FAQ’s

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What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used as a replacement for a natural tooth root when a tooth and its root are missing. The implant itself is a very small but strong post made of biocompatible material, which is surgically inserted into the jawbone in place of the missing tooth root.
Can Dental Implants Always Be Used to Replace Missing Teeth?
This depends on the condition of the bone in your jaw. Shiraz will assess the quality of your bone using digital x-rays and images. If the bone is unsuitable, it may be possible to graft bone into the area to enable treatment. Shiraz will discuss all the various options with you.
Does Dental Implant Treatment Hurt?
Placing an implant is a relatively simple procedure for a skilled clinician like Shiraz. We use a local anaesthetic to numb the area so you should not feel any pain. For nervous patients or in very complex cases we may recommend conscious sedation.

Post-surgery you may experience some pain and a little discomfort and swelling, but this can be treated at home with over the counter painkillers.

Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are a safe, well-established treatment, supported by over 30 years of clinical evidence. Shiraz has a 99% success rate with the implants he has placed.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Once the dental implant has integrated with the bone and surrounding soft tissue, its life will be largely determined by the quality of at-home care and attendance at regular clinical reviews.
If poorly cared for, plaque can build up, just as with natural teeth and this can lead to gum infection, bleeding and general discomfort. However, well-maintained implants can be expected to last many years and often a whole lifetime.
Am I a candidate for a dental implant?
If you are missing one or more teeth due to trauma, tooth decay or gum disease, then you may be a candidate for a dental implant. We will be able to discuss your individual clinical situation. Dental implants will allow you to smile, speak, and eat with confidence and comfort.

If you have a tooth (or teeth) which is badly affected by decay or gum disease, or has broken beyond the point of repair, a dental implant may be the alternative and it is wise to make this decision before a tooth is extracted as sometimes an implant can be placed straight in at the same time. Sometimes, if you are facing extensive dentistry to try and

save’ your remaining teeth, implants are worth considering as an alternative.

or surgery you should be of good health and the remainder of your teeth will need to be healthy and free from tooth decay or gum disease. Other conditions will need to be treated before surgery.

Also, there needs to be enough bone on the jaw, so we may need to check for bone density using a CT scan. There are bone augmentation techniques and different types of implants available for borderline patients. Some patients who have previously been told that they don’t have enough bone, can now have treatment with a special type of implant called a zygomatic implant

Can an implant be used as an alternative to root canal treatment?
Not all teeth are good candidates for root canal treatment. Root canal treated teeth are susceptible to decay and fracture, while implants are not susceptible to decay and almost never break. Implants are an excellent and prudent alternative to the root canal, post and core, crown lengthening, and crowning procedures. A lot of patients come to Shine Dental Implant centre because of a failed root canal treatment.
Is the dental implant ever rejected by the body?
The implant is machined from surgical-grade 4 titanium, which is a highly biocompatible material. However, there is a very small chance that it will not integrate with bone. If this were to occur, the implant would be replaced with another one. It is highly unlikely that the second implant would not integrate.
What if I smoke?
Smoking can inhibit proper healing of an implant. However, this does not prevent smokers from having implants successfully placed and restored. However, the implant can be more likely to fail in a smoking patient than a non-smoking patient. You should speak with us for more specific information relating to your dental needs and the effects of smoking.
What about any discomfort?
This is usually mild to minimal. While undergoing treatment, you will receive local anaesthesia, and we can offer sedation to allow you to peacefully drift away while we carry out your treatment, please ask us for more information about this service. You may have mild post-surgical soreness for a few days. An over-the-counter pain reliever will alleviate the discomfort for most patients.
How much time is required to have an implant procedure?
A single dental implant placement is usually completed in an hour or so with local anaesthesia.
Traditionally, the implant is then allowed to heal with the bone, this usually takes 8 to 12 weeks in the lower jaw and 12 to 16 weeks in the upper jaw. During this time we can provide a ‘temporary’ tooth to fill the space or a temporary bridge or denture depending on how many teeth you have missing.

Once you have been given the all clear you can then have your crown, bridge or denture made and fitted.

How do I properly maintain the implant once treatment is completed?
Dental implants require just as much oral hygiene maintenance as a natural tooth. It is important to carefully brush and floss as though it were a natural tooth. Remember, regular visits to the dentists and hygienists are required for long-term health and success of the implanted teeth and your natural teeth.
How long does a dental implant last?
If your body accepts the implant, it should last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.
What is a sinus floor bone augmentation?
When an upper posterior tooth is lost, the floor of the maxillary sinus drops down into the space formerly occupied by the root of the lost tooth. In order to place an implant, it is often necessary to put the sinus floor back up to where it originally was by adding a bone substitute. This procedure is called a sinus floor bone augmentation or a sinus lift.
What is a bone augmentation (sometimes called a graft)?
A bone augmentation using a synthetic bone substitute is a surgical procedure for adding height or width to a jawbone in order to increase its volume for the placement of an implant.

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