Patient Journey
The initial consultation appointment is intended to allow us to discuss the problems your are having and the reasons for considering dental implant treatment. It is important we provide you with all available treatment options and assess whether dental implants are indeed your best option.
We will conduct a thorough assessment of your mouth including an oral cancer screening. Any necessary digital x-rays will be taken and discussed with you. If a CBCT scan is beneficial, this will be arranged at our clinic in Burnley. Impressions of your teeth may also be taken to allow models to be made to aid diagnosis and treatment planning.
For simple treatments, it will possible to provide you with the relevant information on the day. For more complex treatments, a second consultation may be required after we have reviewed the models of our teeth , x-rays and photographs. You will not be charged for a second consultation.
A written consultation letter will be sent to your home address detailing the options available along with the treatment costs.
Most patients comment that their implant surgery was far more comfortable than they expected. In fact, many report there was more discomfort from having a simple tooth extracted.
During the surgery, the dental implant is placed very carefully and precisely. Any stitches soon dissolve but if they do irritate you, then they can often be removed after 10 days.
A simple implant placement may take in the region of 20 minutes to place. Your appointment time will be longer to allow sufficient time to for the local anaesthetic to work.
Usually, a metal healing cap is fitted to the implant which will protrude through the gum by 1-2mm. This means no further surgery is required.
If the missing tooth is visible we will provide you with a temporary tooth after the implant is placed.
Following the implant surgery, we will go through the post operative instructions and provide you with the necessary medication, including antibiotics, pain killers and a mouth rinse.
On average, the implant will need to heal for 3 months prior to making the teeth.
After the implant has fully healed, a series of impressions will be taken. These impressions are sent to the dental laboratory who skillfully craft your new tooth/teeth.
On average two separate visits are required over a two week period. For more complex treatments, additional visits will be required.
Photographs are often taken to ensure we match the new tooth/teeth as closely as possible.
We aim to provide screw retained teeth where possible. This avoids the need for cement which can irritate the gums and allows us to remove and refit the teeth easily at a later date if required.
On completion of your dental implant treatment, it is important that you attend regular review appointments to monitor the health of your new teeth.
We will assess how your are caring for the teeth and provide any necessary advice. In addition, we will periodically take x-rays to monitor the bone surrounding the implant/s.
The recommended review intervals are as follows:
- 3 months following fitting of new teeth
- Annual review thereafter
A charge of £75 will be made for annual checks. This includes any necessary x-rays