Diagnosis
Patients are commonly referred by their general dentist to specialist implantologists. It is also common for a general dentist to work with the specialist in providing the crown and bridgework on top of the implants. Diagnosis typically includes a careful consultation with history and radiographic examination. Note is often made of the patient's medical history.
Preparation
Preparatory procedures may be carried out prior to actual implant placement. These include production of models stents and guides too assist the surgeon in the correct placement of the implants.
Surgery
Surgery itself is most commonly carried out under local anaesthetic. Sedation may be available for patients in an oral or intravenous form although this varies from country to country.
The surgery carried out is most commonly a minor surgical procedure entailing extraction of teeth is necessary, lifting back the gum tissue and the placement of the implant itself with a small amount of drilling.
Sutures are commonly placed and the patient may expect a small amount of discomfort and swelling following placement.
Final Restoration
Implants may be placed in two surgical stages; the first being implant placement where the implant is buried in the bone beneath the gum, the second stage is where the implant is uncovered and an abutment connection made.
Alternatively a single stage procedure is where the healing abutment that can be seen immediately in the mouth following implant placement.
After the healing period, this abutment is removed and the impression moulds taken by the dentist.
A laboratory will commonly make the final fitments to be placed at the final stage.
Healing
The soft tissues will heal quite quickly within a matter of week or two. The healing of bone around a dental implant is termed osseointegration and can be likened to a healing bony fracture.
It typically takes some 6 to 8 weeks although remodelling and ongoing changes can take place for a year or more. Like a bony fracture it is important to immobilise the dental implant and prevent inadvertent loading or chewing which can cause mobility and early implant failure.
