Your Treatment Journey

Your Treatment Journey

At Stradbrook Implants, we appreciate that the actual treatment can seem a bit daunting. So we have put together a short guide, so you will know what to expect when you visit us for your appointments.

If you have any questions that are not answered here, then please do let us know, we'll be happy to answer them and set your mind at ease.

Your initial consultation

Before we can begin your treatment, we need to carry out a full examination of your mouth and jaw so we can ensure that you are suitable for treatment, and decide on which is the best way forward for you.

We will carry out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, including an oral cancer screening. This is similar to the regular check-up examinations your usual dentist gives you. We need to carry it out so that we know whether there are any additional issues that we need to take into account when treating you. For example, if you have any signs of gum disease, we may need to get this under control before we place any implants. Similarly, we will need to assess the levels of bone you have around the implant site(s) - if there is not enough to support an implant, then we may need to consider promoting additional bone growth, or carrying out a bone graft.

We may also need to take impressions (moulds) of your teeth and make models of them, and carry out further investigative tests such as 3D-scanning.

Once we have all the information we need, we can discuss with you which treatment is best suited to you, and how we can progress from here. Once you and our team have made all the necessary treatment decisions, we will send you a written treatment plan, with complete costings and explanations, so you will know exactly what to expect.

Your implant treatment, stage one

This is the stage that our patients tend to worry about most, but it is usually much easier for you than you think! We usually make your appointment for an hour, but in fact the actual surgery only usually takes about 15 minutes. The other 45 minutes is to allow time to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed, to numb the area, and to chat about any further decisions that may need to be made.

Obviously, we carry out the surgery as gently and as carefully as we can. There is some drilling involved, but this is different from the usual dental drilling - there is no high pitched noise, just a gentle vibration. Many patients say it is actually more comfortable than root canal treatment or having a tooth removed. All members of our implant team are exceptionally well qualified and experienced in implant surgery, so you can relax safe in the knowledge that you are in the hands of some of the world's top experts.

After the surgery you may have some stitches. These will dissolve on their own, but if they are bothering you we will of course remove them for you.

If the gap where your implant is being placed is visible, we will place a temporary tooth for you. There is no need for a gap at any stage if you do not want one.

We will give you written information telling you how best to care for your implant and the surrounding area.

Your implant treatment, stage two

Your implants will need to be left for at least eight weeks to enable your bone to completely bond with them.

After this, we will uncover your implants, and attach a healing cap. Sometimes we will fit the healing cap at the same time as your implant, making your treatment even easier. There are rare occasions when we find that the bone has not fused, and we have to replace the implant. We carry out this replacement free of charge, and it is usually both simple and successful.

Your implant treatment, stage three

The final stages of your treatment are very similar to previous treatments you may have had. We will take an impression of your mouth, together with specialist photos of your other teeth, so your new teeth can be carefully crafted to provide a perfect fit and colour match.

Once your new teeth are ready, we will remove the healing cap and any temporary restorations, and fit your new teeth.

We will need to see you once more a few weeks later to ensure that everything is healing well, and that your new smile is just as you wanted it to be.