If you’ve ever experienced tooth loss, you know how difficult it can be to enjoy the everyday activities that most of us take for granted, such as eating, talking, and smiling.
Dental implants are lab-made replacements for missing teeth, consisting of three parts: the implant post, abutment and dental crown.
The abutment is attached to the implant post and acts as a connector between it and the crown. Finally, the dental crown is made to look like a natural tooth and is either cemented or screwed onto the abutment.
The implant post
The implant post is usually made from titanium and is surgically placed into the jawbone to anchor the rest of the implant.
The size and shape of these implant posts are usually standard and can be used for any tooth in any implant site. It is very rare for implant posts to be custom-created in dental labs.
Once in place, the implant forms strong bio-compatible bonds with bone tissue in a process known as osseointegration.
The fusion of the titanium plant and the bone allows for a secure foundation that supports the implant’s other components while also allowing them to fit comfortably in place.
The abutment
The abutment is a small connector that sits atop the implant post and allows for the attachment of either a custom-made partial denture or an individual crown.
It must be securely affixed to create a stable foundation for subsequent attachments.
In some cases, abutments may be placed at different levels within the mouth depending on factors such as existing teeth structure, gum line height and overall health of jawbone tissue surrounding each individual’s specific area of need.
The dental crown
The final piece of an implant consists of an artificial dental crown crafted by expert technicians using porcelain or ceramic material to create an exact duplicate of any missing tooth structure within one’s mouth.
These custom-made crowns match your natural teeth in colour and size and fit perfectly between other teeth.
This customisation helps achieve optimal aesthetics while providing maximum functional support when e chewing or biting down on food items.
Who is eligible for dental implants?
As an ideal candidate for a dental implant, you should meet the following criteria:
A strong, healthy jawbone
You should have adequate bone density in the jaw where the implant will be placed to support it properly. Without a strong enough foundation, you could experience dental implant failure as the post will not be able to stay securely in place. This implant failure may cause further damage if it shifts or loosens.
Missing or damaged teeth
You could get dental implants if you lost teeth in an accident or through dental issues such as severe gum disease or tooth decay.
In some cases, you may need additional treatments before being considered for an implant to help ensure that your jawbone can support the prosthetic device. However, once all necessary treatments are complete and your jawbone is healthy enough for an implant procedure, you can generally undergo the process without difficulty.
A clean, healthy mouth
If you have a dental infection, gum disease or tooth decay, you will need to have it treated and even undergo a professional dental cleaning to ensure your mouth is as free of bacteria as possible, so there is minimal risk of infection during the dental implant surgical procedure.
No underlying health conditions
You may not be eligible for a dental implant treatment if you have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or an auto-immune disease. However, this is a general statement, and your case will be decided after our competent, experienced dentist thoroughly examines your mouth and takes your detailed medical history.
A healthy lifestyle
People who smoke or consume excessive alcohol may not be the ideal candidate for dental implant treatment.
Your mouth will be prepared for the implant by removing the broken tooth and cleaning well.
Impression / 3D model
An impression and a 3D model of the gap in your smile and the teeth surrounding it is made using a dental putty or digital scanner. This impression creates a model of the tooth and the surrounding area.
Temporary crown
Our skilled dentist may place a temporary crown on the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
Crown fabrication
A highly-skilled dental technician uses the impression and model to create a custom crown that perfectly matches the shape and colour of the patient’s natural teeth, so it is difficult to tell the real teeth from the prosthetic.
Our highly qualified and experienced dentist will initially evaluate your mouth, teeth, and gums to ensure you’re in good health and suitable for dental implants. This can include taking X-rays and 3D scans of your mouth to determine the size, shape and location of the available jawbone.
Step two
This takes place once the evaluation is complete.
If you are approved for implants, our highly-rated dentist will surgically place titanium posts into your jawbone. The posts are then left to fuse with the natural bone of your jaw over several months. While the dental implant placement site heals, you will be given temporary dentures to wear to maintain your natural teeth’ appearance.
Step three
Once the implant posts fully fuse with the jawbone, it’s time for abutment placement.
This involves placing a small connector on top of each post where an artificial tooth or bridge can eventually be attached.
Step four
The final step is when a custom-made crown restoration or bridge is placed onto each abutment for a stable, secure fit that looks like your natural teeth.
These crowns are custom-created in a dental lab using high-quality ceramic or porcelain to perfectly match your remaining natural teeth.
The entire process, from start to finish, typically takes between six and nine months. However, complex cases may take longer due to additional appointments, treatments and healing times between stages.
Types of dental implants
Depending on your case, our highly-experienced, top-rated dentists may opt for one of the following types of dental implants to replace your missing teeth.
Endosteal implants
Endosteal implants are the most frequently used dental implants. They are placed directly into the jawbone. They are typically made of titanium and are shaped like screws, cylinders, or plates. Endosteal implants are suitable for most patients with sufficient jawbone density and volume, and they can support single crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Subperiosteal implants
Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum tissue and above the jawbone. They consist of a metal frame custom-fitted to the jawbone’s shape and posts that protrude through the gums. Subperiosteal implants are a good option for patients who do not have enough healthy jawbone to support endosteal implants.
Zygomatic implants
Zygomatic implants are a specialised type of implant used for patients with severe jawbone loss, particularly in the upper jaw. Instead of being placed in the jawbone, zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma) and are longer than traditional implants. Zygomatic implants are a more complex procedure than other types of implants and require a skilled dental team to ensure proper placement and function.
Advantages of dental implants
Dental implant surgery may be the right solution if you want to restore your smile.
Implant dentistry has gained popularity in recent years due to the many benefits these artificial teeth have, such as
Improved Oral Health
Dental implant surgery provide a stable and secure base for replacement teeth, helping to ensure that your gums stay healthy and your newly placed teeth won’t shift or become loose over time.
Natural Appearance
Dental implants mimic natural teeth exactly, allowing you to smile confidently. The dental crown is made of high-quality ceramic or porcelain that mimics the colour and sheen of your real teeth.
Since they are custom created to your mouth’s measurements and become a part of your body, dental implants are very comfortable—you won’t even notice them once they are in place!
Easier Eating
Dental implants allow you to eat your favourite foods without worrying about slipping dentures or missing teeth, causing pain and discomfort.
Improved Speech
Dental implants help with the movement of your tongue so that you can speak clearly. When all your teeth are in place and fixed, you can talk without worrying about slurring your words due to ill-fitting dentures or mispronunciation due to gaps left by missing teeth.
Jawbone Preservation
Without a dental root in place, your jawbone loses density which can cause future health complications such as a weak jawbone prone to fractures or a sagging face.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Although dental implants require an initial investment of time and money, they often prove more cost-effective over time than traditional bridges or dentures because of their longevity and low maintenance needs compared to other options.
Improved Quality of Life
When you can smile confidently, it improves how others perceive you while also elevating your self-esteem, allowing you to meet every day and every person with renewed enthusiasm!
Preserve healthy teeth
Unlike conventional bridges where adjacent healthy teeth must be modified for support, a dental implant procedure doesn’t require any alteration of surrounding healthy structures. This makes the process simpler, faster, and more convenient.
The cost of dental implants
Dental implant cost in Australia varies depending on the type and number of implants, as well as the complexity of the procedure.
Generally speaking, placing a single implant can cost anywhere from $2,000.
More complex cases may require other implants or more intricate procedures, increasing the cost.
Additionally, costs may also be affected by where you live in Australia due to factors like cost of living and varying regulations around pricing for dental services.
The skill and experience of the dentist implanting the artificial tooth will also influence the cost.
Regain Your Confidence Today: Don’t Let Missing Teeth Hold You Back!
At Killara Dental, we are proud to offer flapless/non-surgical dental implants, a minimally invasive option for patients looking for a faster and more comfortable experience to replace their own teeth .
Our dentists have over 20 years of combined experience in dentistry and use the latest technologies to ensure the best possible results of a dental implant procedure for our patients.
With our 24/7 online booking service, multilingual dentists, and caring team, we strive to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where patients can feel confident in their treatment.
If you’re considering dental implants, please schedule a consultation with us or call us on (02) 9100 0831 to learn more about how we can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
Clear aligners in orthodontic treatment – Weir – 2017 – Australian Dental Journal – Wiley Online Library https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/adj.12480
