Dental Implants

Implants are a fantastic alternative for patients who are missing individual teeth or wearing dentures. Because implants are so much like natural teeth, most people are unable to detect that they even exist. You are able to talk, laugh, eat and chew with confidence.

Generally made from titanium, dental implants are surgically inserted into the jaw bone.

Here are some benefits of getting an implant for the edentulous (lacking teeth) patient

• It does not involve cutting down healthy adjacent teeth such as seen in dental bridge
• It’s a fixed option that is less likely to trap food and bacteria such as a removable denture
• Cost effective
• For potential future loss of teeth multiple implants can be joint together to convert to a bridge meaning not every single missing teeth need to be implanted.
• High success satisfaction rate comparing to other options available

Implant Procedure

Every single dental implant case commences with a consultation and oral examination. Based on your exam results and dental records, we will discuss with you all the available options that are best suited to your needs. Our dentist will also assess your jaws and bones to make sure that they have enough capacity to accept the dental implants. If you are found to be a suitable candidate, we will tailor a detailed treatment plan for you.

A series of diagnostic tests are needed to confirm suitability and also help plan the best treatment approach including:

• Photographs
• Dental x-rays
• CT scan of your jawbone
• Dental impressions from upper and lower jaws

The dental implant procedure takes place over a 2-stage process.

1. Insertion of the implant into the bone

The recipient site in the gum is prepared to expose the underling bone. This is mostly done through a surgical guide with a puncher slightly bigger than actual implant. The titanium dental implant is then inserted into your gum line, where it will naturally bond with the jaw bone.

A temporary replacement crown may be placed over the implant to fill the gap. This is the most crucial step in implant procedure as failure tends to occur during this phase due to infection during healing or body’s own foreign body reaction. Higher risks patients are smokers and some patients with compromised immune system eg diabetics, patients going through chemotherapy etc

2. Insertion of the abutment / connector on the implant & attachment of the artificial tooth

About 3-9 months later, when the titanium implant has completely bonded with the jaw (Osseointegration), the newly fabricated crown, bridge or arch will be placed over the implant. This is the second appointment also known as the fitting procedure. This can be done at the same time with implant insertion. However not every patient is suitable for it.

Post Implant Operation Recovery

• Arrange someone to company you to home
• You may need to take a day off the work
• Swelling, bruising, pain and mild headache are normal reactions, which may occur and usually resolve within 24 hours. An over-the-counter pain medication should help relief the pain.
• Your Caulfield dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics
• Drink plenty of room-temperature water from two to three hours after surgery
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid hard food during healing, instead have soups. Soft food diet for up to 6 weeks is advisable in some cases.
• The dentist may advise Savacol mouth rins, warm salty water or other antiseptic soloution.
• Follow up appointments and regular checkups ensure the success of implants

Suitable candidate for the procedure

While most people can have implant in their jaws exceptions include:

• Children under the age of 17 because the jaw still growing
• Insufficient jawbone to receive minimum size implant for certain tooth. In many cases bone graft technique can be used to rebuild the implant site.
• Smoking can cause delay healing and may also cause failure by preventing osseo-integration of implant
• During pregnancy it does not worth to put baby’s health in risk, instead procedure can wait
• Uncontrolled Diabetes increases the risk of post op complication like infection
• Drug and alcohol abuse the patient may not be able follow dentist’s instruction, or to maintain oral hygiene
• Psychological illnesses

Dental Implants Cost

Website Offer: Save up to 15% with our Dental Implant Package.

From $3750 * per tooth (additional discounts multiple Dental Implants). Regular price $3999

*Website special conditions apply. Offer subjects to change without notice. Must mention this special when you are booking your appointment. Because every case is different, consultation prior to treatment is required

Important: The dental implant costing above is for guide only. A accurate quote will be provided after a thorough assessment.

Caring For Your Dental Implants

Bacteria and food particles in the mouth from a sticky coating called plaque that adheres to both natural and artificial teeth. Plaque is responsible for most diseases effecting teeth including gum disease. Implant-supported teeth may fail if you do not keep them clean because plaque can lead to gum inflammation and infection.  Following are general guideline to have healthy gum, teeth and also implants

• Brush after every meal
• Use Fluoride toothpaste to reduce the risk of decay
• Use soft and small tooth brush
• Electrical tooth brushes are simply better
• Floss at least once a day
• Smoking impairs healing
• Limit your sugar intake
• Regular check up and clean twice a year