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Your Dental Implant Journey in Southampton: Step-by-Step Guide
Serving patients throughout Southampton, West End, Portsmouth and Chichester
Step 1: Initial Consultation – Understanding Your Needs
Your dental implant journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at Dental Health Private Dental Clinic. During this initial meeting, the dentist will carefully assess your oral health and listen to your goals. This is a critical stage where we discuss the best treatment options for you. We will also conduct X-rays and scans to examine your gums and bone structure. If necessary, we may recommend pre-treatment procedures such as bone grafting, bone expansion, or a sinus lift to ensure your jawbone can securely support dental implants.
Key points at this stage:
- Personalised treatment plan
- Comprehensive oral health assessment
- Pre-treatment options if needed
Step 2: Pre-Treatment – Preparing for Success
For successful dental implants, it is essential to have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the implants. If you need additional support, your dentist will recommend pre-treatment steps to create a solid foundation for your dental implants. These may include:
- Bone grafting: To strengthen and rebuild bone.
- Bone expansion: To widen a narrow jawbone.
- Sinus lifts: For patients with insufficient bone in the upper jaw.
The pre-treatment process can take a few months, depending on the procedure needed. Once your gums and bone are in the best possible condition, you’ll be ready for implant placement.
Key points at this stage:
- Ensuring bone and gum health
- Possible pre-treatment procedures
- Preparing for implant placement
Step 3: Implant Placement – Securing Your New Smile
When your oral health is ready, your dentist will place the dental implants. This procedure involves inserting titanium posts into your jawbone, which act as artificial roots for the replacement teeth. Depending on your specific needs, this procedure can take a few hours, and you’ll be under a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort.
For those choosing the All-on-4™ (Same Day Smile) treatment, the final set of replacement teeth is fitted on the same day as the implant placement, eliminating the need for healing time before you have your new smile.
Key points at this stage:
- Titanium implants are placed into the jawbone
- Same Day Smile for immediate results
- Local anaesthetic for comfort during the procedure
Step 4: Healing and Integration – Allowing Your Implants to Settle
After implant placement, the implants need time to integrate with your jawbone. This process, known as biological integration, can take between 3 to 6 months. During this period, the titanium posts fuse with the bone, creating a strong, stable foundation for your new teeth.
Once the implants are securely integrated, we will begin the process of designing and creating the perfect replacement teeth to restore your smile.
Key points at this stage:
- Healing time of 3 to 6 months
- Implants fuse with the bone for strength and stability
- Temporary teeth may be provided for the healing period
Step 5: Restoring Your Smile – Crafting Your Perfect Replacement Teeth
Once your implants are fully integrated, the next step is the restoration process. During two appointments, we will:
- Take scans/impressions of your jaw to create your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture.
- Securely attach the final restoration, ensuring a perfect fit and natural appearance.
Whether you opt for a permanent crown or a removable denture, your new teeth will look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. Fixed replacements are securely attached to the implants, while removable dentures can be taken out for cleaning.
Key points at this stage:
- Two appointments for restoration
- Custom crowns, bridges, or dentures
- Secure and natural results
Step 6: Aftercare – Ensuring Longevity and Success
Once your dental implants are fully restored, proper aftercare is essential to maintain your new smile. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, your implants can last for decades. We will guide you on how to care for your implants, including:
- Brushing and flossing regularly
- Visiting us for routine check-ups
- Maintaining overall oral health
With the right care, your implants will continue to support your smile for many years to come.
Key points at this stage:
- Regular maintenance and check-ups
- Long-term success with proper aftercare
- Enjoy your natural-looking smile for years
Book Your Consultation Today and Begin Your Dental Implant Journey
Ready to start your dental implant journey and enjoy a brand new smile? Contact Dental Health Private Dental Clinic in Southampton today to schedule your consultation. Call us at 02380 473 612 to book your appointment.