Dental Implants

Having a gap in your mouth can lead to a number of degenerative changes to the remaining teeth. For some patients, the ideal way to fill a gap in their teeth is a dental implant. They are an outstanding, high quality, and long-lasting solution, and are considered the gold standard.

If your jawbone is healthy and unaffected by gum disease or any conditions that can affect how your bones heal, then a dental implant might be the solution your dentist suggests to fix your missing teeth. We also offer bone augmentation and grafting options for patients if your jawbone requires extra bone mass to support dental implants. 

Dental implants are a fantastic option to improve the function, look and feel of your mouth. There are many ways to have an implant placed and they are dependent on each different case. Discuss dental implants with Floss Family Dental!

Considering dental implant surgery? Book online now with our Wellington Point or Victoria Point clinics or call our team!

ABOUT A DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE

A dental implant is a more permanent way to replace a missing tooth. The implant is created using a titanium or porcelain post that integrates with the bone, which then supports an artificial tooth, allowing it to function and appear as if it were a natural part of your own teeth.

There are several stages involved in placing a dental implant. These are normally done over several appointments, and often does take some time, as time needs to be allowed for healing and bone growth. Every patient and every case is different, but typically implant surgery involves the following appointments:

1. PLANNING: Planning is one of the most important parts of the implant process. This includes 3D x-rays and digital scans to assess implant placement and final restoration.
2. REMOVAL: Removal of the damaged tooth, if it is still present.
3. PREPARATION: Preparation of the bone (bone grafting), if it is needed. For some patients, there is a need to thicken the area of bone to support the implant, and in these cases, a bone graft is completed first. This can be done using a small section of your own bone, or can be made using a range of manufactured materials.
4. IMPLANT POST: Next, the first component of the dental implant is placed. During the surgery, a space is created for placement of the implant post, which is typically made of titanium. 
5. HEALING: Time is then allowed for bone growth and healing. During this process, the bone will grow into and join to the surface of the implant. This provides a stable base for your new tooth, similar to how your natural teeth are supported by a tooth root.
6. CROWN: Finally, a crown is placed on top of the implant. Once healing has finished, the crown is attached to the implant. It will be designed to match your natural teeth, so it will look as though you never lost a tooth at all!

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF A DENTAL IMPLANT

Although problems with dental implants are rare and there are many benefits to choosing dental implant surgery, a surgical or invasive procedure always has risks. 

At Floss Family Dental we have great expertise in implant dentistry. However, we believe that each patient should know both the benefits and risks of the procedure to be able to make an informed decision about going ahead with dental implant treatment.

HOW MUCH DO DENTAL IMPLANTS COST?

Replacing teeth with dental implants can be more expensive than some other procedures. However, they are a more permanent solution. Dental implants are made to last, feel comfortable, and look like your natural teeth. Once you have recovered from your implant surgery, there is no additional home care maintenance. While it is important to have regular dental maintenance to manage possible complications such as peri implantitis, you can typically care for your implant just like your natural teeth. It’s worth considering dental implants despite their cost. 

At Floss Family Dental, we pride ourselves on providing meticulous care and customised advice, so if you believe that you would benefit from denture implants, our team would be delighted to work with you to determine the best solution for you.

HOW MANY TEETH CAN I REPLACE WITH IMPLANTS?

Wanting to get more than a single dental implant? Good news – you can! If you have multiple teeth missing you can choose to get multiple implants and even replace your entire dentition if indicated. However, check with your dentist if replacing your teeth with dental implants is the best option. 

Have a chat with our dentist to go over your options, or even book your free dental implant consultation.

WHAT TO DO AFTER DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY

Unlike dentures, dental implants require a surgical procedure to replace any lost teeth. Due to the nature of the procedure, you must factor in a recovery time for your tooth replacement.

 

Tips to follow after dental implant surgery:

• Don’t be alarmed if there is some initial bruising, pain, bleeding, or swelling around the gums and face. As you’re healing, this is completely normal but if you have any concerns please contact us at Floss Family Dental.  
• Eat soft foods to let the implant site heal from the procedure. 
• Take pain medications (in moderation) to help ease any pain from the procedure.
• Carefully use ice packs to help with any swelling. 
• Follow the specific aftercare instructions that we will provide for cleaning and pain relief.

Feel free to contact your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery from the dental implant procedure.