Dental Implant Dentist

Initial Consultation

Our Australian qualified and registered dental surgeon* will comprehensively examine the current situation of your oral health to analyze if you’re an eligible candidate for the implant procedure.

Most patients are able to have dental implants. However there are various factors involved with assessment prior to providing dental implant treatment. These may include current health condition, or a patient may not have enough bone structure to accommodate the implant. Medical prescriptions may also effect the fusion healing process around the implant difficult. As a result dental surgeons are required to review medical history.

Each case differs from patient to patient. Therefore it’s extremely important to consult an experienced dental surgeon.

Upon initial consultation CT X-Rays may be required for bone assessment. This will enable the dentist to examine if there could potentially be any bone issues along with analyzing both the implant area and requirements.

Based on the clinical assessment by our dental implant specialist, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan with the best recommendations specifically tailored to your needs. As an optional alternative, the dentist may also provide an option for dentures. We’ll work with you to accommodate your timeline and budgeting.

Surgery Day

Prior to your surgery, our implant specialists thoroughly prepares equipment, nurses/dental assistants and hygiene protocols in preparation of the surgical procedure.

With extensive examination of the X-Ray scans and with only the patients consent we continue. Under local anaesthetic our dentists move ahead with the procedure. This involves surgically cutting into the gum to expose the gum. On average the process may take up to 2 hours or more varying upon the amount of implants or additional treatment required. Such as, if teeth need to be removed.

Healing

Once the implant has been inserted, time is required for a patients natural bone to fuse to the inserted implant. During this time as there is a gap to where the implant has been positioned, our dentists may recommend a temporary denture. Temporary dentures help with the aesthetic appearance of your teeth along with helping to restrict any potential movement of teeth.

Crown, Bridge or Denture Placement

Once healing has completed following our dentists analysis and the restoration has been completed. The artificial restoration is then secured onto the Implant Abutment. This completes the process, providing you with a natural and confident smile once again.

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* Only Australian registered dental practitioners with a Graduate Diploma of Dental Implantology are permitted to provide this service.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, implants can last anywhere between 10-20 years. The lifespan of dental implants may also differ upon where the implant is positioned in the mouth and the amount of stress it may absorb depending upon the foods eaten by the patient.

Patients are usually prescribed local anesthetic prior to surgery to help numb the area of surgery. Our dental surgeons then only move ahead once there is no feeling in the area and the patient is ready to proceed.

As local anesthetic is provided, patients should not feel pain but may feel discomfort during the procedure. This may be due to the pressure and surgical requirements. Our dental surgeons aim to assure confidence and a pain-free experience with every patient, every step of the way.

This may vary between patient to patient. Dental implant cases are extensively examined by our qualified dentist* prior since each patient is required to go through a process of eligibility.

Patients usually require time for healing, temporary dental implants may be recommended for emergencies. Varying upon the extent to which dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, the complete healing time for the post to fuse to the bone could take anywhere between 2-6 months. A temporary restoration can be provided for aesthetic reasons and to help with eating. A temporary denture may also help to maintain the placement of your existing teeth.

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* Graduate Diploma of Dental Implantology

As a result of the variables involved with costs between patients, Smile Time Family Dental provide a FREE initial consultation for a quote on dental implants. We tailor treatment plans specific to your individual needs.

As each patients bone and teeth are different, so too does each treatment plan. The investment for a single dental implant usually average anywhere from around $4,000-$6,000*. This includes the entire process from surgical implant treatment, and the porcelain crown design and fabrication. Along with the healing process, which may vary between 3-6 months, treatment plans generally involve several dental visits.

Temporary partial or full dentures may be recommended between this period to avoid the appearance of no teeth during this time.

Private Health Fund Cover

Dental implants are usually covered by most private health funds under either extras or major dental. Once you obtain your implant treatment plan from our team please consult with your private health fund to confirm as to the amount that they may cover for your individualised treatment.

Please be aware that all private health fund providers may differ with the extent to which they cover for cosmetic dental. Make sure to contact your private health insurer.

Dental implants are the more preferred option for those that are missing one or two teeth. This is because they help to preserve and stimulate bone structure. Therefore resulting in less movement by neighbouring teeth while also maintaining the density of the jawbone. Since their is no artificial framework like a clasps of a chrome or flexible denture, they are less noticeable.

Traditional dentures are removable by the patient and are popular among patients with several or all missing teeth. Initially they tend to be the more financial feasible option for patients in the short term. As they are removable by the patient, they require more maintenance, cleaning and are prone to slipping. This movement may cause discomfort while talking or chewing. Due to the maintenance, potential repair or relining requirements of dentures, the ongoing costs may total to be more in the long-term.

Unfortunately for those with missing teeth, the empty area for where their tooth or teeth were previously located begins to deteriorate over time. Implants act as a root that helps to stimulate the jawbone and protect neighbouring teeth similar to that of a natural tooth.

Traditional dentures are highly recommended for patients that are unable to get dental implants for health reasons.

Like any intricate surgical treatment, there are risks involved with dental implants. These may include:

• Nerve damage or issues in and around the surgical area. This could be either a tingling or numbness sensation long after surgery.
• Opening of the incision area after surgery and during the healing  period
• Movement and exposure of the implant
• Damage to surrounding areas
• Infection of the implant site
• Sinus problems, that could potentially be triggered from an upper jaw implant that is effecting one of the sinus cavities

Patients that experience these conditions may require immediate and additional treatments by our implant dentist.

Post surgery, patients are provided information on how to care for their implant during the healing process and to monitor particular signs of concern.

Although the procedure of dental implants is extremely intricate, they have long term benefits that help preserve the oral health and aesthetics of patients.