Why choose FY Smile for dental implants?
- We use the highest quality materials
To guarantee the look and function of your implants for the long term, we use only the highest quality materials. - We design your treatment digitally
We use digital software to design your smile and meticulously plan treatment to ensure precise and efficient procedures. - We’re experienced and highly qualified
Dr Fadi Yassmin and the team are highly qualified in dental implant procedures with extensive knowledge and experience. - We have purpose-built implant facilities
Our facilities are specially designed with the comfort and success of implant procedures and surgery in mind, so you can rest assured that you’re receiving the best treatment. - We use the latest techniques
We use PRF in dental implant surgery, a method to develop membranes and regenerative plasmas from your own blood to support the regeneration of bone and soft tissue. - Your health is our priority
Our medical process and stringent assessment protocols examine your medical history to ensure your health before any treatment begins.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is the most natural-looking replacement for your missing tooth or teeth. An implant is a screw-like anchor which is fitted into your jawbone and, over time, becomes locked in place as it binds with your natural bone. Then, a dental crown is fitted on top to fill the space left behind by your own natural tooth.
Who needs dental implants?
Dental implants are the ideal long-term treatment solution, as they:
- Replace missing teeth
- Are a predictable treatment outcome for terminal teeth
- Offer full-mouth rehabilitation where there are no teeth or for full terminal dentition
- Keep teeth on either side of a missing tooth healthy without having to take tooth structure away (like you would with a bridge)
- Have a positive impact on the bone (unlike dentures, which negatively impact bone)
What types of dental implants are there?
There are two main types of dental implants. Your dentist will carry out a full oral examination to decide which type is most suitable for you.
- Endosteal Dental Implants
Endosteal dental implants are the most common type, where screws, cylinders or blades are surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants are most suitable if you have a wide and dense jaw.Endosteal dental implants can also be recommended if you have bridges or removable dentures. - Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants are placed on top of your jaw with the help of a metal framework protruding through your gums. This framework holds your artificial tooth in place.Subperiosteal dental implants could be a suitable option if you have minimal jawbone height. Once your gums are healed completely, your implant will become as secure and long-lasting as an endosteal implant.
Dental Implant Procedure
Depending on your dental health needs, you can have your dental implant procedure under local or general anaesthesia. The process involves three phases:
- Placing the implant
The implant will be placed in your jaw in a surgical procedure. It will sometimes be covered with gum tissue and left for 3 to 6 months. In this time, the implant will fully integrate into your jawbone. - Attaching the post
A post will be attached to the implant, allowing the gum tissue to grow around it. This becomes an anchor for your replacement tooth. - Crown attachment
Finally, we attach a customised crown to the implant post.
What are the most common types of dental implants?
Single Tooth Replacement
If you have lost just one tooth, this procedure could be the most suitable one for you.
All On 4
This procedure involves the removal of all teeth (on one or both jaws), or can be used if you do not have any teeth. It is done in one day and 24 hours later a full set of teeth is issued.
Multiple Teeth Replacement
If you have several missing teeth that need replacement, implant-supported bridges may be the appropriate treatment option.
Porcelain Teeth For All On 4
Your initial teeth for All On 4 prosthesis are permanent – their support structure is milled from titanium and then acrylic teeth are placed over this. After about 6 months you can ‘upgrade’ to porcelain teeth.
How long do dental implants last?
If you take good care of them and follow proper oral hygiene, dental implants can last between 25 and 30 years. Once the procedure is completed, however, you need to take care of implants just like your normal teeth to ensure that the gum tissue and bone remain in good health.
The following factors can impact how long your dental implants will last:
- Potential dental implant problems in the future
- How efficiently the implants were placed
- How well you look after your teeth
- Lifestyle factors such as drinking and smoking
- Diabetes or other underlying medical conditions
What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
While dental implants are an effective solution to restore missing teeth and give you back your confidence in your smile, there are possible disadvantages of this type of treatment.
- Dental implants require a higher financial investment than other tooth replacement options.
- The full procedure takes around three to nine months to complete.
- There is a healing phase involved. You need to take care to keep the implant in place by eating soft food and keeping your body hydrated.
- In rare instances, dental implants can be rejected. This happens in not more than 2% of cases. In the unlikely event this occurs, the implant is replaced with a slightly larger one.
- If you are a diabetic or a smoker, you need to be aware that patients in these categories face the highest failure rates of around 8% – 12%, compared to a normal failure rate of just 3%.
- If you do not have sufficient bone height to insert the dental implant, bone augmentation or grafting may be required. This procedure is more invasive and requires a longer time to heal.
What is the recovery time after having dental implants?
It normally takes about five to seven days to recover after a dental implant. Factors such as the number of extractions and implants, and the need for bone grafting, can make the recovery time longer.
How can you take care of dental implants?
When they are taken care of properly, your dental implants can almost last a lifetime. Although implants can’t decay or develop cavities, it’s important to maintain your surrounding teeth to prevent inflammation and disease:
- Use a soft and angled toothbrush for brushing to effectively clean implant abutments
- Gently brush and floss, especially where the implant meets your gum line
- Use a low-abrasive toothpaste daily to prevent tartar from developing
- Avoid eating chewy food, sticky food and hard nuts
- Visit your dentist every 6 months to make sure both your natural teeth and implants are in good condition
- Use oral irrigators to reduce plaque around implants and prevent gingivitis
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol in the first six months of getting a dental implant
