This webpage has been designed to improve understanding of Dental Implants and contains answers to the most commonly asked questions about this treatment. If you have any other questions that the website does not answer or would like further explanation please ask a member of our medical staff.

What is a dental implant?
An Implant is a false metal root screwed into the jawbone. Implants form anchors for a Crown, Bridge or Denture Attachments.

What does Implant surgery involve?
Implants are usually inserted under local Anaesthesia (i.e. an injection to make the area numb). Once the local Anaesthetic injection has worked the gum is cut and pushed back to expose the underlying bone. A hole is then drilled into the bone and the Implant screwed into this hole. The gum is then put back in the right place with stitches. These stitches are usually dissolvable but may take several weeks to disappear.

How long will the operation take?
It usually takes around half an hour to place a single Implant. The more Implants placed, the longer surgery will take.

What can be expected after the operation?
It is unlikely to be very sore after Implant surgery but regular painkillers (eg Nurofen) will be arranged by our team. There is relatively little in the way of swelling.

Does this procedure require any time off work?
After Implant surgery it is advisable to take the rest of the day off work. Patients may also need to stay at home for a day or so depending on job type. If lots of Implants have been placed and this has required Intravenous Sedation or a General Anaesthetic then it is important to remember not to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after Intravenous Sedation and for 48 hours after General Anaesthesia.

What are the post operative care instructions?
It is important to keep the surgical site as clean as possible for the first few weeks after the Implants are inserted. It may be difficult to clean around the area because it is sore and if this is the case it is best to keep the area free from food debris by gently rinsing with a mouthwash or warm salt water (dissolve a flat teaspoon of kitchen salt in a cup of warm water) commencing on the day after surgery. Your Surgeon will prescribe a course of antibiotics to reduce the chances of infection. Please remember to take these.

What are the possible problems?

		Although there may be a little bleeding at the time of surgery this usually stops very quickly and is unlikely to be a problem. Should the area bleed again, this can usually be stopped by applying pressure for at least 10 minutes with a rolled up handkerchief or swab.
		Infection is uncommon particularly if antibiotics are used.
		When Implants are placed into the lower jaw it is important to be aware that some nerves may lie close to the site of surgery. One of these runs through the centre of the jawbone and supplies feeling to the lower lip, chin and lower teeth. The other runs on the inside of the lower jaw and supplies feeling to the tongue and helps with taste. Sometimes these nerves may be bruised when an Implant is placed. This can cause tingling or numbness in the lip, chin or tongue, and more rarely altered taste. The chances of these nerves being bruised depends on exactly where the Implant is going to be placed and how much bone there is around the nerves. Your Surgeon will discuss these risks during consultation.

If you have not been refered by a dentist, please contact us here for an appointment.

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