What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. An artificial tooth or crown can be screwed or cemented onto the dental implant. Dental implants can be used in a wide variety of indications: to replace a single or multiple missing teeth; in patients who do not want to wear “removable” dentures , implants provide a great alternative to provide them with “fixed” dentures; dental implants are also used in the oral rehabilitation of trauma and oncology patients.

Is it painful?

Dental implant placement is relatively a comfortable procedure, You are given a local anaesthetic injection prior to the procedure. There may be some stitches, minor bleeding and some swelling after the procedure, and you may be advised to eat a soft diet. Painkillers and antibiotics are prescribed if necessary.

Can anyone place dental implants?

At Dental & Facial Aesthetics, implants are placed by our visiting implant specialist from South Africa, who has over 30 years experience in the placement of dental implants. We plan the number and location of the implants needed before the surgery, in order to obtain the best and most desirable restorative outcome. Poorly planned or incorrectly placed implants can result in implants that cannot be restored, or an unaesthetically pleasing end result.

Do I need to go to a hospital to place implants?

At Dental & Facial Aesthetics, all implants are placed in our dental chair, under local anaesthetic. Hospital visits are not required, except for extensive oncology or trauma cases in which case we will refer you to our colleagues in South Africa whom we work with, for the surgical aspect of the treatment.

Are there any contra-indications to dental implants?

Dental implants have been around for over 40 years, and have a very high success rate (97%). There are very few contraindications to implants. Bone quality and quantity, smoking, age, bruxing (tooth grinding) and positioning of the implants are all variables which can complicate the placement of implants. Dr Mitha will do a full consultation, that may involve xrays and a CT scan, in order to assess your suitability for implants. All risks and side effects will be discussed with you at your consultation.

How long do dental implants last?

In the correct patients and if restored accurately, dental implants should last at least 20 years if not longer.

What do dental implants cost?

This will depend on the number and type of implants required, and you will be provided with a quotation following your consultation.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a thin tooth-coloured  porcelain shell that is custom made and bonded over the teeth, to improve their appearance. They are the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment at Dental & Facial Aesthetics.  They are used to change the colour, shape, length, or size of the front teeth, or to improve the overall appearance of the smile. They can also be used to correct minor orthodontic crowding or spacing, where orthodontic treatment is not an option, or is not required.  They are relatively non-invasive, meaning that very little tooth structure is removed, compared to crowns and bridges.

What types of problems do veneers fix?

They can be used to fix discoloured teeth due to root canal treatments, fluorosis or tetracycline staining; teeth that have been worn down, chipped or broken; they can be used to close the gaps between teeth, or to correct crowded, misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth.

Are they painful?

Porcelain veneer treatment is a relatively painless procedure, as very little tooth structure needs to be removed. Local anaesthetic injections are given only where required.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Veneers generally last between 7-15 years or more, depending on the circumstances in your mouth, and grinding habits, dietary habits etc. We choose our veneer cases very carefully, and all factors will be discussed with you at your consultation.

Will I be able to eat and drink normally after having porcelain veneers?

In general, porcelain veneers don’t require any special care. You will need to continue to follow good oral hygiene practices to maintain gum health. Although porcelain veneers are stain resistant, you may be advised to avoid consuming excessive amounts of stain-causing foods and beverages such as coffee, red wine, beetroot etc, and you will be required to attend 6 monthly visits to clean and polish the veneers. People who play contact sports will be provided with protection guards, and in most cases you may be provided with a night guard in order to protect your veneers from any night grinding habits.

What does it cost?

Porcelain veneers are rarely done as single teeth, they are usually done in pairs to ensure optimum aesthetics (ie; 2,4,6,8, or 10). Porcelain veneers cost approximately P8000-10 000 per unit, but prices vary according to material used, and number of veneers required. Quotations are given to you after consultation and assessment of your suitability for veneers.

What is Digital Smile Design?

At Dental & Facial Aesthetics we use digital smile design technology to design your smile prior to performing any procedures. This enables you, the patient, to be fully involved in the appearance of your final teeth before we even start.

What is tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening or bleaching is a process of lightening the teeth using peroxide-based bleaching agents. Teeth may discolour or become yellowed over a period of time, and tooth whitening is a safe, painless and non-invasive way to brighten the teeth effectively. At Dental & Facial Aesthetics, we use at home and in-office bleaching systems, depending on the level of tooth whitening required.

How long does it last?

On average, teeth bleaching results can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the individual. Top-up home bleaching kits can be provided to maintain and prolong the result.

Is tooth whitening safe?

At Dental & Facial Aesthetics, we use only industry-approved whitening agents that are safe for dental use.  As long as you stick to dentist-approved methods, tooth whitening is considered safe.

I have sensitive teeth. Can I still do tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening does provoke a temporary sensitization of the teeth, and some patients with very sensitive teeth are not able to tolerate the procedure. You will be assessed for your suitability for tooth whitening procedures, and if it is not an option for you, alternative options will be provided to you.

Do I need to avoid any food or beverages after tooth whitening?

Yes, you will be asked to avoid stain causing food and beverages for a few days prior to, during, and immediately after your procedure. Generally, teeth that have been bleached tend to pick up stains faster than normal, and regular oral hygiene visits and top up bleaching at home is advised in most circumstances, in order to prolong the results.

What does it cost?

In general, tooth whitening starts at P3500 upwards, but depends on the type of bleach used, and the number of visits required.