Brisbane Tooth Implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are surgical fixtures placed directly into the jawbone as a long-term solution to replace your missing teeth. The dental implant is, in fact, a titanium screw that will provide the patient with alternatives to dentures or a dental bridge that doesn’t fit well; the whole procedure will offer artificial teeth looking and function like your own real teeth. Within a few months, the dental implant will fuse with your bone providing a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Once dental implants are fully fused to the jawbone, they can stand independently with great stability.

What are dental implants and how do they work?

The process of getting a single-tooth dental implant, from the dentist’s perspective, involves several stages:

Initial Consultation: This involves a comprehensive dental exam where X-rays and 3D images might be taken and models made of your teeth and jaw. The patient’s medical history is reviewed, and a treatment plan is devised based on various factors, such as the number of teeth to be replaced and the condition of the patient’s jawbone and remaining teeth.
Jawbone Preparation: If the patient’s jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, a bone graft may be required before the dental implant surgery can be performed. The bone graft helps create a more solid base for the implant. The transplanted bone may take several months to grow enough new bone to support the dental implant.
Dental Implant Placement: During the surgery, an incision is made in the patient’s gum to expose the bone. Holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant metal post, which serves as the tooth root, will be placed. This post is implanted deep into the bone.
Bone Growth and Healing: Once the metal implant post is placed in the patient’s jawbone, osseointegration begins, which is the process of the jawbone growing into and uniting with the surface of the dental implant. This process can take several months and helps provide a solid base for the new artificial tooth.
Abutment Placement: After osseointegration is complete, an abutment is placed on the dental implant. The abutment is the piece where the crown will eventually attach. The gums must heal for about two weeks before the artificial tooth can be attached.
Artificial Tooth Placement: The artificial tooth, or crown, is attached to the abutment. The artificial teeth can be removable, fixed or a combination of both.

There can be risks and complications involved in dental implant surgery, including infection at the implant site, injury or damage to surrounding structures, nerve damage, and sinus problems. These issues are typically rare, and when they do occur, they’re usually minor and easily treated.

Post-surgery, patients may experience discomforts such as swelling of gums and face, bruising of skin and gums, pain at the implant site, and minor bleeding. Pain medications or antibiotics may be prescribed after the surgery, and patients may need to eat soft foods while the surgical site heals. Practising excellent oral hygiene and avoiding damaging habits can help prolong the implant’s life.

What are dental implants made of?

Because titanium dental implants are made of titanium, they are easily integrated into the bone structure, and they will not cause bone damage or make noises. Besides, our bodies won’t recognize them as being foreign objects.

The advantages of dental implants

Millions of people will experience tooth loss throughout their lifetime due to various reasons. Although there are people who do not feel that bad about losing their teeth, the experience often affects the majority of people negatively and can destroy their confidence. The good news is today, thanks to the advance of dentistry, patients are offered different options to replace their missing teeth. One of the popular options that dentists usually offer those with missing teeth is dental implants.

Take a look at some advantages of considering dental implants as an option for your missing teeth.

Real teeth look and function.

Dental implants can replace single or multiple missing teeth and offer the feels and functions of real teeth.

Bone loss prevention

Dental implants help prevent bone loss in the jaw.

Improved appearance

By supporting facial structures and keeping your jaw bone stronger, dental implants prevent a sunken aging appearance.

Improved Health

Dental implants improve oral and general health as you can have healthier foods again.

Long-lasting solution

Dental Implants are considered long-term tooth replacement options because they won’t decay due to the material they are made of and can last a lifetime if taken care of properly.

High success rate

Some studies show a success rate of about 95% to 98% for dental implants’ effectiveness.

Won’t move

Unlike some poor-fitting dentures, dental implants won’t slip or move; therefore, they will enhance your confidence while speaking.

Convenient and low-maintenance

Dental implants are easy to take care of because you won’t need to buy special oral care products to take care of them. You can brush and floss with your regular oral care products; no need to buy specific cleansers or adhesives etc.

Bite improvement

Implants improve your bite since they fill the gap created by missing teeth.

a great job and my implant couldn’t be better

Can anyone get dental implants?

The mere fact that dental implants are one of the best options for teeth replacement does not mean that everyone qualifies to go through the procedure. Dhe dental implant is not suitable for everyone and in some cases it is not even possible.

Getting dental implants requires a strong, healthy jawbone and gums; that’s why it may not be the right option for everyone who has lost their teeth. To see if you’re a qualified candidate for dental implants, you can call us at our dental clinic, Wave in Perth, and discuss your options with our dental professionals.

What are the steps of a dental implant?

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts and substitutes damaged or missing teeth with artificial ones that look and function like real ones. The procedure is often used as an alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn’t fit well or can’t be used due to the lack of natural teeth roots.

Before the surgery, you will have a comprehensive dental examination, including dental X-rays and 3D images. Your medical history will be reviewed to ensure no health conditions could affect bone healing. Depending on your specific situation, you might need to undergo a bone grafting procedure if your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft. Bone grafting can take several months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant.

During the surgery, your oral surgeon makes a cut to open your gum and expose the bone. Holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant metal post will be placed. Since the post will serve as the tooth root, it’s implanted deep into the bone. After placement, osseointegration begins, a process where the jawbone grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant. This can take several months and provides a solid base for your new artificial tooth.

Once osseointegration is complete, the abutment is placed, which is the piece where the crown will eventually attach. The artificial teeth chosen can be removable, fixed, or a combination of both. They are designed to look and function like real teeth.

After the procedure, you may experience typical discomforts associated with dental surgery, such as swelling of your gums and face, bruising of your skin and gums, pain at the implant site, and minor bleeding. If swelling, discomfort, or any other problem worsens in the days after surgery, contact your oral surgeon.

While the procedure has a high success rate, sometimes the bone fails to fuse sufficiently to the metal implant. In such cases, the implant is removed, the bone is cleaned, and the procedure can be repeated in about three months. To increase the longevity of your dental work, it’s recommended to maintain excellent oral hygiene, have regular dental checkups, and avoid damaging habits like chewing hard items.

Certain factors can impact the success of dental implants, including the choice of biomaterials for the implant and abutment, the nano topography of the implant surface, which can affect bone cells and the early osseointegration period, and the presence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Systemic diseases and medication use can also affect implant survival. Furthermore, oral health-related quality of life can be significantly improved by implant-supported overdentures and fixed prostheses.

Dental implants requirements

Bone support

Bone density is considered a vital prerequisite for getting implants because dental implants must fuse with your jawbone to work well. Therefore, people with adequate bone support are normally suitable candidates for dental implants.

Overall health

Being in an overall health condition is another essential factor for getting implants. Those with a weak immune system and poor general health, people with cancer or diabetes, and those who consume alcohol or tobacco should discuss their condition with their dental expert because the mentioned factors may lower their success rate.

According to Dr Soha Brisbane Kids Dentist, Children are not qualified for implants as their jawbone has not yet fully developed. Head or neck high-dose radiation treatments are usually deal-breakers for getting dental implants. That said, having a professional oral exam done by an implantologist will better determine your suitability for implants.

Bone grafting procedure for dental implants

If a person does not qualify for dental implants due to a lack of adequate bone support, dental professionals may suggest a surgical procedure called “bone grafting.”

The lack of a sufficient amount of healthy natural bones could be a result of:

Gum disease
Empty space caused by tooth removal
Development defects
Face injury or trauma

The procedure

During the bone grafting procedure, the damaged bone will be replaced by a prepared bone graft; the bone pieces may be from other parts of your body, a donor, or synthetic materials.

The graft will be put in the places where bone should be and gradually help your body regenerate new bone and strengthen the jawbone. The healing process may take a while, so the implant surgery cannot be performed right after bone grafting. When the jawbone is thicker and stronger to hold a dental implant in place, the dental implant surgery will be done.

Dental implant surgery

what are the stages of a dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that involves replacing the roots of missing teeth with metal, screwlike posts and replacing the damaged or missing teeth with artificial ones that look and function much like real ones. This process can offer a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn’t fit well, especially when a lack of natural teeth roots don’t allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements.

Before the procedure, a comprehensive dental exam is needed, including dental X-rays and 3D images, and models of your teeth and jaw. Reviewing your medical history is also important, as certain medical conditions and medications can affect the process. The treatment plan will be tailored to your situation, considering factors such as how many teeth you need replaced and the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth.

The procedure is usually an outpatient surgery performed in stages, with healing time between procedures. The steps generally include the following:

Damaged tooth removal
Jawbone preparation (grafting), when needed
Dental implant placement
Bone growth and healing
Abutment placement
Artificial tooth placement

When the metal implant post is placed in your jawbone, osseointegration begins, which is the process where the jawbone grows into and unites with the surface of the dental implant. This process can take several months, and it provides a solid base for your new artificial tooth

Once the abutment is placed, your gums must heal for about two weeks before the artificial tooth can be attached. The type of artificial tooth chosen can be removable or fixed, depending on your preference and the dental specialist’s advice.

After the procedure, you may experience some discomforts associated with any type of dental surgery, such as swelling of your gums and face, bruising of your skin and gums, pain at the implant site, and minor bleeding. Pain medications or antibiotics may be prescribed after dental implant surgery. If any problems worsen in the days after surgery, it’s recommended to contact your oral surgeon.

The success of dental implants can be affected by factors such as smoking, which may contribute to implant failure and complications. If the bone fails to fuse sufficiently, the implant is removed, the bone is cleaned up, and the procedure can be attempted again in about three months.

Regarding the specialist who should perform the procedure, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) advocates that any surgeon performing facial cosmetic procedures should have surgical training in that specific procedure. However, other types of doctors, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists, and plastic surgeons, also perform these procedures.

Regarding the success rate of dental implants in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a study found that patients with SLE had similar success rates as non-SLE patients. However, this is a complex topic, and the specifics may depend on the individual’s overall health, the severity of their SLE, and other factors. For an accurate assessment, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider who is familiar with the patient’s medical history.

Dental implant surgery is a surgical, dental procedure, and depending on the condition of your jawbone and the kind of implant you will need, the oral surgeon may need to complete the surgery within several procedures.

In case your dentist decides that you need more bone mass at the site where the implant is supposed to be, the first step will be the bone grafting procedure; after that, you’ll have to wait weeks or months before the dental implant placement can be done.

During the dental implant placement, your dental expert will make an incision to open your gum and reach the bone. The dentist will then drill holes into the bone to place the dental implant metal posts.

After the bone heals, the metal implant post is placed in your jawbone, and the jawbone will start growing around the implant and unites with the surface of the dental implant.

Note: The dental implant metal posts are supposed to replace your tooth roots; they will play the role of screws for artificial teeth.

The implant and the bone are given some time to bond together during this time. At this point, the dentist may suggest a temporary tooth replacement option, such as a partial, temporary denture, because there will be a gap where your tooth is missing.

Within 3 to 9 months, the implant begins to become a part of your own gum line. This process will provide a base for the upcoming artificial tooth.

Once the implant and the bone are bonded, it’s time for your experienced dentist to place an abutment on top of the implant via a screw. Your dental expert will ensure the abutment is tightened and will not move while chewing or eating.

Note: The abutment is the piece that connects the implant with the artificial tooth.

Note: In some cases, the abutment can be attached to the dental implant metal post at the same time as the implant; therefore, no more surgical steps will be required.

After the placement of the abutment, your gums need some time to heal; after the required healing period, it’s time for your dentist to make your artificial teeth by making impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth.

You can choose to have removable or permanent artificial teeth:

Removable: Removable artificial teeth are artificial white teeth surrounded by pink plastic gum mounted onto a metal frame and attached to the abutment. You can remove, clean, and replace them if needed.

Fixed: As the name suggests, this artificial tooth cannot be removed since it is permanently cemented or screwed onto the abutment.

You are most welcome to visit us for a consultation and review your tooth replacement options for your missing teeth.

Dental implants Vs. Dentures

While dental implants and dentures both serve the same purpose, and they are both teeth replacement options to restore your brilliant smile and enhance your confidence, you may need to make a quick comparison before choosing one option over the other.

Sometimes Dentures may be more suitable than implants when you have lost sets of teeth rather than just one or two teeth.
To get dental implants, you need to have healthy gums and sufficient bone support.
Dentures can feel bulky in the mouth and cause you inconvenience, while implants will be like your natural teeth.
Compared to partial or complete dentures, a dental implant will cost you more.
While dental implants are stable and won’t move in the mouth, dentures may slip out and may embarrass you.
Unlike dentures, dental implants will require no adhesive to stay in place.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime; therefore, they are more cost-effective.

If you’re still unsure which option to opt for, call us on 07 3343 4869; our dentists can help you decide if dental implants or dentures are the right fit for you.