What does the Treatment involve?

Placing of the implants is carried out at the surgery, under sterile conditions.   It involves a gentle procedure, which is usually carried out under a normal local anaesthetic, much like having a filling, though sedation can be made available for the very nervous.  The after effects are similar to having a tooth extracted, ie. you may feel mild discomfort due to the normal healing processes, this is normally well controlled by mild painkillers. The implant must be allowed to bond (integrate) with the bone.  This can take from 2-6 months depending on the individual case.  During this time it is possible to provide a temporary replacement for your missing teeth.

Once healing and integration have occurred, abutments (posts) are placed and the permanent restorations are made and fitted. 

It is sometimes possible to remove failing teeth and place implants on the same visit.  This can  speed up treatment, without the need for a separate temporary replacement but care needs to be taken as it does carry an increased risk and is not suitable in all cases.