Frequently asked questions

No, implants are made of titanium, a metal that is biocompatible. Implants can however be lost due to other factors as infections and non-integration, in this case the procedure can be repeated. 

Even though majority of people  can have dental implants .There are some contraindications to implant rehabilitation including  recent myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident, valvular prosthesis surgery, immunosuppression, bleeding issues, active treatment of malignancy, drug abuse, psychiatric illness, as well as intravenous bisphosphonate use (mainly used for osteoporosis, bone metastasis of prostate, lung and breast cancer). Examples  of some biphosphonates: Risedronate (Actonel),Alendronate (Fosamax),Ibandronate (Boniva), Zoledronic Acid (Reclast),Pamidronate (Aredia),Etidronate (Didronel).

Implants are not "Fit and Forget”. They need the same care and attention as nature teeth. 

You should maintain an excellent level of oral hygiene and also see the hygienist regularly as a build up of plaque will cause gum problems and possible bone loss from around your implants, resulting in infections, in extra treatments and even in their eventual loss.

If you have teeth and implants mixed together it is also very important to maintain the health of the natural teeth. Should the natural teeth become infected or are lost for any reason the remaining implants may be damaged by the extra pressure caused by the addition work load. If well maintained the implant (screw part) can last your whole life, The crown/bridge (teeth part) needs to be changed due to wear and tear. 

1- Leave the space.

Leaving the space may cause movement on the teeth that are close to it. In the long run this option would also lead to bone loss on the area.

2- Have a removable denture.

This option can restore appearance and speech well. The drawbacks are a reduced chewing efficiency, effects on the self-esteem - as they are removable, reduced taste for upper dentures users and possible poor retention. 

3- Have a bridge. 

This option provides a good solution in regards chewing, appearance, speech and self-esteem. The main problem for dental bridges is that it involves cutting away healthy teeth in order to provide support.

4- Dental implants.

An alternative method of tooth replacement is to insert implants into the jawbone to support the false tooth or teeth. Such implants become firmly integrated with the bone and act in a similar manner to a tooth root. If an implant is placed immediately or soon after a tooth is extracted, jawbone is preserved and its further loss prevented. For this reason it is best not to delay the decision to place implants, as bone will be lost with time which can make the placement of implants more difficult. However, even after considerable bone loss has occurred, it may still be possible to place an implant although additional bone grafting techniques may be required.