Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically placed in the jaw bone to replace a tooth root. It provides a strong foundation for the placement of a tooth crown or bridge.
- Improve appearance as they look and feel like your own teeth
- Improve speech as they are permanently fixed in the bone and they do not slip as dentures can
- Improve eating and comfort as they are solidly integrated within the bone
- Improve self esteem as they can give you back a beautiful smile
Implants are long lasting with good care and regular maintenance
How Long Do Implants Last?
Implants have a general success rate of over 95%. With proper professional maintenance care they last a lifetime.
What is the Process of getting an implant?
There are a few essential steps taken to have an implant:
- A thorough assessment to determine your oral health. It is important that your mouth is healthy and free of inflammation and infections.
- Dr Elly Yassa will advise you on this once the initial examination is conducted
- A specialized xray is then taken to assess your bone level. The height and width of bone is assessed to determine if an implant can be placed.
- An appointment is made to place the implant into the bone socket of the missing tooth.
- The healing process takes about 6-12 weeks.
- Dr Elly Yassa will then check the implant and make sure it is well integrated in the bone before you can have a crown placed
Once the implant is restored with a crown, it will feel like a natural part of your mouth.
Is the procedure painful?
Placing an implant is a very gentle procedure. The implant is placed atraumatically in the bone. After the procedure, Dr Elly Yassa will give you some medication and check the progress in a week’s time.
This will again be checked 8 weeks later before a crown is placed.
How Do I Look After Implants?
Implants needs to be considered as a natural tooth. Plaque does build up around implants and can cause bone loss and eventual loss of the implant if not well maintained.
It is very important to have regular home care and professional maintenance to closely monitor and assess the implants. Daily brushing and flossing with regular periodontal maintenance will ensure the best life of your implant.