Dental Implant FAQs

Read through some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Dental Implants to get a better idea about the procedure.  If your question is not listed below, drop us a line on our Contact Form and we'll get back to you asap.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last & Are They Safe?

Dental Implants are perfectly safe. With proper maintenance they normally last for up to fifteen years. By comparison, a dental bridge which is supported by natural teeth is only expected to last for eight years. With an effective dental hygiene routine - just as with your natural teeth - dental implants can last for a substantially longer period. Regular appointments with a dental hygienist are advised to increase the longevity of the implant. 

Are Implanted Teeth Difficult to Clean

Patients are encouraged to look after their implanted teeth in the same way as they should with natural teeth. This simply means frequent brushing, flossing and attending regular dental appointments. Smoking should also be avoided to increase the longevity of the implants. 

What Problems Can Occur With Dental Implants?

A small percentage of dental implants are rejected by the body's natural immune system. Studies have shown the average implant rejection rate worldwide to be 4%. The implant rejection percentage at our clinic is less than 0.0%. In the event of an implant being rejected by the patient's immune system there are a number of clinical remedies which can be implemented to prevent an implant being rejected? 

How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?

The dental implant procedure normally requires 2 or 3 appointments with maximum of up to a 4 appointments.

A consultation would take place on the initial visit, which will last around 45 minutes. During this appointment a CT (computerised tomography) scan will be taken to provide us with a full 3D image of your jaw which will be used to establish your suitability for to receive dental implants.

Often the placement of the implant can be carried out during the consultation visit, which reduces the total number of appointments required. In cases where some preparatory treatment is necessary on the initial visit - where no other procedures are necessary - the implant(s) would be placed on the second visit. Placing the implant(s) would take approximately one to two hours.

This is followed by a period of three to six months, allowing the implant(s) to heal and fully integrate with the bone tissue. During the next appointment, abutment(s) would be attached and an impression would be taken which would be used by a dental laboratory to create permanent crowns or bridges. The entire treatment period should not exceed eight months.

Will I need an implant for each missing tooth?

No, unless you’re only having a single tooth replaced. Normally, five or six implants are used to replace all the teeth in one jaw, as each implant can usually support two teeth. 

Can a Tooth Be Extracted & Dental Implant Placed Immediately?

Yes, if the patient has sufficient bone density and depth of bone, a dental implant can be placed immediately following a tooth extraction. However, it should not be used as a normal tooth until osseointegration (integration with the bone) has taken place. A digital xrays enables the implantologist to evaluate this beforehand, and a specialised prosthesis can be manufactured or your existing denture can be modified to be retained by the implants(s).