Dental Implants in El Hamma – Gabès

Who is it for?

Your dentist may suggest an implant when:

• a tooth has been lost or needs to be removed (extensive decay, a fracture, advanced gum disease);
• several teeth are missing and you would rather avoid a removable appliance;
• a denture feels loose and you would like to secure it on a few implants.

Before going ahead, the dentist checks your general health, how much bone is available and the condition of your gums. Some situations call for extra care or a delay: heavy smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, certain medications (for example for osteoporosis), or radiotherapy to the head and neck.

An implant is not the only option. A bridge or a removable denture may also be suitable, and the pros and cons of each are explained at the consultation.

How treatment works, step by step

1. Consultation and assessment

The dentist examines your mouth, asks about your medical history and current medication, and takes X-rays. Depending on the case, a 3D scan (cone beam CT) is used to measure the bone accurately. You then receive a written treatment plan with each step and an estimate.

2. Preparation, if needed

If your gums are inflamed, they are treated first: gum treatment before placement reduces the risk of complications. Where bone is lacking, a bone graft may be carried out before or during placement.

3. Placing the implant

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic. The dentist places the implant, a small titanium screw, into the jawbone and closes the gum over or around it. Allow roughly 30 minutes to an hour per implant.

When the dentist considers it useful, PRF, prepared from a small sample of your own blood, can be used to support healing.

Implant brands used at the clinic: we use only good quality implants from the best brands.

4. Healing and bonding with the bone

The bone gradually fuses with the implant, a process called osseointegration. This usually takes 2 to 4 months depending on the jaw and bone quality. Where possible, a temporary tooth is fitted in the meantime for comfort and appearance.

5. Fitting the crown

A digital or conventional impression is used to make the final crown. At our clinic it is designed with exocad software; see our page on CAD/CAM crowns and bridges. The crown is then screwed or cemented onto the implant and your bite is checked.

How many visits, and how long?

As a rough guide, for a single implant without a bone graft:

• 1 to 2 assessment appointments;
• 1 placement appointment;
• 1 healing check;
• 2 to 3 appointments for the impression and the crown.

Treatment usually takes 3 to 6 months from start to finish. A bone graft or several implants extend this. You are given a precise schedule after the assessment.

Aftercare and advice

Some swelling or moderate discomfort is common in the first few days and generally eases within a few days. To help healing:

• apply something cold to your cheek for the first few hours;
• take the medication prescribed, and only that;
• eat soft, lukewarm food and chew on the other side;
• avoid smoking, at least throughout the healing period;
• brush the area gently with a soft toothbrush and follow the mouthwash instructions.

Call the clinic if bleeding does not stop, if you develop a fever, or if pain gets worse instead of better. Outside appointments, see also our dental emergency page.

In the long term, an implant is cared for like a natural tooth: brushing, floss or interdental brushes, and regular check-ups with a scale and polish. Inflammation around an implant (peri-implantitis) can develop if cleaning is not thorough enough, and it is monitored at each check-up.

In our dental clinic in El Hamma

• A full assessment and a treatment plan explained before anything is done.
• Implant crowns designed with exocad as part of a digital workflow.
• PRF used, where appropriate, to support healing.
• Follow-up at the same clinic, from placement to yearly check-ups.

The clinic is in El Hamma, around thirty minutes from Gabès, and welcomes patients from across the region. English-speaking patients are welcome; let us know when you book if you would prefer the consultation in English.