The dental implant is a small post or screw that replaces the root of a tooth that has been lost. It is put into the jawbone where it bonds with the bone tissue. Dental implants can be used to hold a single crown, or up to 3 crowns on a bridge. They are a modern and more comfortable alternative to dentures.
The benefits
As well as providing a replacement for a lost tooth, dental implants encourage bone cell renewal below the gumline and boost the overall health of the mouth. The procedure is said to be more straightforward and easier than fitting dentures. The finished look of the implants is that they appear to be more aesthetically-pleasing than traditional dentures, since any metal parts are hidden underneath the jawline and the crowns are handmade to blend with in any remaining teeth. Dental implants in Northern Ireland are offered at dentists such as Blue Sky Dentistry, where patients can book an appointment and make an informed decision about getting them.
Are the implants painful?
Patients are given anaesthetic before the procedure. As this anaesthetic wears off afterwards, patients may feel some soreness and experience some inflammation, depending on the extent of the treatment they had. This can be managed by using painkillers such as paracetamol and applying an ice pack to the face. It is also important to eat a liquid diet (soups and smoothies) for the first week after surgery, and then soft food only until the crowns are fitted.
Procedure
Patients will need several appointments with their dentist to complete the implant treatment. This will begin with a consultation. If a tooth is still in place where the implant is planned, this will need to be taken out and will need some time to heal. A bone graft may also be needed if the jawbone has degenerated, losing size and density. These are some of the stages some patients will need in preparation for the dental implants in Northern Ireland to be put into the mouth. Once the implants are in, it takes 2-6 months for them to fuse with the jawbone, after which the crowns are added.
