Treatment
Dental implants in Tolichowki
An implant replaces a missing tooth with a small post fixed in the jawbone and a crown on top. It does not need the teeth next to it to be cut, and it is not taken out at night.
Who it suits
Implants suit most adults who have lost one or more teeth and have enough healthy bone and gum to hold the post. Some conditions need extra care first:
- Diabetes that is not well controlled
- Heavy smoking
- Gum disease that has not been treated
- Some medicines that affect bone
None of these automatically rules you out. The doctor checks each one at your first visit and tells you honestly whether an implant is right for you, or whether a bridge or denture would serve you better.
What happens
- Assessment. Examination, X-rays and a look at the bone where the tooth is missing. You get the plan, the number of visits and the cost.
- Placing the implant. Done under local anaesthesia. Most patients describe pressure rather than pain, and are back to normal work the next day.
- Healing. The bone grows around the implant. This usually takes a few months, and a temporary tooth can often be given in the meantime if the gap shows.
- The final tooth. A crown is designed for your bite and fixed on the implant.
Implant work at Marwa is planned and led by Dr Sami Ahmed, Consultant Prosthodontist and Implantologist. A prosthodontist specialises in replacing teeth, so the final tooth is planned from the first day, not added as an afterthought.
Looking after an implant
An implant cannot decay, but the gum around it can become infected if it is not cleaned. Brush twice a day, clean between the teeth, do not smoke, and come for check-ups as advised.