FAQ’s – Dental Implants

Having an implant treatment is an investment in your future and quality of life. To have new teeth that feel like your own is a highly valued experience. It’s a great and affordable treatment that will save you from other dental expenses in the future. The extent of your treatment will determine your cost, which is discussed at your consultation.

As the implants are installed under local anaesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the surgery. The treated area may be swollen for a few days afterwards, which could be slightly painful. In most cases an ordinary painkiller is all you may need to feel fine.

With implant supported teeth it is almost impossible to tell the difference compared to natural teeth. With an implant-anchored full bridge there is a narrow space between your gum and the prosthesis which is externally invisible and facilitates cleaning.

With proper care and cleaning, your implants can last a lifetime. Like natural teeth, with the passing of time, the crowns could become worn or damaged. The big difference is that your new teeth can easily be repaired or replaced, using the same implants for support.

Yes, there is no difference between natural and implant supported teeth in what you can eat. If you have experienced problems before, you will be pleasantly surprised at the positive change that has taken place.

Dental implants are the permanent way for you to replace your missing teeth. Research and documentation show long-lasting results. Hundreds of thousands of people are now enjoying their new looks and their ability to laugh, speak and eat with confidence!

Yes! Since the implants are anchored into the jawbone, they function as your ordinary teeth when you are chewing, talking and laughing. Most people do not feel any difference between their natural teeth and their new ones.

Yes, of course! You don’t have to sacrifice healthy teeth to restore missing ones. Unlike conventional bridges or partial dentures, no adjacent teeth are affected or needed for support.

Your age is normally not relevant – more important is your health. But if you are under eighteen, you must be examined to make sure you have finished growing before you can undergo implant treatment. The eldest patient treated by Dr. Cris Piessens was recently celebrating her 90th birthday. The case was succesfully completed a few months before.

Extensive clinical studies show positive long-term results, the implants used have a unique design and the surface gives superior strength and ensures teeth stay securely in place. The threads on the fixture anchor the implant and preserve the bone. This maintains the soft tissue contour which is important for a natural look.

Titanium is a metal accepted by the body. The process by which the bone grows onto the metal in a very close, ‘integrated’ way is known as osseointegration.

It depends on your dental health and the exact treatment that is best for you. Some people need only one operation, while others need two.

With the initial examination, the surgery, post surgery check-up, the prosthetic work and one recall, it normally takes about 6-8 visits until the treatment is completed. In many cases however , with today’s technology and 30 years of experience , Dr. Cris Piessens can place the implants and provide the patient with – temporary – teeth in one session!

Thorough daily brushing and flossing is essential to ensure a long-lasting result. Your dentist or dental hygienist will show you the proper way to take care of your new teeth.

After the implants have been installed, some swelling or bruising is normal. However, most people go back to work the next day. Do I have to stop smoking? It is highly recommended to stop smoking. Smoking affects the healing process and may reduce the long-term prognosis.