Dental Implants Treatment in Northbridge

What are dental implants?

Unlike other tooth replacement options such as a dental bridge that only replace a tooth above the gum, dental implants are inserted into the jaw to replace the entire missing tooth down to the root.

Implants are usually made of titanium, which as well as being strong, is also compatible with human tissue. This means the implant can bond with the jawbone to create a secure foundation for your replacement tooth or teeth.

Once your jawbone has grown and bonded around the implant, an artificial tooth known as a crown is fixed over the top to complete the restoration. This replacement tooth is designed by your dentist to look and feel practically indistinguishable from a natural tooth. An implant can also support a bridge of several teeth or a removable denture.

Dental implants are a safe and effective treatment to replace missing teeth, as long as the procedure is carried out by a suitably qualified professional.

Who can get dental implants?

Not everyone is a candidate for dental implant treatment. During your consultation at our Northbridge dental clinic, we'll check your suitability and explain what the dental implant procedure involves so you can make an informed decision about whether it's right for you.

The ideal dental implant candidate is an adult of any age who has lost one or multiple teeth due to tooth decay or other dental disease, defects or injury. It's vital that you have healthy gums free from gum disease before the treatment can begin. There also needs to be enough bone in your jaw to hold the implant.

If you have poor oral hygiene, you smoke or you have certain chronic disorders such as diabetes or heart disease, you may still be able to get implants, but this will be at your dentist's discretion. Improving your oral hygiene and quitting smoking will greatly improve the chance of implant treatment being successful.

If your jaw is too small to support an implant, it may be possible to transfer bone from another part of your body or from a compatible donor through a bone grafting treatment. However, this procedure has its own clinical risks and is not suitable for people with certain health conditions.

To find out if you're a candidate for implants and whether the treatment is right for you, call (02) 9958 0400 to book a consultation for dental implants on the North Shore.

The Sailors Bay Dental Implant Procedure at Our North Shore Clinic

If your dentist determines that you're a good candidate for dental implants at our Northbridge clinic, we'll then develop your treatment plan. Getting dental implants is a long term treatment that can take up to 6 months, depending on the individual.

Getting a dental implant normally involves the following steps:

1. Treatment planning

Our Northbridge dentists will determine the ideal position of your implant in your jaw. At Sailors Bay Dentistry, we use the latest technology including 3D x-rays, surgical guides and treatment planning software. This enables us to place implants with improved speed and accuracy while minimising trauma.

2. Implant surgery

Our dentists will administer local anaesthetic to numb feelings in your mouth and prevent pain and discomfort during the procedure. In some cases, other sedation options may be needed or requested.

The implant will then be surgically positioned in your jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. A temporary crown or denture will be placed over the implant until it's bonded with your jaw.

3. Attaching the replacement tooth

It normally takes between 2 to 6 months for the jaw to fully heal and the implant to fuse with the bone, forming a strong and long-lasting foundation for the replacement tooth.

Once the implant has bonded, your dentist will fit a small connector called an abutment that attaches the replacement tooth to the implant. This artificial tooth will be designed by your dentist to match your other teeth, leaving you with a healthy and natural looking smile.

Full mouth Dental Implants

If you want to replace all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, full mouth dental implant bridges are a more convenient and affordable alternative to individual implants. These typically use 4 to 6 implants to support a complete arch of replacement teeth.

As these implants are positioned at an angle, they may be an option even if your jaw isn't large enough to support a traditional implant, with no need for bone grafting. The treatment can also be completed much faster, as you don't need to wait for the implants to fuse with the jaw before your bridge or dentures can be attached.

Dental implant recovery

After your dental implant is placed, you may experience some pain or swelling around the treated area for up to a week. This can be managed by taking pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication.

If your mouth is bleeding after the treatment, your dentist will place some gauze over the site and tell you to apply pressure until it stops. Bleeding should normally stop within 30 minutes.

You will be advised to eat soft foods and get plenty of rest for a few days following surgery, to give your mouth and body time to heal and to lower the risk of rejection. You should continue to brush and floss your teeth as normal, taking care around the implant site.

If you notice any unusual side-effects or your recovery is taking longer than you expected, contact our North Shore dental clinic to make an emergency appointment.

What are the risks?

Like all surgical procedures, there is a minor risk of complications following dental implant surgery, including infection, nerve damage or sinus problems for implants in the upper jaw.

Our dentists at Sailors Bay Dentistry have years of experience providing implant treatments with a high success rate, but we'll make sure you understand the possible risks so you can make an informed decision.

How much does a dental implant cost?

Like most dental treatments, dental implant cost will vary from person to person. Tooth implant cost is normally determined by the extent of tooth loss and bone damage, any pre-existing conditions and the type and number of replacement teeth you need.

We'll discuss costs with you during your initial implant consultation. You may be able to claim part of your treatment on your health fund. We also offer payment plans to help you spread the cost over a number of manageable payments for more affordable dental implants.