Dental · Mulund East
Dental implants in Mulund East
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up, with a crown on top that looks and works like your own tooth. Dr Ria Gerela, dentist and implantologist, plans every case with digital X-ray, from a single tooth to a full arch and implant-supported dentures.
What it is
What an implant is
An implant is a small post placed in the jaw bone where a tooth root used to be. Over a few months the bone grows around it and holds it firmly. A crown, a bridge or a denture is then fixed on top.
Unlike a bridge, an implant does not need the neighbouring teeth ground down. Unlike a loose denture, it does not move when you eat or speak. Implants replace one tooth, several teeth or a full arch, and can anchor a denture so it clips in and stays put.
What happens at the visit
Step 1
Assessment and planning
Dr Ria examines the gap and the teeth around it and takes a digital X-ray to check the bone. You are told what is possible and how many implants are needed.
Step 2
Placing the implant
Under local anaesthetic the implant is placed in the jaw. A failing tooth still present is removed first, minor oral surgery done in the same chair. The gum is then left to heal.
Step 3
Fitting the teeth
Once the bone has bonded with the implant, an impression is taken and the crown, bridge or denture is made and fixed on top.
Sittings and aftercare
How many sittings
Implant treatment happens in stages. Planning, placing the implant and fitting the final tooth are separate visits, usually with a healing period of a few months in between so the bone can bond with the implant. A temporary tooth can often be arranged for a visible gap. Full-arch and implant-supported denture cases take more visits and are planned as one course. Fees are confirmed when you book, after planning, so you know the whole cost before you start.
Aftercare
- Some swelling and tenderness for a few days after placement is expected
- Soft food, and no chewing on the implant side while the gum heals
- Keep the area clean exactly as you are shown, a healing implant needs a clean mouth
- Once the tooth is fitted, brush and floss it like a natural tooth and keep your maintenance visits
Dr Ria Gerela, at the Mulund East clinic
Who does it
Dentist and implantologist, in practice since 2001, with a special interest in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants.
Full profile →Questions patients ask
Am I too old for implants?
No. Age is not the deciding factor, the health of your gums, bone and general health is. If you have diabetes or a heart condition, tell us: the diabetes clinic is in the same premises and your control can be checked before we plan.
Is there enough bone in my jaw?
That is checked on the digital X-ray at the planning visit. If the bone is thin, Dr Ria will explain what that means for your case and the realistic options, rather than promising an implant that would not hold.
How do I look after an implant?
Like a natural tooth: brush twice a day, clean between the teeth, and come for scaling at the interval Dr Ria suggests. Gum disease around an implant is the main reason implants fail, so maintenance visits matter.
Related pages
Crowns, bridges and dentures
The teeth that sit on top of implants.
Gum treatment and cleaning
Healthy gums before and after an implant.
All dental treatments
Everything Dr Ria treats at Mulund East.
Find out whether an implant is right for you
A planning visit with a digital X-ray tells you what is possible before you commit.