Your Step by Step Journey to Dental Implants in Oxford

Dental Design

Dental Implants, Oxford

When it comes to choosing whether to have dental implants to restore your damaged or missing teeth, we think it is really important patients are given all of the information needed to make an informed decision. We understand that it is helpful to have a better idea of what to expect from the process when you are faced with the prospect of dental implant surgery in Oxford. Whilst every patient’s journey is as unique as their smile, there are a number of common steps along the way. Reading this blog will help you to prepare for what to expect on your dental implants journey in Oxford.

SPEAKING TO THE RECEPTION TEAM FOR THE FIRST TIME

Whether you choose to make contact with us online, over the phone or in person, your initial contact with One The Gallery will be with one of our trained and experienced receptionists. You will be asked a few simple questions about the type of treatment you are looking for and your smile concerns. This helps us to direct you to the right member of our team. Our reception team will arrange with you a suitable consultation time and date, where you will meet one of our highly skilled and experienced dental specialists.

YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION AT ONE THE GALLERY, OXFORD

At the first consultation, you will be greeted by the reception team and will be introduced to the specialist dentist who will be working on your treatment plan. During the consultation, which will last about an hour, your dentist will compile a detailed history of your dental, oral and medical health, alongside conducting a thorough examination. You will also have the opportunity to explain your dental concerns, how you would like your smile to look after treatment and ask any questions you may already have. If you are a nervous patient, or have had dental anxiety in the past, your dentist will work through this with you, explaining the different options available for sedation and treatment.

During the initial consultation your dentist will take photos, a short video, x-rays and scans to build up a comprehensive picture of your smile. This will be inputted into the software used for dental implant treatment planning in Oxford. Your dentist will be able to show you a digital image of how your smile will look after treatment, outlining treatment options and answering any questions you may have.

YOUR TREATMENT PLAN LETTER

We understand that the information covered in the initial consultation can be a lot to take in. Patients often want to go away and consider the options for treatment and make an informed decision. If your case is straightforward, for example, you may have one tooth to be replaced, we will send you a letter after the initial consultation in Oxford outlining the treatment plan options and costs so you can review this and let us know when you are ready to proceed with treatment.

A SECOND CONSULTATION FOR MORE COMPLEX CASES

For patients considering dental implants for more complex cases, for example to replace all of their missing teeth or for teeth that have been missing for a number of years, at One The Gallery Oxford, your specialist dentist may ask for a second consultation. During this second consultation your dentist will collate more information – taking 3D scans, detailed x-rays and photographs. This will enable your dentist to build up a comprehensive picture of your dental, oral and bone health to assess your suitability for dental implants and the treatment plan needed for your preferred smile.

Depending on your individual dental needs, your specialist dentist may discuss treatment options with you in that second consultation or may need time to collate a comprehensive treatment plan. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about your treatment plan and the options available.

A FULLY COSTED AND ACCURATE TREATMENT PLAN

Whether your case is straightforward or more complex, your dentist will provide you with a treatment plan that is fully costed and has details of the different options available. This will be suited to your lifestyle, budget and dental needs. A treatment coordinator will be on hand to explain payment options to find the right solution for your budget and dental needs.

By the time you agree to your treatment plan, you will have a clear idea of the costs involved and the stages of treatment you will go through to get your dental implants. You will be able to choose the right sedation option for your needs.

YOUR DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT IN OXFORD

Every patient is given an individual treatment plan that is based on their unique smile. Depending on your individual plan, your treatment may include:

• Hygiene Therapy – before we begin the process of placing dental implants, it is imperative for success that your dental and oral hygiene is right. This may mean we recommend a treatment with the hygienist before we begin treatment.
• A common cause of dental implant failure is poor oral and dental hygiene – when the area of the site becomes infected the dental implant will be more likely to fail. That is why we are keen to ensure your mouth is fully ready for treatment so we can have a much more likely successful implant process.
• Bone Graft – in some cases, for example, where a tooth has been missing for a number of years, the bone in the jaw area may have started to disintegrate. In order to place a successful dental implant, your specialist dentist may recommend a bone graft before placing the implant.
• Treatment – your dental implant treatment in Oxford will be different depending on your individual treatment plan, which your dentist will follow. You will be able to ask questions at any point and will be kept fully informed throughout the treatment.

MAINTAINING YOUR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN OXFORD

When it comes to dental implants treatment, a common mistake patients make is assuming that once the implants have been placed and treatment is finished, there is no need for ongoing maintenance and care.

In order to ensure your dental implants stay healthy, you will need regular maintenance and check-up appointments, with your dentist and hygienist. Keeping the implant area clean and free of bacteria or plaque build-up is essential for ongoing success of your dental implants.

DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT FOR ANXIOUS PATIENTS

We understand at One The Gallery in Oxford that some patients may experience dental anxiety or dental phobias. Often this can put patients off considering dental implant surgery, as the thought of a treatment that requires a number of appointments may be daunting. However, we have experience of dealing with anxious patients and can work with you to prepare you for treatment and to choose the option that will work best for your needs. Some patients are reassured by understanding the process fully and knowing what to expect. Other patients choose sedation options that mean they are in a relaxed state during treatment and have little memory of the procedure afterwards. We also offer the wand – a pain free anesthetic system for patients with needle and pain phobias. Your dentist will work with you to plan treatment that will work your individual needs, whether this is explaining each stage of treatment, sedation or spreading treatment out across shorter appointments.

WHY CHOOSE ONE THE GALLERY FOR YOUR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN OXFORD?

We use the latest technology and treatments to ensure that you have the absolute best experience during your dental implant surgery at One The Gallery. We use computer guided placement to ensure a greater precision than ‘freehand’ placement. This is more likely to result in success and also allows your dentist to give you a clear and accurate plan for treatment.

We also work with you to ensure your dental and oral health are in the optimum place before we place any implants. Whether this is through hygiene treatment or bone grafts, we are confident when we come to place your dental implants that your bone and health are stable.

At One The Gallery in Oxford, we know that dental implant treatment doesn’t end once you have had your implants placed. We offer a full suite of aftercare and ongoing maintenance appointments, to ensure your dental implants remain healthy and have every chance of success. Should you have any issues, a member of our team is always available to discuss any concerns.

Take the first step on your dental implants journey today

If you would like to know more about your suitability for dental implants, arrange a consultation with one of our specialist dental team today. Simply contact us at the practice to get started: