Does the idea of dental implants scare you?

Apprehension is usually due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of something. Many of us are still anxious about going to the dentist, but these days there really is no need for you to be concerned. A great deal of time is spent by dentists and dental staff in reassuring patients and making them feel comfortable and relaxed. New techniques and equipment have reduced the pain that we used to experience and most procedures are now virtually pain-free. Part of our preventive dentistry regime is to encourage parents to bring their children in at as young as one year old. Their introduction into the surgery allows them to become familiar with the noises, smells and equipment so that they are relaxed and calm when visiting the dentist as they grow older.

If it should become necessary for any of our patients to have teeth replaced, to alleviate any tension, we explain all the procedures necessary when we perform dental implants Edinburgh.

No longer necessary to live with missing teeth

Meadowbank Dental has invested in the latest equipment and our staff attend regular seminars and training to maintain our high standards of service delivery when performing dental implants. Implantology has made enormous strides over the decades and particularly over the past fifteen years. Our own Doctor Bharadwaj has an impressive history of training in the field of implantology and even lectures on the subject. For many years dentures and bridges were the treatment of choice to replace missing teeth and while they have improved immensely they are still not a permanent solution. Recent advances in bone-augmentation techniques have brought about quicker and more enhanced integration of the bone. These advances have allowed for earlier and immediate implant replacement to be effective. Now there is no need for you to live with teeth missing or with unstable dentures.

Why are implants better than dentures?

Dental implants Edinburgh are designed to work in the same way as your natural teeth which are anchored to your jaw by a root. Our natural teeth work well because they do not move as they have a root, unlike a bridge or dentures. Bridges require teeth or a tooth to which they can be anchored which over time can lead to problems.

What is the implant procedure?

Dental implants Edinburgh work on the basis that you must have a root that provides stability to your tooth so that there is no movement, especially when eating. Before we recommend implants we will always conduct a thorough oral examination with X-rays and a 3D scan. We will also want to know your entire medical history including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines, and any supplements that you have used. We will then discuss if implants are the correct treatment for you and your condition. Once we are all in agreement that we are going to proceed we will draw up a comprehensive treatment plan. On the day of the procedure we will make a small incision in your gum to expose your jawbone. We then drill a small hole into your jawbone where the implant will be placed. A titanium post is inserted into the hole which will act as the root. You will then need to wait a few months while the bone and gum grow around the titanium post. Once this process is complete you will be required to return to our surgery where an abutment will be fitted to the post. This abutment is the piece into which the crown or artificial tooth will be placed. Before the final stage of the crown being affixed you will need to wait a further two weeks for your gum to heal from the abutment placement. You will then return to have the crown fitted which will be shaped and coloured to match your natural teeth.

After the dental implant has been fitted

For about two weeks we will advise you to eat soft foods to allow the site of the implant to heal properly. If you experience any discomfort contact us. After this two week period we will ask you to come back to the surgery so that we can assess your progress. After this visit you should be able to gradually return to normality with eating, drinking and oral care.