Using Dental Implants

Dental Implants are a durable, long-lasting and more natural way to replace a missing tooth. They are considered a more ideal way to restore function and aesthetics without the need to involve healthy teeth beside the gap, or to resort to removable dentures. To check whether an implant retained crown might solve your missing tooth problem, please make a booking to consult with one of our experienced dentists

Replacement of one or missing teeth using implants

Dental implants replace the root of teeth inside the jawbone below the gumline. Once they have ‘knitted’ to the bone, they can be used for several applications.

The commonest use nowadays is to replace a single missing tooth called an “Implant retained crown.”

Implant retained crowns are standalone, non-removable replacements for natural teeth. They are perhaps more rigid than natural teeth, but are the closest to a natural tooth in terms of feel and look compared to other treatments.

When properly planned and executed, a dental implant will closely mimic the look of the natural tooth and emerge harmoniously from the gumline.

Benefits of an Implant-retained crown

Improve aesthetics

Prevent tooth drifting and facial changes

Restore bite function

Do not require damage to adjacent teeth

A ‘fixed solution’ to tooth loss

Very high survival rates

High success rate

Improved x ray techniques have greatly improved safety

What is the process of having a dental implant?

1) Treatment planning

Treatment planning including 3D x ray of jawbone, models, discussion of expectations, risks, complications and success rates.

2) Implant surgery

This is done at Pymble Dental Practice under local anaesthetic and with or without sedation. Each surgery is unique and will be explained in great detail before commencement, and is planned to be the least invasive in order to get the best result. Temporary teeth by way of a bonded bridge or removable device can be used to disguise the gap in the healing phase

3) Review appointment

2 weeks after the surgery we like to ensure good initial healing by way of a 15-30 minute review.

4) Osseointegration

Osseointegration is  a healing phase where the bone knits to the implant screw. The patient does not need to come into the office during this phase.

5) Impression

Impressions for the crown or dental prosthetic. Putty or digital moulds are taken to help our Sydney based technicians craft a beautiful and naturally congruent tooth or set of teeth to be attached to the implant.

6) Insertion

Insertion of the dental implant prosthesis. There is normally no injections required at this appointment.

What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?

When a single missing tooth is not replaced, there are several possible and usual consequences.

  • Drifting of the teeth either side of a gap

  • Overeruption of the tooth which used to bite against a missing toot

  • Recession of the gum of the adjacent teeth

  • Loss of bone in the jaw where the tooth used to be

  • Diminished chewing function

  • Facial collapse when many teeth are lost and not replaced

Book Now

BOOK APPOINTMENT

Caring for a dental implant.

Dental implants cannot get decay, however they are not without complications. The commonest complications with ‘Implant retained crowns” are chipping of the porcelain of the dental crown, loosening of the screw that holds the crown onto the implant, and loss of the screw hole filling. These are all easily managed with minimal cost in time or money to the patient or dentist.

Less common complications include fracture of the crown-implant screw, and in extremely rare cases the implant itself can fracture. There are risk factors involved in these catastrophic complications that can largely be overcome by using appropriate planning, higher quality implants and better laboratory technicians.

Implants may also suffer from ‘gum disease’ ; specifically called ‘peri-implantitis’. This is more common in people who had gum disease prior to implant placement, patients with poorly controlled diabetes, smokers and people with poor oral hygiene.

Implants may require special instructions on flossing and care. At each regular check-up our dentists will examine the health of the gum and bone around implants, as well as making sure the ‘bite’ and fit of the crown on top is correct, hence reducing the risk of complications.

FAQ

What if I don’t replace a missing tooth?

Do all your dentists do implants: No, only Dr Farrington is surgically trained in dental implant placement. Dr Lehane is excellent at restoring them with his knowledge and skill with crowns.

No, there are several medical and psychological conditions which prevent the placement of implants. Similarly, there may be better options in come cases than an implant which our dentists can explain. Sometimes we are prevented from placing an implant by anatomy; i.e. not enough bone in the right places!

Implants vary in cost between dental practices for several reasons. The brand and quality of the implant, the difficulty of the surgery, a need for grafting procedures, and the quality and material of the crown to go with the implant all complicate a set price. We are very forthright with our costs and will volunteer them appropriately when we can determine all these factors by patient.

Post Operative Instructions Sheet- Dental Implant
Please note:

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Any information that is provided is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Any advice offered or information provided is to be considered general in nature and not reliable until a full physical professional examination has been undertaken by an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Until such time you should not undertake treatment without a second opinion or without seeking further advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.