What Is Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a replacement root for a missing tooth. Over a few months, the titanium fuses with the bone (a process called osseointegration), creating a stable, permanent anchor. A custom-made crown is then attached to this post, completing the restoration.
Dr. Ashni Shah completed a specialised residency in Implant Dentistry and brings over 6 years of hands-on experience to every implant procedure at Akaay Dental Care. Implants are widely considered the gold standard for tooth replacement - they look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
When Do You Need It?
Dental implants are ideal if you:
Are missing one or more teeth
Have a tooth that needs extraction and want a permanent replacement
Wear ill-fitting dentures and want a fixed alternative
Have sufficient jawbone density (or are a candidate for bone grafting)
Want a solution that doesn't require altering adjacent healthy teeth (unlike a bridge)
The Procedure - Step by Step
A detailed examination including 3D CBCT scans and X-rays assesses bone density and implant suitability.
A personalised treatment plan is created, mapping the exact implant position.
Under local anaesthesia (sedation available), a small titanium implant post is placed precisely into the jawbone.
A healing period of 3–6 months allows the implant to fuse with the bone (osseointegration).
Once integrated, an abutment (connector) is attached to the implant post.
A custom-shaded crown is fabricated and securely placed on the abutment, completing your natural-looking new tooth.
Benefits
Permanent solution - fuses with bone for stability that dentures cannot match
Looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth
Preserves jawbone and prevents bone loss at the extraction site
No need to alter or reduce adjacent healthy teeth (unlike a bridge)
Easy to care for - brush and floss just like natural teeth
Can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance
Aftercare Tips
- Rest for 24–48 hours after the implant placement surgery.
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling for the first 24 hours.
- Take prescribed antibiotics and pain medication as directed.
- Eat soft foods for the first week and avoid pressure on the implant site.
- Brush carefully around the implant and maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout healing.
- Avoid smoking - nicotine significantly impairs osseointegration and increases failure risk.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and integration.