An implant is a small titanium post placed in the jaw where a tooth is missing. Once it has bonded with the bone, it holds a crown that looks, feels and chews like a natural tooth.
Dr. Vaishali did her postgraduate certification in oral implantology at Nair Dental College, Mumbai, and has completed advanced training in implant prosthodontics.
Is it right for you?
Dental implants usually helps with:
- One or more missing teeth
- A loose bridge or denture you’d like to replace with something fixed
- A tooth that can’t be saved and will need to come out
What happens, step by step
- 1PlanningWe check your gums and bone with an X-ray or scan and talk through options, timelines and costs.
- 2PlacementThe implant is placed under local anaesthetic. Most people are surprised how quick it is.
- 3HealingThe bone bonds with the implant over a few months. You can usually wear a temporary tooth meanwhile.
- 4The final toothA custom crown is made to match your other teeth and fixed onto the implant.
Aftercare
- Expect some swelling for two or three days; cold compresses help.
- Soft food for the first few days after placement.
- Clean around the implant like a natural tooth, and keep your regular check-ups.
Common questions
Am I too old for implants?
Age alone isn’t a barrier. What matters is your general health and the bone available. We have many patients in their sixties and seventies with implants.
What if I don’t have enough bone?
It can often be built up with bone grafting before or during placement. We’ll tell you after the planning X-ray or scan.
How much does an implant cost?
It depends on the number of implants, any grafting and the type of crown. We’ll go through the cost with you after the consultation, before anything begins.