Cosmetic Dental Services

Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are screwlike anchors that create a strong foundation for an artificial tooth (such as a crown or bridge) to be placed. This artificial tooth is custom-made to create a seamless and natural-looking smile.

Why get Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are a great solution to restoring your smile with a natural look, feel and function. Unlike other alternatives, implants provide a longer-lasting, fixed solution that will allow you to do everything you could with your natural teeth.

There are many reasons why you might need dental implants but the best way to determine this is by booking a consultation with your local dentist.

Common reasons for dental implants include:

  • Replacing missing, damaged, or diseased teeth;
  • Resolving jaw pain or bite problems;
  • Restoring natural function to the mouth and jaw?; and
  • Replacing uncomfortable or ill-fitting dentures.

Are Dental Implants right for me?

Do you have one or more missing teeth? Do you want to improve your appearance? Are you after a more permanent and natural solution to missing teeth that will improve your ability to speak and chew like normal?

Providing your gums are healthy, and you have sufficient bone to support the prosthetic implant, then dental implants could be an excellent solution for your missing teeth.

Here are some of the many advantages our patients have discovered with dental implants:

  • Improved appearance
  • Better function
  • Improved confidence
  • Long-lasting
  • Better oral health

Preparing for your Dental Implant Appointment

Appointments For Dental Implants

Usually requires at least 3 appointments:

  • At the consultation visit, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure that this procedure is suitable for you. They will then talk you through the whole process and make sure that all your questions are answered. You will need impressions taken of your mouth.
  • At the next visit, you will have the implant replacement.
  • Once the implant has been allowed to fully ‘integrate’ into the jawbone, the implant restoration is done.

Additional appointments may be needed to complete the dental implant procedure and regular implant check-ups will be needed to ensure that everything is well maintained.

 

How long do dental implants take?

A single implant procedure usually takes around one to two hours.

You may be asked about

  • Your dental and medical history
  • Your regular oral care routine at home

Preparing for Dental Implants

For the consultation, there is no special preparation needed.

Before the surgical procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will advise you of any pre-procedure requirements, including:

  • Pre-procedure medication (as prescribed)
  • Having someone to accompany you to drive you to and from your appointment
  • Following any pre-sedation protocols if this applies to you

If you need a general anaesthetic at the hospital, you should:

  • Arrange for transportation to and from your procedure
  • Follow any pre-anaesthetic instructions given to you by your oral surgeon

After your appointment

Your dentist/oral surgeon will outline post-surgery details for you that are specific to your surgery.

If you had surgery under sedation or general anaesthetic, you must:

  • Be accompanied home
  • Not drive or operate machinery until at least the following day

Any further post-procedure care will be directed by your dentist or oral surgeon.

Quick tip

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene will extend the life of your implants. We recommend flossing daily, brushing twice daily and regularly visiting your Maven dentist or hygienist.

Read our article on how to care for your dental implants!

 

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Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner

More about Dental Implants

The life span of your dental implants will depend on many contributing factors including your oral hygiene routine and how well you look after your mouth. We recommend regular dental check-up and clean appointments to take the best care of your implants.

Factors that may affect the lifespan of your dental implant are:

  • Smoking
  • Oral hygiene 
  • Diet
  • Bone mass

With proper hygiene and check-ups, the implants themselves can last your whole lifetime. The crown attached to the implant will generally need to be replaced every , depending on how well they have been looked after.

Dental implants are a safe, well-established, and popular way to restore your smile or tooth function. They’re made to be durable to last for many years. They’re made to be just like your normal teeth. Our dental implant experts have restored thousands of smiles using dental implants and you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

It is worth noting that, like any surgical procedure, there are some risks including infection, injury or damage to other teeth or blood vessels, nerve damage and/or sinus problems. Although uncommon your dentist will run through all the possible side effects of dental implants before you start treatment.

Dental implants are made from materials that do not cause harm or adverse reactions, with titanium being the most common. In addition to being safe, strong, and durable, titanium can also fuse with the jawbone. This integration ensures the implant is stable and long-lasting. In some cases, dental implants may use other materials such as zirconia. Your dentist will discuss the best implant material for your specific scenario.

The dental crowns that cover the implants are usually made of porcelain, gold, stainless steel, or ceramic materials. Temporary crowns are made of an inexpensive material like plastic or metal so they can be removed easily. Read more about dental crowns.

The main difference between dentures and dental implants is that dentures are removable, whereas dental implants are permanently fixed into the jaw.

Dental implants are screw-like anchors that create a strong foundation for an artificial tooth (such as a crown or bridge) to be placed. This artificial tooth is custom-made to create a seamless and natural-looking smile.

On the other hand, dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, available as either a partial or full set of teeth.

Your dentist will be able to help you decide which option is suitable for you.

No! You shouldn’t feel any pain during the dental implant procedure, as you will be either sedated during the procedure or given local anaesthetic.

At your consultation appointment, your dentist will talk you through the procedure and address any concerns you may have. As with other dental procedures, you may experience minor discomfort for a few days following the procedure.

Generally, health insurers in Australia don't cover dental implants in dental extras. We do recommend checking your policy and touching base with your health insurer before attending your consultation to check whether dental implants are covered in your policy.