The implant procedure is a minor surgery, where the implants are screwed into your jaw. A 3 to 6 month healing period is often needed before the implant restoration or crown is added to replace the missing tooth or teeth. During this healing time, the bone is allowed to grow in and around the titanium implant giving it a very strong support. The gums heal around the implant as well.
Dental implants can be rejected by the body. If this happens, they are usually they are replaced with another implant of a slightly larger size. The rejection or “failure” rate is minimal, only 1 to 2% of all implant procedures. In some cases you may be instructed not to wear your denture for one day to two weeks after an implant placement. After the implant has “taken” and your mouth has healed to the required level, a very natural-looking crown is placed on the implant.
In some specific cases, a temporary crown or a temporary bridge can be fixed to the implant on the same day the implant is placed in your mouth.
If you are missing just one tooth, we may use a Flipper temporarily to fill the space. A Flipper is a false tooth to temporarily take the place of a missing tooth before the permanent crown is placed on the implant. A Flipper can be attached via either a wire or a plastic piece that fits in the roof of your mouth. Flippers are meant to be a temporary solution while waiting for the permanent crown to be placed over your implant.
Implants are surgically placed into your jaw bone while under anaesthesia. It is a very time consuming procedure when having many implants placed. As this procedure is surgical, it is very important to research and find a well credited cosmetic dentist that you are comfortable with. For some people there may be various degrees discomfort or pain after the procedure. This subsides in a couple of days. As with similar types of surgery, temporary bruising and minor swelling may also develop shortly after the procedure.