Dental Implants Cape Town

Dental Implants are a massive investment in your comfort and quality of life. They are a comfortable, fixed and permanent solution to missing teeth, and they look and feel just like natural teeth.

The cost of Dental Implants varies according to each patient's specific needs. Dental implant treatment can cost anywhere from R20 000 - R200 000, depending on your unique case. The cost may seem relatively high, but dental implants at JJS Dentistry still cost far less than in overseas countries. In addition, you'll still get world-class treatment.

Some other factors that can impact the cost of dental implants include:

1. Brand of implant and quality guarantee - we use top-quality products, which may be more pricey, but they ensure that your dental implants last a very long time.
2. The number of teeth being replaced - each tooth is charged separately.
3. Is bone grafting needed - sometimes, patients require augmentation of bone in the area that has a deficiency in bone, and therefore there are additional costs involved
4. Laboratory fees - once implants are integrated and healed, or it's time to make teeth to attach to the implants. Once the implant positions are recorded digitally or with moulds of your mouth, the lab then needs to make the ceramic teeth for your implants. The lab fees will be added to the cost of inserting implants.

Thankfully, Dr JJ Serfontein will tailor a treatment plan for your unique case and will thoroughly explain the project and all associated costs to you.

Getting dental implants in South Africa costs a fraction of what you'd pay overseas, and you would still receive world-class service with highly skilled dentists that strictly adhere to international safety standards.

Losing teeth can cause the structure of the jaw bone to change, making the bones weaker and more susceptible to moving. This movement causes the facial features to shift. All this shifting and weakening of the facial structures make it more difficult to chew, speak and smile properly - so missing teeth can become extremely uncomfortable.

One of the benefits of dental implants is that they look and feel like natural teeth, allowing individuals to eat, speak and smile with confidence. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, making them a cost-effective solution for missing teeth in the long run.

Dental Implants vs Dentures

If you've lost teeth and you're currently trying to decide between getting implants and dentures, here are some factors to consider.

Dentures:

• Tend to warp and break over time
• Need to be removed to brush and clean
• Shift when you eat or speak over time

Dental Implants:

• Strong, durable and remain fixed in place like natural teeth
• Require little maintenance other than your regular oral hygiene routine
• Maintain their shape and stay fixed in place

When comparing dental implants with other tooth replacement options, such as dentures, they are far superior in terms of functionality and comfort.

The process of getting dental implants is somewhat complicated, but our team of specialists will take excellent care to guide you every step of the way. Dental implants have three 3 parts: the dental screw, the abutment and the crown.

Once the implant site has fully healed, we perform a second surgery to attach an abutment to the screw. The final phase of the process is when the dental crown, which looks and functions like a natural tooth, is placed on the abutment.

Dr JJ Serfontein can replace a tooth with a single implant or multiple teeth with a bridge implant.

The implant requires no unique cleaning methods or maintenance. However, regular brushing and flossing will ensure that your implant remains in good shape.

You must continue to see your dentist at least twice a year for a routine check-up. During those appointments, your dentist can examine the implant and answer any questions you may have.

First Appointment

At your first appointment, we'll discuss your specific dental issues and perform tests to determine if you're a good candidate for implants. This generally involves checking to see how much bone density and volume you have in the area of the missing tooth/teeth.

Next, we create treatment plans based on your needs and lifestyle. Once you're happy with the treatment plan, we will proceed with further planning and diagnostic testing. These typically include a CBCT radiograph and digital impressions.

Second Appointment

During the second appointment, we will place the implant. A straightforward dental implant case can be performed in under 20 minutes, but more complex cases can take 1-4 hours. We provide a wide range of conscious sedation techniques to put you at ease and make you feel comfortable.

The site will be tender after the procedure and will need some time to heal before we see you at your final appointment to fit your new tooth.

Third Appointment

The third appointment is usually scheduled 6-12 weeks after placing the implant. We will conduct a test to make sure that the implant has been adequately fused. If we restore a straightforward single implant, your final crown or crown will be manufactured and fitted on this day. More complex cases involve more impressions and further steps in planning the final steps.

The road to getting a dental implant starts with a customised treatment plan.

Implants are permanent fixtures in the mouth, so much planning and consideration must go into the process. Dr JJ Serfontein will need to address any pre-existing conditions before placing the implant and will walk you through any questions or concerns you may have. Some factors that may impact your surgery include gum health and bone density.

Under certain circumstances, your jawbone can begin to erode, which is called bone resorption. If your bones have started eroding, you may need a bone graft procedure. Bone grafting restores the jaw and creates a more solid foundation to support the implant. Once the team addresses your bone structure, they will schedule the dental implant surgery. The team will place the implant screw during surgery and fuse it to your jawbone. You will then spend some time healing before the next step when they place the abutment.

Once that has healed, the team will add the crown, and you'll have a permanent false tooth that looks, feels and acts just like a natural tooth.

With proper care and maintenance, your dental implant can last for decades. That being said, any tooth - even implants - are subject to wear and tear and will most likely need replacements or restorations as time passes. Molar implants need replacing more frequently than implants at the front of the mouth because we use them for chewing.

Dental implants generally need to be replaced every 10-20 years, depending on your oral hygiene routine and how regularly you visit the dentist. However, if you stick to dental check-ups every 6 months, your dentist will be able to pick up any potential problems and fix them before they cause severe damage.

Dental implants are quite a complicated process, so you will require a fair amount of time to recover. For those that need jawbone restoration, 4 months of healing time between bone grafting and implant surgery is typical.

After placing the screw, the bone will need some time to heal and fuse with the screw. Healing takes 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on your unique case. The recovery process varies from patient to patient. Typically, you can expect your jaw to heal fully within 6-12 months.

During the healing process, you must avoid crunchy or hard foods such as nuts and steak.

Dental Implant recovery time can be affected by the following factors:

• Whether or not you require bone grafting
• The number of dental implants you receive at a time
• How strictly you adhere to your treatment plan
• Any health factors unique to you and your ability to heal
• Smoking
• Diabetes

Dental Implants are a massive investment in your comfort and quality of life. They are a comfortable, fixed and permanent solution to missing teeth, and they look and feel just like natural teeth.

That said, it is difficult to estimate the costs of dental implants because so many factors determine the pricing. Factors that influence the cost of dental implants include:

• Whether you need bone grafting
• How many implants you need
• Whether you have gum concerns
• Whether you need a tooth extraction

Thankfully, Dr JJ Serfontein will tailor a treatment plan for your unique case and will thoroughly explain the project and all associated costs with you.

Getting dental implants in South Africa costs a fraction of what you'd pay overseas, and you would still receive world-class service with highly skilled dentists that strictly adhere to international safety standards.

What is the best age for dental implants?

A large percentage of men and women over age 65 have at least one missing tooth. This makes them ideal candidates for implants, including people in their 80s and 90s. However, anyone at any age may be a good candidate for dental implants if they are missing a tooth or teeth.

How many teeth can be replaced by dental implants?

You can replace one or all of your teeth with dental implants, but it depends on your case and the health of your jaw. Two dental implants can support a removable lower denture, while four can support complete permanent teeth.

Is dental implant surgery painful?

Dental implant procedures are completely pain-free. Although the procedure can sometimes be a little uncomfortable, the implants could help prevent further discomfort and issues.

How long does a dental implant procedure take?

The implant surgery generally takes about 1-2 hours for each implant to be placed. After this step is complete, we will wait about 3 months before the final restoration of the tooth replacement.

How do I care for dental implants?

Dental implants function like natural teeth and require the same oral hygiene routine. Ensure that you brush and floss your teeth twice a day, as well as go for regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

How long after dental implants can I eat normally?

Every patient is different and requires a different treatment plan. When you can eat regularly again after your implant surgery will be specific to you. Typically, most patients can begin eating a full, regular diet within one week following surgery.

Do you leave dental implants in all the time?

Dental implants are fixed appliances, so they never need to be removed.

Can my body reject a dental implant?

Dental implants do not contain any living cells, so they cannot be rejected. They also very rarely cause allergic reactions because titanium is completely biocompatible. However, an implant may fail to fuse with the jawbone properly.

Are dental implants worth it?

Since implants are fused to the jawbone, they are very stable. If you take good care of them, you can expect them to be just as durable as your natural teeth. Considering that they last for decades, they are an excellent choice for those looking for a long-term option. Plus, they look and function just like natural teeth!

Are dental Implants safe?

Dentists have used dental implants for many years, and implant technology continues to advance. Today, implants are sophisticated restorations that highly trained professionals put in place. They're one of the most reliable and safe ways to replace missing teeth.

How long before dental implants feel normal?

Depending on how quickly you're healing, your mouth will begin to feel normal again about 1-2 weeks after your implant placement surgery. At this time, you should feel no more pain, and you can eat your regular diet and resume strenuous activities like exercise.