The Importance Of Planning Dental Implant Surgery
If you’re considering a dental implant in Richmond then you probably know about the technique but may not have any idea of the level of planning that goes on behind the scenes, prior to implant surgery. We though we’d use this post to discuss more about this in detail, and why it’s so important.
Why planning is crucial
It’s vital that any major dental procedure is planned carefully and meticulously before it’s carried out. This helps lower the risk of complications and avoids the need for corrective surgery afterwards. With a treatment such as dental implants, where the implant posts are surgically embedded into the jawbone, then careful planning can make all the difference to success or failure.
Deciding if bone or gum grafting is necessary
One of the main considerations is whether or not a patient has sufficient healthy bone and gum tissue into which to place the dental implants. 3D X-rays will be taken in order that the dentist can accurately measure the height, width, and density of the bone in order to decide whether or not the patient may require a graft to give the bone or gum tissue more volume. Having a good supply of bone and gum tissue is vital if the implant is to fuse successfully and create a stable platform to support the implant. A patient needs to bear in mind that if grafting is necessary then this will add to the overall length of the implant treatment.
What sort of implant to use
There are several types of implant which a surgeon can use and he’ll make use of 3D X-rays, while also considering the patient’s needs, in order to determine which type of implant is best for the job.
Planning implant placement and position
Digital images and X-rays are used to map out the placement of the implants. Care will be taken to ensure that the implant is placed in such a way that the bite force on the implant is properly distributed throughout the jaw and doesn’t damage any of the surrounding structures. The computer generated images will also show the position of the patient’s vital structures such as nerves, arteries, and sinus cavities, so that these can be avoided.
Pre-operative instructions
Before surgery is carried out, patients will be given a list of pre-operative instructions. Knowing what they can and can’t do prior to surgery helps improve healing and can also reduce the level of post surgical side effects.
Addressing all patient concerns
Before surgery we always encourage our patients to ask as many questions as they need about the procedure. We feel that being informed reduces anxiety and puts their mind at rest. So, as you can see pre-planning isn’t just on the surgeon’s account, it also helps the patient too.
If you’d like to find out more about dental implants in Richmond, or indeed ascertain if you’re a suitable candidate, then why not book a free implant consultation with Sheen Dental. Here you can meet Dr Harmit Kalsi and the team, get your questions answered, and take a tour of our facilities. Call today on 020 8876 5277 or make an appointment online at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk.