Implant Centre

What are the benefits of implants?

• Implant secured or stabilised replacement teeth are more comfortable than conventional dentures because there is no slipping or movement.
• Dental implants are the alternative to bridgework for permanently replacing missing teeth, eliminating the need to grind down healthy teeth.
• When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone begins to shrink. Dental Implants can help maintain the shape and structure of jaw bone.

What is involved in the Implant process?

The implant process normally involves several steps that take place over a period of time from three to nine months. Although there are various implant treatment methods, a typical process often includes:

Assessment and Treatment planning
At initial consultation, after discussing possible alternatives, the dental surgeon will assess the feasibility of providing implant treatment. X rays may be taken and preliminary models may be prepared. A written treatment plan is usually then formulated detailing the sequence of treatment and associated cost.

Implant placement
A relatively simple minor surgical procedure that can be performed under sterile conditions in a dental surgery under local anaesthesia, if indicated, supplemented by conscious sedation. If after assessment the underlying bone is judged to be deficient, a number of options are available for bone regeneration. This may be carried out prior to or at the same time as the implant placement.

Integration period
Although some implants can be loaded into function immediately or soon after surgery, it is often suggested that a period of three months or more be allowed for the implants to fully integrate before loading. The patient’s own denture or in some cases a simple adhesive bridge, can be worn during this healing phase.

The Restorative phase
Once integrated, the implants may need to be uncovered and can be brought into function with a variety of restorations, ranging from a single crown, small or large bridge, or if preferred, a removable over- denture clipped to the implants. The replacement teeth are constructed by a specialist dental laboratory working closely with the dental surgeon.

Maintenance and review
Following the completion of implant treatment, patients need to clean thoroughly around the implants as instructed by the dentist. They should attend their dentist and hygienist for regular review so that the health of the soft tissue, bone levels and the integrity of the restoration be checked.

Your questions answered

Will I be able to eat what I like afterwards?
Once completed, patients should be able to eat a normal, healthy diet with little or no difficulty.

What costs are involved in implant treatment?
The cost can vary depending on the degree and extent of treatment needed. The full cost is therefore explained and subsequently confirmed in a written treatment plan.

How long will it take?
A range of techniques are available. Usually implant treatment requires a number of appointments over a period of several months. In some cases, implant work can be undertaken and completed in a much shorter period.

How long will the implants last?
Once treatment is completed, a routine of careful dental hygiene and regular check ups should ensure that implants last for many years.

Am I too old for implant treatment?
There is no upper age limit for patients to undergo implant treatment, provided they continue to enjoy reasonable good health.

Is the treatment painful?
Patients are often surprised at how little discomfort they experience during and after implant procedures.

Implant treatment at Cornerways

Patients are initially assessed by our implantologist Hennie van Jaarsveld as to their suitability for implant treatment. Factors such as health status, medication, habits and bone quality and quantity are taken into account to determine whether implants can be placed. Hennie will then discuss with the patient what options are available to them based on their particular situation. A written treatment plan detailing all available options is then presented to the patient. This will include details of length of appointments required, treatment time frames and estimates of costs involved. Patients are encouraged to return with any queries they may have before deciding to proceed with any treatment. A fully informed patient increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.

The surgical aspects of implant placement are attended to by Hennie here in the practice. These may include sinus lifts and other bone augmentation procedures. 

Once osseointegration has taken place, Brian Hong, in consultation with Hennie then attends to the restorative aspects of the treatment. i.e. organizing the replacement crowns, bridges or dentures as the case may require.