Dental Implants
A Quick Guide
Gold Standard in Tooth Replacement
There are few options for replacing missing teeth. These include
- a denture;
- a bridge; and
- dental implant(s).
Amongst these options dental implants are considered to be the best solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. They are the closest option to having a real tooth and can function independently from the surrounding teeth, whereas bridges and dentures rely on the support surrounding teeth and can negatively impact these teeth.
Implants have two parts: a titanium screw which is analogous to the root of a tooth; and an upper crown which is analogous to the crown of a natural tooth.
Implants can replace a tooth as a single tooth implant; they can replace multiple teeth as an implant supported bridge; or they can provide additional retention for an already existing denture through the use of ‘locators’ to attach onto as an implant-supported denture (this procedure is often referred to as “all-on-fours”).
Gold Standard in Tooth Replacement
There are few options for replacing missing teeth. These include
- a denture;
- a bridge; and
- dental implant(s).
Amongst these options dental implants are considered to be the best solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. They are the closest option to having a real tooth and can function independently from the surrounding teeth, whereas bridges and dentures rely on the support surrounding teeth and can negatively impact these teeth.
Implants have two parts: a titanium screw which is analogous to the root of a tooth; and an upper crown which is analogous to the crown of a natural tooth.
Implants can replace a tooth as a single tooth implant; they can replace multiple teeth as an implant supported bridge; or they can provide additional retention for an already existing denture through the use of ‘locators’ to attach onto as an implant-supported denture (this procedure is often referred to as “all-on-fours”).
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
There are times that teeth are no longer salvageable and a discussion with your dentist will arise on tooth replacement options. While some people can handle losing one or two molars without any need for replacement, many people will experience compromised chewing, speech or aesthetic issues, and surrounding teeth may start moving. This is often when people feel the need to replace a missing tooth.
If you are interested in having an implant it is first essential to have an assessment. Overall health status, and bone quality and quantity are reviewed with a comprehensive examination involving photographs, impressions, and a low dose cone-beam CT radiograph. This radiograph gives exact dimensions of the bone and is essential for implant planning.
Implants can be done once growing has stopped which can be as late as 18 for females and 21 for males. To be safe it is best to wait after these times.
Implants require healthy bone and gums for long-term success. If there are problems in these areas, it is important for bone and/or gum grafting to take place prior to implant placement. Nowadays it is more common for graft materials to be purchased as oppose to being harvested from the body which is a much more pleasant procedure.
Implants are not right for smokers, people with active gum disease, those on intravenous bisphosphonates, immunosuppression, radiotherapy to the jaw bone, recent heart attack or valve replacement, and uncontrolled psychological disorders.
Want to know more about Dental Implants in Erina?
Book a FREE* consultation.
*No gap for fund members.
*CBCT Scan additional (if required).
Our Implantologists
Dr. Laura Jarvis and Dr. Josh Nolde are highly skilled at assessing and placing implants. Implants are placed in our state-of-the-art facility in Erina. Sedation options include oral sedatives, laughing gas, and IV sedation. General anaesthesia is performed in hospital and can be arranged through our Maxillofacial Surgeon. *Most implants are placed using oral sedatives and local anaesthetic.
Dr Josh Nolde
Dr Laura Jarvis
Dr Josh Nolde
Dr Rob Ternouth
Quality
There are over 3,500 brands of dental implants worldwide. While the titanium portion of the implant is permanent, the crown portion requires replacement on average every 15 years. Each of these implants have their own equipment and this makes it important to ensure you are receiving a commonly used brand of implant. We use Osstem implants and Straumann which are in the top 10 most commonly used implants worldwide. Patients who receive an uncommon brand of implant often require specialist follow up care.
TIMING
Implants take three to twelve months from start to finish dependent on whether prior bone grafting or sinus lifting is required. Bone in the lower jaw is much more dense and loading can be done as early as three months, whereas bone in the upper jaw is much softer and loading tends to be done after a minimum of four months. Bone grafting requires six months of healing prior to implant placement.
The number one cause for implant failure is early loading of the implant. This is when the crown portion of the implant is put on too early before the bone and the implant have adequately fused or osseo-integrated.
Cost
Our implants range from $4,500 to $6,500 dependent on grafting and aesthetic requirements. This cost does not include the CBCT ($160) or complex cases requiring specialist referral. *Individuals on top cover with their health fund will receive contributions. Please contact the surgery for implant item codes to check with your fund. Payment plans are also available through Zip Money.
Want to know more about Dental Implants in Erina?
Book a FREE* consultation.
*No gap for fund members
*CBCT Scan additional (if required)