection and Treatment Planning
In simple cases this can be performed at your initial consultation, but some more complex conditions will require additional appointments. The necessary data will be collected, including a CBCT scan (3D complex x-rays), digital intraoral impressions with advanced oral scanners, clinical photography and in some cases 3D face scans. The data collected will be examined thoroughly by the dentist, or a multi-disciplinary team in advanced cases, and a risk assessment will be completed by following scientific protocols. The findings will be discussed with you before a treatment plan is decided and confirmed.
Finally, a treatment letter will be sent to you describing your treatment, risks and benefits, general and possible specific complications and adverse outcomes, prognosis of the treatment and the necessary maintenance, as well as the costs involved for each stage, and the likely appointment schedule.
You are free to take as long as you like to consider the information, and to ask any questions you have to ensure you are happy and ready to go ahead with the dental implant treatment. Once you approve the treatment plan, the dental implant treatment can commence.
Preparatory Work
For some people, we may have to perform procedures necessary to bring your oral and general health to a level where treatment will be both safe and appropriate to achieve a long-term stable result. This can vary from simple dental hygiene appointments to improve the health of your gums, to more complex dental restorative work. We may have to request special tests from your GP or even a medical specialist opinion in specific cases.
Implant Placement
The placement of the dental implant is a surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia. In some cases of extensive reconstructions, we request the assistance of medically qualified consultant anaesthetist to provide conscious sedation. Although a dental team can be trained to provide this without the need for a consultant, we consider this not to be safe practice in extensive surgical procedures.
It may sound strange but almost every patient we have treated here at Bridgeways Dental in Southampton have made the same comment: ‘having the implant is much easier than having the tooth out’. So, it is not as bad as you may think. Bone and gum grafting procedures may also be performed at this stage. Pre and post operative painkillers and antibiotics are provided as required, together with an aftercare pack and instructions, including out of hours emergency contact details. You do not need to worry about anything, as we are with you every step of the way.
Remote Review
We will normally contact you the day after your procedure to check on how you are recovering. As recovery is so straightforward, we often have to leave messages for our patients as they are getting on with their everyday lives and unable to answer us!
For advanced cases, recovery may take more time, but if this will affect you, you will be advised well in advance. We will also book a review appointment at that time.
Clinical Review
This is normally scheduled for a week after the surgery and aims mainly to confirm that healing is as expected and to reinforce the post-operative advice we have given, sometimes this will require further advice.
Restorative Procedures
These include the manufacture of the prostheses that will be placed on the dental implants. In most, simple cases this may require one appointment to take digital impressions and a second one to fit the crown on the implant. Normally, a healing period of three months is allowed between the surgical and the restorative part of the treatment.
In some more complex cases we may have to provide a temporary prosthesis on the implants on the day of the surgery and change it to a definitive one several months later when healing is complete, and the tissues have matured appropriately. Sometimes, further minor gum surgery may be required for more optimal aesthetics.
Aftercare
Dental implants require a significant investment not only financially but biologically, physically and for most of us, mentally too. So it makes sense to take care of the outcome of your treatment to not only get the most out of your investment but also minimise the risk of future problems. The necessary advice and aftercare is discussed and arranged for you at either your final appointment when the prosthesis is fitted, or at a review visit for more complex cases, a few days after the delivery of the prosthesis.
In all cases, dental hygienist visits are the minimum advised for dental implant patients, at least for the first few months after the completion of the treatment. You will be advised how often you should be seeing the dental hygienist for the optimal maintenance of your dental implants.
At Bridgeways Dental, we have been studying and performing dental implantology for many years, and implement a structured, safe, and evidenced-based approach for every implant journey.
If you would like to take the first steps on your dental implant journey and regain your smile and confidence, give Bridgeways Dental in Southampton a call on 020 8086 8833 or send a message via our contact page to organise your intial free consultation with our dental implant dentists.
