Welcome to Henry Lee Dental Surgery. We care for you smile.

• Enhanced Appearance

  After teeth are lost, ongoing shrinkage of the jawbone occurs making the face look older. Dental implants can stop this process. Implants also prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany traditional bridgework and dentures. Implant-supported teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth.

• Superior Comfort

  Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable dentures. Unlike dentures which sit on top of the gums and jawbone, the implants are anchored firmly to the jawbone, eliminating gum irritation and the pain resulting from exposed nerves associated with conventional dentures.

• Improved Speech

  Ill-fitting dentures often result in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. In addition, the facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place. Implant-supported teeth enable patients to speak and eat with comfort and confidence.

• More Efficient Chewing

  Dental implants can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. A full upper denture covers the roof of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste food. With dental implants, the roof of the mouth can be freed up so that food can be tasted and enjoyed significantly better.

• Protection of Remaining Natural Teeth

  Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighbouring teeth are not altered to support the implant. The original teeth are left untouched.

• Highly Reliable

  Dental implants are considered an excellent option for teeth replacement and are highly predictable.

1. Pre-implant Consultation

   The dentist will take a detailed dental history, x-rays, and complete a thorough oral examination to ascertain if the patient is suitable for the procedure (** contraindications are rare)

2. Placing the Implant

   This is usually done in the clinic, under local ansesthesia, any time after the initial oral examination. After surgery, there is a healing period of approximately one to four months for the bone to bond to the implant, a process known as osseointegration. Temporary replacement teeth can be used immediately after this procedure.

3. Fitting the New Teeth

   The dentist will make an impression and then fabricate a prosthesis (e.g. crowns) that will be attached to the implants. Once completed, natural looking, strong and functional teeth will be restored.

4. Follow Up Care

   Dental implants require the same maintenance as real teeth, including flossing, brushing and regular dental check-ups. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor the implants, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.

From the initial consultation to the time the final teeth are fitted, the process takes approximately four to six months. Bear in mind that other factors will affect the length of the whole process, including, the speed of healing of the implant site, whether bone grafting is needed, and also whether the patient has other medical complications.

If you want a faster option, you may consider our “Teeth-in-an-Hour”™ option.

Most of our patients can resume normal daily activities on the same day. Some may choose to take it easy for a day or two - it is a matter of personal choice. You can return to work, go shopping, eat, talk on the telephone and/or have a reasonable dinner the same day.

Nowadays implant procedures are painless. Under a little local anesthesia, occasionally in combination with a mild general anesthetic (called sedation), the procedures are carried out pain free. However, it is essential to take the medicine we prescribe for you during the post-treatment period, which ensures painless recovery.

Long-term, peer-reviewed scientific studies from various institutions since 1965 have shown approximately a 95% success rate for dental implants over 10 years of time. This means that out of 100 cases, about 5 may need to be fixed or repaired over the long run.