Dental implants treatment information in Cork

Your guide to having dental implants

This is a general guide for implant treatment and may differ as your treatment plan will be bespoke to your individual dental needs and aspirations. If you have any further questions, please contact one of our friendly team today.

The dental implant process (for all types of treatment)

The dental implant process explained

1. You'll be assessed

At your first appointment you will be assessed by one of our dentists – the same dentist who will be performing your treatment. They will discuss all the options with you, so you can make an informed solution that is right for you, and to ensure you understand every step of your treatment plan. You will have an x-ray and, in some cases, a CT scan to help visualise your jaw, ensure your gums are healthy and that there is enough jawbone to place the implant. If teeth need extracting this will be carried out carefully to preserve the bone surrounding them. If there is any sign of infection the socket will be left to heal for approximately six to twelve weeks. 

2. Your dental implants will be placed

This is when implants are placed into your jaw – a process which can be completed under local anaesthetic. Once dental implants have been placed, they will need approximately two to six months to heal and integrate with your jawbone to provide a solid support for a crown, bridge or denture. Some patients may be able to have a temporary denture or Essix retainer fitted at the same time as their dental implants are placed, while the implants heal.

3. Your dental implants will be exposed

Dental implant exposure is a minor surgical procedure to uncover the implant, to allow the gums to heal around it before the final crown, bridge, or denture is attached. The implant(s) will be tested to see if they have integrated and if so, a small connector called an abutment will be fixed on top of the implant which the final crown, bridge or denture can be attached to. There will also be a period of healing required for the gum around the implant(s) after this procedure which can take approximately three weeks. 

4. Your final crown, bridge or denture is made and fitted

When your jaw has completely healed, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. This enables a dental technician to build your bespoke and final crown, bridge or denture, which will be colour matched to blend seamlessly with your other teeth. This may require two or more appointments, as some cases are more challenging and need to be checked before the final placement. It might also be necessary to have a separate appointment between six weeks and six months after your initial treatment, to make sure your implant(s) have fully integrated with your jaw. This ensures that your jaw has completely healed before the crown, bridge or denture is permanently attached.