Blog
When it comes to fully replacing teeth that are lost, unfortunately, there are few options. A tooth that has been recently knocked out can be re-implanted but the window of treatment is very short; less than an hour. There is an artificial option, dental implants Cambridge allow teeth that have been lost years ago to be replaced. Find out how!
What are dental implants and how are they performed
Dental implants Cambridge are a multi-step procedure allowing teeth that have been lost to be replaced. It starts with a full examination, evaluating x-rays and medical records and looking at the best options and if reimplantation is possible. Assuming you do not have medical complications related to bone growth or bone development and the density of your jaw bone beneath the planned implant is efficient, the next stage can continue.
In the first implantation appointment, the gum is opened and a new socket is drilled into the bone. The lower half of the implant is placed in this socket and gum is closed and stitched over it. This is so the gum tissue can protect and hold the titanium implant in place as new bone develops and integrates it into the jaw. This is referred to as osseointegration and is exactly the same process that orthopaedic surgeons used to pin bones together after traumatic breaks. The fusing takes anywhere between 4 to 12 months depending on the patient’s health.
After this integration period, the second stage can begin with the gum being reopened and the second half of the implant being placed on the fully-integrated artificial titanium root. This can be a single root, a bridge or an entire denture. After this, the patient can immediately use their implant, without the risk of damaging or twisting it in its socket as its foundation is securely fused.
Commonality asked questions
How long would it take for me?
The 4 to 12 months time period with dental implants Cambridge is because of the large variability in bone growth. For a younger healthier patient with no other conditions, 4-months will be enough. But with older patients experiencing osteoporosis or autoimmune conditions, the recovery period extends.
Will it hurt?
The procedure itself is carried out under local anaesthetic. When this wears off, there will be soreness and bruising. This should ease within the next few days. If you have consistent pain that is getting worse over time, you need to get back in contact with the clinic. As this suggests a complication. But, usually, a few days of soft food and over-the-counter painkillers is more than enough to manage the discomfort of a healthy implantation.
How do you look after them? Maintenance routines of fully implanted dentures are extremely simple and are comparable to your natural teeth. The critical time that requires the most care is after the initial implanting when there is a small risk of infection if the gum is not kept cleaned or is it unhealthy. Past this, normal brushing flossing and six month checkups are all that is required.