A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone. It acts as a replacement root and supports a crown, bridge or denture. Implants are fixed in place and look and feel much like natural teeth.
Benefits of implants
- No need to shape neighbouring teeth, unlike a bridge
- Help preserve the jawbone, which shrinks where teeth are missing
- Stable for chewing and speaking
- Can last many years with good care
Am I suitable?
Most adults with good general health can have implants. Your dentist will check:
- The amount and quality of bone, using X-rays or a scan
- The health of your gums
- Medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes
- Smoking, which increases the risk of implant failure
If there isn’t enough bone, bone grafting may be possible.
The treatment steps
- Assessment and planning
- Placement of the implant under local anaesthetic
- A healing period of around two to four months while the implant fuses with the bone
- Fitting the crown, bridge or denture on top
Sedation can be arranged for patients who are anxious about the procedure.
Caring for an implant
Brush and clean around the implant as you would a natural tooth. Gum disease around implants (peri-implantitis) can cause them to fail, so regular check-ups and cleaning are important.
Cost
Implant costs vary depending on the number of implants and whether bone grafting is needed. You’ll receive a written quote after your assessment. Book a consultation with Dr H.B Mohamed in Lenasia on 011 852 7866.