Dental Implants.
Somerset West.

The procedure itself should not hurt. Local anaesthetic anaesthetises the area completely, and sedation is available for patients who want to be more relaxed during the procedure. Most patients report that the placement was much more comfortable than they expected. Some mild discomfort and swelling for a few days afterwards is normal and is managed easily with standard pain relief.

With proper care, a well-placed implant can last decades and often a lifetime. The crown or bridge attached to the implant has its own lifespan, typically fifteen years or more for a quality material like porcelain or zirconia. The implant itself, once integrated, is one of the most durable restorations dentistry offers.

For most patients yes, when you consider the alternatives. Bridges typically last ten to fifteen years and require reshaping the healthy teeth on either side. Dentures last around five to seven years before they need to be remade, and they accelerate bone loss in the jaw. An implant typically lasts decades, preserves the surrounding teeth, and prevents the bone loss that follows tooth loss. Over a lifetime, the implant is often the most cost-effective option as well as the best clinical outcome.

In most cases yes, but a Cone Beam scan is needed to assess the bone in the area. After a tooth has been missing for an extended period, the bone in that area may have shrunk to the point where additional bone grafting is needed before or alongside the implant. This adds time to the process but does not prevent treatment in most cases.

Multiple implants can be placed in a single appointment which is done under conscious sedation most of the time. For patients who need implants in different parts of the mouth, the work is sometimes split across two appointments for comfort and recovery reasons. Dr. Slabber will plan the appointment schedule based on your specific situation.

Implant placement requires precise knowledge of the bone in the area, the position of nerves, and the location of the sinuses for upper jaw implants. A standard 2D dental X-ray cannot show this information accurately. A Cone Beam scan produces a 3D image that allows the implant to be planned safely and accurately before any surgical work begins. This is now considered standard for well-planned implant treatment.

Implant failure is uncommon when treatment is properly planned and executed, with success rates above 95% in healthy non-smoking patients. The two main causes of failure are smoking, which significantly impairs healing, and gum disease around the implant, which can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups. The 3D planning and clinical care that go into each implant at the practice are designed to minimise the risk of failure.

Yes. The crown or bridge fitted on top of the implant is custom-made to match the colour, shape and size of your surrounding teeth. Patients are usually unable to identify which tooth is the implant in their own mouth once the work is complete.

Call the practice directly to book. The first appointment is a discussion and clinical examination. If implants look like a suitable option, a Cone Beam scan is taken in-house and Dr. Slabber presents a detailed treatment plan with timelines and costs before any procedure is committed to.