How are implants inserted?
Standard dental implant treatment usually takes place in three stages: Stage one: Any diseased or damaged teeth are extracted and the implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone. The gums are sutured and the bone is then given time to fuse with the implants. The patient is usually given a temporary prosthesis to wear. Stage two: Three to six months later, a small incision is made to the gum so that the abutments can be attached to the implants. Temporary crowns are added and the implants can now withstand the pressure applied during chewing. Stage three: Some weeks later, the dental professional will take impressions of the patient’s mouth, including the abutments, to create a cast. The final crowns are fitted precisely, using an X-ray to check the accuracy. They are then fixed, or loaded, on to the implants. Other procedures include: • Placing the implants and abutments at the same time, removing the need for the second surgical procedure. • Placing the temporary crowns at the s
