What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that replaces one or several missing teeth. The inner part looks like a screw and is made of a bio-friendly titanium alloy and the outer part is a prosthetic made to have the same appearance and texture as natural teeth. In time, the bone cells develop around the implant, reinforcing it into the jaw and fusing it with the surrounding bone. Finally a new, strong alternative to missing teeth to perfect and restore your smile.

Dental Implants - the perfect solution! It looks and feels like a natural tooth!

As opposed to bridgework (which consists of partial or complete overdentures that used to be the treatment for missing teeth), dental implants do not move or damage adjacent healthy teeth. According to scientific studies, 85% of people who have had bridgework done feel that their dentures are uncomfortable and do not function well on a day-to-day basis.

Dental implants are placed in the jawbone on its own and do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, which allows the patient to exert more chewing pressure than dentures.

Dental Implants:

Facilitates clarity of speech, which is highly impaired by dentures.
Suitable for virtually every age.
Are not susceptible to cavities.

Risk / Opportunity

Implants are placed in the jawbone by a minor surgical procedure performed by Dr. Elyassi. Long-term studies show that dental implant success rates have reached 95%. However, studies show that implants which have not been successful stem from several different reasons such as lack of patient cooperation, drug abuse, poor oral hygiene, chronic alcoholism, problems related to the quality and density of the bone and a patient's health condition. During your consultation with Dr. Elyassi, he will discuss whether dental implants are right for you, including any health risks you may have.

Dental Implant Procedure and Process

Diagnosis - During the preliminary examination, Dr. Elyassi checks the location of the blood vessels, nerves and pockets in the jaw, as well as the length, width and location in the jaw. With the use of a panoramic digital x-ray, Dr. Elyassi will analyze the options and consult with the patient on the most suitable implant.

Implant replacement - While at the dentist’s clinic, the implant is inserted into the jawbone in extreme conditions of sterilization and under a local anesthetic. The procedure can take less than one hour.

Healing- After 3 to 8 months, when the area has healed and the implant has knitted with the jawbone, the implant is exposed.

Rehabilitation - At this stage, a crown is built over the implant. It takes several weeks until desired results are obtained.

Single-Tooth Rehabilitation / Replacement

When replacing a single tooth, a dental implant is the ideal solution. This is because the implant does not need the support of the other teeth and therefore does not harm adjacent healthy teeth. It is recommended not to leave the jaw with a missing tooth but rather to contact the dentist as soon as possible to have the dentist make an implant. A jaw with a missing tooth may cause the bone to recede and be absorbed by the gums. This requires bone implantation and impairs the retention of adjacent healthy teeth.

Multiple-Tooth Rehabilitation / Replacement

Rehabilitation with removable prostheses (dentures) requires a special glue or spherical clamp to retain the support needed in the jaw. In this case, the denture's retention is not as stable as it would be when made over an implant. Sometimes, this can cause difficulty in speech or discomfort when eating. A denture that is sustained and anchored in the implant is more convenient, more stable and stronger over a longer period of time. Moreover, implants help preserve the structure and health of the jaw.

Rehabilitation / Replacement of All Teeth

When all the teeth are missing in the upper and lower jaw, the best solution is a Bridge or denture supported by implants. The bridge or denture is anchored using special attachments that snap into place in the implants for optimum retention. The bridge is fixed while the implant is removable. A full denture that is not retained by dental implants effects speech, eating habits, facial features, and the person's lifestyle as a whole.