A dental implant replaces a missing tooth

It’s a good idea to have a missing tooth replaced if don’t like the look of the hole or it is affecting your bite.

Molars are particularly important for your bite. If you are missing a molar, its opposite tooth also cannot do anything – this means that, in a way, two teeth are missing from the bite.

It is important that your dental implant fits perfectly in your mouth, works properly and feels like your own tooth.

This is why dental implants are carefully made and fitted step by step:

1. During the planning appointments, your dentist will examine your teeth and occlusion. X-rays of your jaws and, if necessary, a cone-beam CT scan will be taken for the purpose of making a treatment plan.
2. Treatment of oral issues. Before the implant is placed, the required basic dental and gum treatment will be carried out.
3. Bone grafting of the jawbone and soft tissue reshaping may be necessary before implant placement. Sometimes, the modifications are done in several stages.
4. The implant, i.e. artificial tooth root, is placed into the jawbone during surgery. You will, of course, be given an effective anaesthetic, so you will feel no pain. At best, the surgery itself takes just 15 minutes.
5. Post-operative care appointment. When the implant screw is fitted, you will be given an appointment to have the stitches removed. During the post-operative care appointment, the dentist will also check that the initial healing has taken place as expected and go over the cleaning instructions with you.
6. Impression. It usually takes about three months for the implant screw to bond to the jawbone. After that, your dentist will make an impression of your mouth. The 3D scanner gives the best possible impression of the area to be repaired.
7. Making the crown. Using a digital model, a dental technician will make a personalised, perfectly fitting crown for you.
8. Attaching the crown. The dentist attaches the crown to the implant screw. Your perfectly functioning and natural-looking dental implant is ready!
9. The follow-up appointment takes place about a year after the implant is completed. It is important to continue to have regular dental check-ups – your dentist will advise you on the most suitable interval for you. The implant should be checked during your dental check-up.

During your first planning appointment, your dentist will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for the implant screw being placed in your jawbone.

Usually an hour before the procedure, you will take an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor at home to prevent the risk of infection. You should also take a painkiller to ensure that the pain relief works when the anaesthetic wears off after the procedure.

If your implant surgery is done under general anaesthesia, your anaesthesiologist will contact you well in advance of the procedure. They will give you instructions on how to prepare.

Are you nervous about seeing a dentist? It’s very common and perfectly normal. At Mehiläinen, we are committed to identifying and treating dental fear, because we want to create a good experience for you. Come to us as you are.