Dental Implant Tooth Replacement
If you’re currently missing a tooth or several teeth, dental implants are an optional method to replace teeth.
Dental implants are performed by surgically inserting the post, which is usually made out of titanium, into the patient’s jawbone.
Implanting the post solidifies the implant into place, acting as a root similar to that of natural teeth.
Depending on the patient’s requirements, there are two types of implants: Endosteal and Subperiosteal.
- Endosteal is the most commonly used dental implant type for patients. This is the process whereby an Australian Qualified and Registered dental surgeon inserts the post, otherwise known as an implant, into the patient’s jawbone. Shaped like screws and made from Titanium metal, they are permanently fixed onto the patient to act like the root of a tooth.
- Subperiosteal is ideal for patients who don’t have much height to their jawbone to accommodate the implant. Therefore, the implant, consisting of a metal framework, is positioned underneath the gum tissue and attaches to the jawbone. After the healing process has been completed, the implant then becomes secure.
After an implant is ideally positioned and secured, a component known as an abutment is used as the inner housing to connect the post to an artificial tooth crown.
Each porcelain crown is digitally designed and shaded (coloured) to resemble a patient’s neighbouring teeth. This allows the dental implant to appear natural. Our teeth crowns and bridges are all designed and made in Australia.
Dental implants are a significant benefit since they help simulate the bone structure and growth. They also look and act like natural teeth.
Due to being surgically grafted to the gum, dental implants tend to last longer than removable dentures as they require less maintenance and relining.
Therefore, the upfront cost may be more, but the long-term ongoing costs could equate to being financially better for some patients.
As dental implants stimulate the bone socket, this helps prevent gradual bone weakening in areas of missing teeth.