Dental Implant Surgery?
For individuals who wish to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be an effective long-term solution. Implants provide greater structural support and last longer than either bridges or dentures. Implants serve as the artificial root to which new teeth are attached to.

What are the benefits of Dental Implants?
a) They restore proper chewing function and so allow you to enjoy foods that were previously too "difficult" to chew.
b) They won't move or loosen.
c) They look, feel and function as normal teeth.
d) They eliminate irritated and painful gums from overlying dentures.
e) They help stop the progressive bone loss and shrinkage of the jawbone.
f) They improve speech as traditional dentures may be unstable causing lisping.
g) They eliminate unsightly partial denture clasps which also place damaging pressure on remaining natural teeth.
h) Unlike bridges, there is no need to trim the adjacent natural teeth in order to support the missing teeth.

How long after the loss of teeth can I be treated with dental implants?
If the bone is suitable, an implant can be placed immediately to replace the missing or damaged tooth. If you have lost your teeth for many years, there is usually severe bone loss and this may cause a slight delay in implant placement. However, modern technology enables us to graft or rebuild the jaw bone, creating sufficient bone for implant treatment.

Will the replacement implant look natural?
Yes in many cases, we can replicate the appearance of the lost tooth. However, in some cases, due to bone damage, we will need to "regenerate" the bone and gum first before placing the implant.

Will treatment hurt? What can I expect during the post-operative period?
Post-operative discomfort is controlled with prescribed medication. You will be placed on a soft diet and antibiotics for a few days and told to use an antiseptic mouth rinse several times daily. In most cases, you will be able to wear your existing or new temporary bridge or appliance immediately after surgery.

How long does it take?
The complete implant reconstruction process may take from 3 to 9 months as time is needed for your jawbone to grow around the implant. However, you can be assured of cosmetically pleasing teeth during the temporary restoration healing period.

When can I return to work after implant surgery?
In most cases, the patients are able to work within two days of surgery.

Are Bone Grafting and Regeneration, painful procedures?
Commonly performed in the dental clinic under local anaesthesia, these procedures are not painful. However, there might be some form of swelling and slight discomfort after an operation, especially when performed with other dental procedures such as tooth extraction, cyst removal, etc. An oral pain killer can be prescribed to relieve your discomfort. If a more invasive procedure is required to obtain bone from your hip, chin area, etc, the post operative discomfort may increase but still manageable.

How long is the downtime for this procedure?
There is no significant downtime for this procedure. A week's dosage of pain killer is normally prescribed to ease the patient's discomfort.