Dental Implant Treatment at Absolute Dental - from a patient perspective.

My name is Melanie, I am one of the dental nursing team here at Absolute Dental.

Last month, I had an dental implant placed in my lower jaw to replace a molar tooth which had to be extracted as it was unfortunately beyond repair and was causing some discomfort.

An implant is essentially an artificial tooth root which is placed in the jaw bone and onto which a crown will eventually be fitted.

This was a great opportunity to organise a training session for the whole Absolute nursing team.

I know that the idea of having an implant can be daunting so I thought I would share my experience from a patient point of view.

Before having the treatment, I was given a dose of antibiotics; this is a precautionary measure as the implant placement is a surgical procedure.

Our clinical director Rhodri John then administered some local anaesthetic, ensuring that I would be completely comfortable and remain pain free throughout the procedure, all I could feel thereafter was a little pressure and some vibration.

The procedure is not very long and feels very much like having a filling.

Once the implant was placed, Dr John placed 3 stitches in my gum, they are not necessary for every patient and are removed usually one week after the implant has been placed.

During the procedure, Dr Beare our restorativespecialist and Diane our dental nurse trainer were talking our nurses through the techniques and equipment used, whilst I was lying in our very comfortable chair!

I was then given all necessary post operative instructions by Dr John and some Corsodyl mouthwash which we advise our patients to use for a while after the procedure to aid healing and help the area to stay as clean as possible.

I know that the thought of post operative pain may put some people off the idea of having an implant; but I can honestly say that any discomfort was mild, and short-lived. Once the anaesthetic wore off, I could feel a little pressure and the area was tender to the touch or two to three days but it certainly did not stop me from doing anything that I normally would as a busy mum and full time dental nurse!

A week after the procedure, the stitches were removed; this is also completely painless.

The next stage of the procedure will take place in around 3 months after the area has healed fully.

 

To be continued.....watch this space!

 

Mel