Your Gentle Dentist Near Goodwood

What are the procedures for acquiring dental implants?

The process of acquiring dental implants involves several key steps, each requiring specific knowledge and skills from dental professionals. This section outlines the procedures involved in obtaining dental implants, highlighting the commitment to high-quality dental care at every stage.

Initial Consultation at a Dental Clinic

The first step towards acquiring dental implants is scheduling an initial consultation at a reputable dental clinic. During this visit, a dentist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, including an assessment of your gums, remaining teeth, and jawbone density. This step is crucial for developing a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Development of a Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on the initial assessment, the dental professional will devise a detailed treatment plan. This plan outlines the proposed steps of the implant process, including any preparatory procedures such as bone grafting or treatment of existing oral health issues. The treatment plan is tailored to ensure the best possible outcome, taking into consideration the patient’s dental aesthetics and overall oral health.

Preparatory Procedures

Some patients may require preparatory procedures before the placement of dental implants. This could include treatments by a dental hygienist to ensure optimal oral hygiene or procedures to improve jawbone density. Ensuring a healthy oral environment is vital for the success of the dental implants.

Implant Placement Procedure

The actual placement of the tooth implants is a surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia or sedation. A titanium post is carefully inserted into the jawbone, where it serves as the new tooth root. The expertise of the dental professional is paramount during this phase, as precision placement influences the success of osseointegration—the process by which the implant fuses with the jawbone.

Healing and Osseointegration

Following the placement of the implant, a healing period allows for osseointegration to occur. This phase is critical and can last several months, during which the patient must follow specific care instructions to ensure proper healing. Regular dental visits during this time allow the dentist to monitor the integration process and address any concerns.

Attachment of the Abutment and Prosthetic Tooth

Once osseointegration is confirmed, the next step involves attaching an abutment to the implant. This component acts as a connector for the final prosthetic tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The prosthetic is custom-made to match the patient’s natural teeth, ensuring seamless integration into their smile.

Final Adjustments and Follow-Up Care

After the prosthetic tooth is attached, the patient will undergo a series of adjustments to ensure comfort and functionality. Regular follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring the implant and maintaining overall oral health. The dental hygienist plays a key role in providing ongoing care and advice on maintaining dental hygiene.

What is sleep dentistry?

Sleep dentistry, commonly referred to as sedation dentistry, is a dental practice designed to provide a stress-free and comfortable experience for patients undergoing dental procedures. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience dental anxiety or phobia, making it challenging for them to undergo dental treatments.

Sedation dentistry employs various levels of sedation, from mild, where the patient is relaxed but fully awake, to general anaesthesia, where the patient is completely unconscious. The level of sedation is tailored to the patient’s needs and the nature of the dental procedure being performed.

The goal of sleep dentistry is to alleviate fear and pain, ensuring patients can receive necessary dental care without the distress and apprehension that might otherwise prevent them from visiting the dental clinic. It enables complex or multiple dental procedures to be carried out in a single visit, reducing the need for multiple appointments and significantly improving the patient’s comfort and experience.

Sedation methods can range from oral sedatives to IV sedation, depending on the degree of anxiety and the recommendation of the dental professional.

Does your clinic have any affiliations with professional bodies or groups?

Indeed, our practice is connected with the Australian Dental Association (ADA), and Dr Lincoln is a member of the International Congress of Implantologists.