Dental implants involve fasten a false tooth, or teeth, to the jawbone of an individual via a titanium rod. The titanium rod is first attached to the jawbone, then dentures or crowns are added and the implant is left to fuse with the jawbone. Normally, one implant is able to support several false teeth and in extreme cases, five or six implants can replace all the teeth in the jaw.
The process of dental implanting is a long one, it can take several months to prepare for and to complete due to X-rays and CT scans. The actual operation, normally carried out under local anaesthetic, involves the dentist drilling a hole in your jawbone and securing the implant into this hole. A second, minor, surgical procedure may then be required in order to uncover the tip of the implant from beneath the gum. Once this has been successful, the false teeth may be screwed or clipped onto the implant.
For the people of the City of Leeds, there are currently two methods of implanting available: immediate and delayed. Immediate implants take place straight after a tooth is removed, the implant is placed directly into that tooth socket and there is no need to form another hole. However, it is possible to perform a delayed implant. Following this procedure, a tooth is removed surgically and the jawbone is left to heal for several months. Once the bone has repaired itself, a new hole will be formed through drilling, and the implant will be anchored at a slightly different location.
It is possible to suffer from temporary side effects after implant surgery; swelling, discomfort and headaches are common. However, there can be some more serious complications related to the procedure such as: neuronal damage in the tissue, infection of the gum or jaw and extensive or severe bleeding. These complications can be dangerous but are extremely rare.
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