What is the implant procedure?

Before we start implant replacement, we perform some initial assessments to ensure the right outcome of the treatment.

Firstly, we check the patient’s medical history. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer (radiotherapy), gastric reflux, and periodontal (gum) disease can impact the integration of the implant.

Smoking is also an important risk factor, especially during the healing phase of an implant after the surgery. Smoking can affect the vascularization of the tissue and Osseointegration of the implant.

Next, we need a complete dental check-up to assess the dentition and the gingival tissue around the missing area. If there is any decay or there are tilted teeth around the missing part, these issues have to be fixed beforehand by fillings or braces. This ensures that there will be no food impaction around the implant where bacterial plaque can damage the gum. Another important factor that can affect the implant later down the line is gum disease. This could cause peri-implantitis (gum disease of the tissue, supporting the implant). This is another issue we need to fix before the surgery.

The next step is to take X-rays and 3D CT scans to check the bone and make sure we have the right amount of bone and select the right size of the implant as determined by the thickness and height of the alveolar bone.

After the initial assessment, we prepare for the surgical stage which can be done under local or general anaesthesia.

During surgery we retract the gum, prepare the implant site inside the bone and install the implant. Depending on the primary stability of the implant, it can be exposed, or if the supporting tissue is not ready yet, we cover the implant with gum and wait for 2 to 6 months for the Osseointegration and then expose the implant with second-stage surgery. Sometimes we need to add some bone grafts around the implant to increase the strength of the bone.

After the implant is bonded to the jaw, we continue with the prosthetic part and take an impression to make a crown for the implant. The final stage is to attach the crown to the implant with a screw or cement.

How do I maintain an implant?

It is very easy to maintain an implant. All you need to do is brush and floss the implant and rinse your mouth with a non-alcoholic mouthwash. In addition, you continue your regular 6-monthly check-up