Dental implant Q&A
- What is a dental implant, and what is it for?
- A dental implant is the equivalent of a tooth root, firmly anchored in the jaw. Depending on your needs, it can carry a single artificial porcelain tooth, or work together with other implants or teeth to support a fixed bridge or a denture.
- How many teeth can be replaced with implants?
- One or several. For a patient wearing complete dentures, every tooth can be replaced with porcelain teeth on implants, which means having fixed, permanent teeth again.
- Is this treatment right for everyone?
- Only a thorough review of your general health and the condition of your jawbone can tell. Uncontrolled diabetes, multiple sclerosis and hemophilia are examples of contraindications, and success rates are lower in smokers.
- Are implants dangerous?
- No. Placing an implant is comparable to a routine dental extraction.
- Is the procedure done at the clinic or in a hospital?
- At the clinic. Our team and equipment allow the full treatment to be performed on site.
- Do implants need special care?
- Care for them exactly as you would your natural teeth: brush and floss daily, and see your dentist about four times a year.
- How long does a dental implant last?
- Implants cannot decay or develop a nerve abscess. Titanium is biocompatible, and the success rate depends on the quantity and quality of your jawbone. With good general health, good oral hygiene, and cleanings and examinations three to four times a year, implants are expected to last.
- Is the treatment painful?
- In the large majority of cases there is no sensitivity, either during or after placement. When you follow your surgeon's instructions, the experience is comparable to a simple extraction.
- Do I need to follow a special diet afterwards?
- Yes. For one week, eat pureed food rich in vitamins, protein and minerals to support fast healing without complications.
- What does recovery look like?
- In most cases patients resume their usual daily activities the day after the procedure.
- Who performs the procedure?
- Implant placement requires advanced professional knowledge, specific postgraduate training and specialized equipment. Dr. Antoine Butel is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with more than 15 years of surgical experience, and dedicates a substantial part of his practice to implantology.
- What can reduce the success of an implant?
- Implants are one of the most predictable treatments in dentistry, but risk factors exist: uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis and degenerative disease; insufficient bone volume or quality, which usually calls for bone regeneration first; too few implants for the chewing load at the back of the mouth; poor oral hygiene, which lets bacteria attack the supporting bone; smoking, which lowers success rates by 10 to 15 percent; untreated teeth grinding (bruxism); and an unbalanced bite after tooth loss.
To learn more about dental implants, see our dedicated page, or send us your question. Dental implants · Contact us