What will my dentist do?

First, you should decide whether implants could be right for you. Ask your dentist about the stages of treatment, about who would be carrying out each stage and the timetable for completing treatment.

If you decide to go ahead, this is what will happen:

• Implants are put into holes in the jaw with a local or general anaesthetic.
• The implant is screwed or pushed in and the gum is stitched so that it heals over the implant.
• Under the gum, the bone then grows round the implant to hold it firm. This takes several months.

Single Implant
Replace Missing Tooth

Implants usually have two sections - the post in the jaw and an extension that is added later when the post is secure. Attaching the extension needs a small cut in the gum above the implant. You might have more than one implant. The replacement teeth might be fixed permanently (like a crown or bridge) or attached in a way which lets you remove them for cleaning (like a denture). Sometimes, there will be a gap below the tooth so that the implant can be kept clean, but people will not see it.

Stablising Denture
Using Clips

What are the benefits?

• Some people cannot use removable dentures however hard they try and however hard the dentist tries to make the dentures a good fit.
• Implants can be a last chance for eating and speaking properly and for improving appearance.
• Implants keep a denture very stable.
• People will not be able to see that your teeth are supported by implants. Implants are not suitable for all patients. Implants are a specialist treatment and are not covered by Denplan Care.

Stablising Denture
Using Ball and Anchor